This is the OEM oil filter for most Honda and Acura models from 1997 onward

The Honda 15400-PLM-A02 is Honda's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) oil filter, meaning it comes installed on Honda and Acura vehicles from the factory. You'll find this part number on most Honda sedans, coupes, and SUVs built between 1997 and the mid-2010s, including the Civic, Accord, CR-V, Odyssey, and Acura TSX and TL models. The filter fits engines ranging from 1.5L to 3.5L displacement.

This filter is a spin-on canister type — the kind you twist off and replace entirely rather than changing an internal element. It contains a pleated paper media that traps particles as oil circulates through your engine, plus an anti-drainback valve that prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off.

Because this is the genuine Honda part, it meets Honda's exact specifications for flow rate, bypass pressure, and media construction. Aftermarket filters may fit the same threads, but they vary in internal design and material quality.

Key Takeaways

  • The 15400-PLM-A02 is the factory filter for most Honda and Acura models from 1997 through the mid-2010s, covering engines from 1.5L to 3.5L.
  • This is a spin-on filter that you remove and replace as a complete unit, not a cartridge-style filter with a replaceable element.
  • The genuine Honda part includes an anti-drainback valve and pleated media designed to Honda's exact specifications.
  • You can verify this is the correct filter for your vehicle by checking your owner's manual or asking a Honda dealer for your model year and engine size.

How to confirm this filter fits your Honda or Acura

The safest way to verify the 15400-PLM-A02 is correct for your vehicle is to check your owner's manual in the maintenance section. The manual lists the exact filter part number and replacement interval for your model year and engine. If you no longer have the manual, you can read it free from Honda's website by entering your VIN, or purchase a printed copy from a Honda dealer.

A Honda or Acura dealer can also confirm the part in seconds by looking up your VIN. You do not need to be a customer or have an appointment — call the parts department and give them your VIN and they will tell you whether this filter is correct and what the current price is.

If you buy from a retailer other than a Honda dealer, check the product listing or packaging to see which model years and engine sizes are listed. The 15400-PLM-A02 covers a wide range, but not every Honda ever made — some early 1990s models and some newer vehicles use different part numbers.

Where to buy the genuine Honda 15400-PLM-A02

Honda dealers stock this filter and can order it the same day if it is not in stock. Prices vary by location but typically range from $8 to $15 for the filter alone. Dealers can also install it during a scheduled oil change service.

Online retailers including Amazon, RockAuto, and eBay sell the genuine Honda part, often at prices lower than dealer cost. Verify the listing clearly states "genuine Honda" or "OEM Honda" rather than "compatible" or "equivalent" — the latter terms usually mean aftermarket filters that fit the same threads but are not made by Honda.

Auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA also carry the genuine Honda part, though availability varies by location. You can check stock online before driving to the store, and many locations offer same-day pickup.

What makes the genuine Honda filter different from aftermarket options

The genuine Honda 15400-PLM-A02 uses a pleated paper media and anti-drainback valve engineered to Honda's specifications. This means the filter is designed to work with Honda's oil circulation system, oil viscosity recommendations, and engine tolerances. The bypass pressure — the point at which oil bypasses the filter if it becomes clogged — is calibrated to Honda's engine design.

Aftermarket filters that fit the same threads may have different media density, bypass pressure, or valve design. Some are excellent and meet or exceed Honda's standards; others are thinner or have lower bypass pressure. Without opening the filter, you cannot see the difference, which is why many owners choose the genuine part for peace of mind.

The genuine filter also comes with Honda's warranty coverage. If a defect in the filter causes engine damage, Honda's warranty may cover repairs. Aftermarket filters typically come with only the retailer's return policy.

How often to replace the 15400-PLM-A02

Honda's standard oil change interval is every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The filter is replaced at every oil change, so you will replace the 15400-PLM-A02 on the same schedule. Some newer Honda models with synthetic oil may have intervals of 15,000 miles or longer — check your owner's manual for your specific model year.

If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, dusty environments, or extreme temperatures — Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 5,000 miles. Severe driving puts more stress on the filter media and can reduce its effective lifespan.

Replacing the filter at the recommended interval keeps your engine clean and helps maintain fuel economy and performance. A clogged filter forces oil to bypass the media, which means unfiltered oil circulates through the engine and can accelerate wear on bearings and cylinder walls.

Installation basics if you are changing the filter yourself

The 15400-PLM-A02 is a spin-on filter, so removal and installation do not require special tools beyond a filter wrench and a drain pan. Locate the filter on your engine — on most Hondas it is on the side or top of the engine block. Loosen the old filter by turning it counterclockwise with a filter wrench, then unscrew it by hand once it is loose enough to grip.

Before installing the new filter, wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine with a clean rag to remove any dirt or old gasket material. explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter — this helps create a watertight seal and makes removal easier next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn to tighten it. Do not use a wrench to tighten — hand-tight is correct.

After installation, start the engine and let it idle for a minute, then check underneath the filter for leaks. If oil drips from the filter, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and tighten the filter slightly more. Once the engine has cooled, check the oil level on the dipstick and top up if needed — you may have lost some oil during the drain and filter change.

Storage and shelf life of unused filters

An unused, sealed Honda 15400-PLM-A02 filter can be stored indefinitely in a dry location. The rubber gasket and internal components do not degrade in storage as long as the filter is not exposed to extreme heat, freezing, or moisture. Many people buy filters in bulk when they find them on sale and store them for future oil changes.

Once the filter is installed on the engine, the gasket begins to age and harden. This is why Honda and most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter at every oil change rather than every other change — the gasket loses its seal over time and may leak if reused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a 15400-PLM-A02 fit my Honda if it is a different model year than what I see listed online?

This filter fits most Hondas from 1997 to the mid-2010s, but not all. The safest approach is to check your owner's manual or call a Honda dealer with your VIN. Some model years use different part numbers, and installing the wrong filter can cause leaks or bypass problems.

Can I use an aftermarket filter instead of the genuine Honda 15400-PLM-A02?

Yes, many aftermarket filters fit the same threads and work well. However, the genuine Honda filter is engineered specifically for Honda engines and comes with Honda's warranty. If you choose an aftermarket filter, buy from a reputable brand and verify it is rated for your engine size and model year.

What does the anti-drainback valve do?

The anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off. Without it, the filter would empty into the oil pan, and the engine would start with an empty filter until oil pressure builds up again. This protects the engine during cold starts and reduces wear on the filter media.

How tight should I screw on the new filter?

Screw the filter on by hand until the rubber gasket contacts the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use a wrench — over-tightening can damage the gasket and make the filter difficult to remove next time. Hand-tight is the correct specification.

Is the 15400-PLM-A02 the same as the 15400-PLM-A01?

The 15400-PLM-A01 is an older version of the Honda filter used on some 1990s models. The A02 version is the current standard and fits a wider range of Honda and Acura engines. Check your owner's manual to see which version your vehicle requires.