Where the air filter sits and what it does

Your Honda Accord's engine air filter is a pleated paper element that stops dust, pollen, and debris from entering the engine. It lives in a plastic box called the air intake housing, usually mounted on top of or to the side of the engine. Over time the filter clogs with particles, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy.

Most Accords need a new engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, though this varies by driving conditions. If you drive in dusty or sandy environments, change it more often. You can inspect the filter yourself by opening the air box — if it looks gray or brown and clogged, it is time to replace it.

Key Takeaways

  • The engine air filter is a paper element in a plastic box on top of or beside the engine, and you can replace it yourself in under ten minutes with no tools.
  • Most Accords use either a rectangular or circular filter depending on the year and engine size, and the part costs between $15 and $35.
  • You only need to remove the clips or bolts holding the air box closed, lift out the old filter, and slide in the new one — no special knowledge required.
  • Cabin air filters (which clean the air inside the car) are a separate part located behind the glove box and follow a different replacement process.

Finding the right filter for your Accord model year

Honda uses different air filter sizes and shapes depending on the generation and engine. A 2018 Accord with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine uses a different filter than a 2010 Accord with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine. The easiest way to find the correct part is to look up your specific year, make, and engine size on the Honda parts website or call a Honda dealer parts department with your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Common Accord air filters include the Honda part number 17220-5AA-A00 (used in many 2013–2017 models) and 17220-5PA-A00 (used in 2018–2022 models). Auto parts retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA can also cross-reference your VIN to the correct filter. Aftermarket filters from brands like Fram, Bosch, and Mann-Filter are usually cheaper than OEM Honda filters and work just as well for most drivers.

Step-by-step replacement process

Start by opening your hood and locating the air intake box. It is usually a large black plastic container on the driver's side or center of the engine bay. The box is held shut by two to four plastic clips or bolts — no special tools are needed to open it.

Unclip or unbolt the air box cover and lift it off. You will see the old filter inside, usually a rectangular or circular pleated element. Slide or lift out the old filter and set it aside. Before installing the new filter, wipe the inside of the air box with a dry cloth to remove any loose dust or debris.

Slide the new filter into the box, making sure it sits flat and the pleats are vertical (not crushed). The filter should fit snugly without forcing. Close the air box cover and find all clips or bolts. Start the engine and listen for any unusual sounds — everything should sound normal.

Cabin air filter versus engine air filter

Your Accord has two separate air filters: the engine air filter (which you just replaced) and the cabin air filter (which cleans the air inside the car). The cabin filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side and requires removing the glove box to access it.

Cabin filters are typically replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles as well, though they clog faster if you drive in heavy traffic or dusty areas. The cabin filter is more involved to replace because you have to remove the glove box first, but the actual filter swap is just as straightforward. Many owners replace both filters at the same time for convenience.

Cost and labor time

An OEM Honda engine air filter costs between $25 and $40, depending on the model year. Aftermarket filters run $15 to $25. If you replace it yourself, you need no special tools and the job takes five to ten minutes. If you have a dealer or shop do it, labor usually adds $50 to $100 to the parts cost, though many shops include the air filter replacement as part of a routine maintenance visit.

Cabin air filters cost $20 to $35 for OEM parts and $15 to $25 for aftermarket options. Replacing it yourself takes 15 to 20 minutes because of the glove box removal. A shop will charge $75 to $150 in labor on top of the part cost.

Signs your filter needs replacement before the scheduled interval

If you notice reduced fuel economy, a rough idle, or the check engine light coming on, a clogged air filter could be the cause. A visual inspection is the most reliable check — open the air box and look at the filter. If it is visibly dirty, gray, or clogged, replace it regardless of mileage.

Driving in dusty conditions, on unpaved roads, or in heavy traffic can clog a filter faster than highway driving. If you live in a dry climate or frequently drive on dirt roads, check your filter every 10,000 miles instead of waiting for the 15,000 to 30,000 mile interval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean and reuse my old air filter instead of replacing it?

Paper air filters are designed for one-time use and cannot be reliably cleaned. Compressed air may dislodge some surface dust, but it will not restore the filter's ability to trap fine particles. Replacement is the only effective option. Some aftermarket filters claim to be reusable, but they are rare and not recommended for most Accords.

What happens if I drive with a clogged air filter?

A clogged filter reduces airflow to the engine, forcing it to run rich (too much fuel, not enough air). This lowers fuel economy, increases emissions, and can cause rough idling or hesitation during acceleration. Over time, a severely clogged filter can damage the mass airflow sensor. Replacing it before it gets that bad is much cheaper than sensor repair.

Do I need to replace the air filter at the same time as an oil change?

No. Air filters and oil filters follow different schedules. An oil change is typically every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on your oil type, while air filters last 15,000 to 30,000 miles. You can replace them independently, though many shops bundle them together for convenience.

Is there a difference between Honda OEM filters and aftermarket brands?

OEM Honda filters are made to exact specifications and are may provide to fit. Quality aftermarket brands like Fram, Bosch, and Mann-Filter perform similarly and cost less. Budget brands sometimes have inconsistent fit or filtration quality. Read reviews for the specific brand and model before buying.

How do I know which generation Accord I have?

Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on your registration or driver's license. The VIN is also stamped on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You can enter your VIN into the Honda website or any auto parts retailer's search tool, and it will tell you the exact year, generation, and engine size.