What oil filter your Accord needs depends on the model year and engine size
Honda Accord oil filters are not one-size-fits-all. The filter that fits a 2015 Accord will not fit a 2020 model, and the filter for a four-cylinder engine differs from the one for a V6. Before you buy or change a filter, you need to know which generation and engine your car has, then match it to the correct part number.
The easiest way to find your filter is to check your owner's manual — it lists the exact part number and specifications. If you do not have the manual, you can look up your Accord's year and engine size on Honda's parts website or ask a parts counter at an auto supply store. They can cross-reference your vehicle identification number (VIN) to the right filter in seconds.
Honda makes original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters under the Honda brand, and many aftermarket manufacturers make filters that meet Honda's specifications. Both types work, though OEM filters tend to cost more. The filter itself is a cylindrical canister that screws onto the engine block and traps dirt and debris from the oil.
Key Takeaways
- Your Accord's model year and engine type determine which filter you need, and using the wrong one can cause leaks or poor oil flow.
- Honda OEM filters and quality aftermarket filters both work, but the part number must match your specific vehicle.
- The oil filter sits on the side or top of the engine block and is accessible without removing other parts.
- Changing the filter takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, and a new crush washer or O-ring.
- Always change the filter when you change the oil, because a clogged filter reduces oil flow and can damage the engine.
Where the oil filter is located on your Accord
On most Honda Accords, the oil filter is mounted vertically on the side of the engine block, usually toward the front or middle of the engine. On some newer models, it may be positioned on top. The exact location varies by year and engine, but it is always a cylindrical canister about three to four inches tall with a threaded base.
You can locate it by opening your hood and looking for a black or silver canister with a wrench-sized hex nut or a threaded collar. It will be connected to the engine block and will have a rubber hose or line running to or from it. If you cannot find it, your owner's manual includes a diagram of the engine bay with the filter marked.
The filter is positioned where you can reach it without removing the wheel or bumper, though you may need to move hoses or brackets slightly to get a wrench around it. On some models, you may need to remove the plastic engine cover first — it usually unbolts in three or four places.
How to remove and install an oil filter on your Accord
Start by warming the engine for a minute or two so the oil flows more easily, then turn it off and let it cool for a few minutes. Place a drain pan under the filter to catch oil that will spill when you remove it. Use an oil filter wrench — a metal band or cup wrench that grips the canister — to turn the filter counterclockwise by hand. Do not use a regular wrench or pliers, which can dent the canister and make it harder to remove next time.
Once the filter is loose, unscrew it by hand the rest of the way and set it aside in the drain pan. Wipe the threaded base on the engine block with a clean rag to remove any dirt or old rubber. This step matters because debris left behind can prevent a good seal on the new filter.
Before installing the new filter, explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket (the ring around the top of the new filter). This helps create a watertight seal and makes removal easier next time. Screw the new filter onto the threaded base by hand until the gasket touches the engine block, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not over-tighten — hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the standard, and over-tightening can crack the gasket or strip the threads.
Common filter types and part numbers for different Accord generations
Honda has made the Accord since 1976, and the filter has changed many times. Here are the most common current and recent generations:
| Model Years | Engine | Common OEM Filter Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2023–present | 1.5L turbo or 2.0L turbo | 15400-RZA-003 |
| 2018–2022 | 1.5L turbo or 2.0L turbo | 15400-RZA-003 |
| 2013–2017 | 2.4L four-cylinder or 3.5L V6 | 15400-RFB-004 (four-cyl) or 15400-RFB-003 (V6) |
| 2008–2012 | 2.4L four-cylinder or 3.5L V6 | 15400-RB0-004 (four-cyl) or 15400-RB0-003 (V6) |
These part numbers are for Honda OEM filters. Aftermarket brands like Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch make equivalent filters for the same vehicles, and their part numbers will differ but will fit the same threaded base. Always verify the part number against your owner's manual or a parts lookup tool before buying.
What to do with the old filter and drain pan oil
Do not pour used oil down the drain or into the ground — it is toxic and illegal to dispose of that way in most places. Instead, pour the oil from the drain pan into a sealed container (an old milk jug or oil bottle works) and take it to a recycling center or auto parts store. Most auto parts stores accept used oil for free, and many will also take the old filter.
If the filter is still dripping, let it sit in the drain pan for a few minutes before disposing of it. Some recycling centers ask you to drain the filter completely before dropping it off, so check their requirements first.
Signs your Accord's oil filter needs changing
The most straightforward sign is time and mileage. Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first, on most recent Accords. Some newer models with synthetic oil can go longer — check your owner's manual for your specific year.
If you hear a rattling noise from the engine or see the oil pressure warning light on your dashboard, the filter may be clogged. A clogged filter restricts oil flow, which can trigger the warning light and cause engine damage if ignored. If this happens, stop driving and have the filter and oil changed right away.
You can also visually inspect the filter during routine maintenance. If it looks dirty or discolored, or if you see oil leaking from the base, it is time to replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any oil filter on my Accord, or does it have to be Honda brand?
You do not have to use a Honda OEM filter. Any filter with the correct part number that fits your model year and engine will work. Many aftermarket filters meet or exceed Honda's specifications and cost less. The key is matching the part number to your vehicle, not the brand name.
What is the crush washer, and do I need to replace it?
The crush washer is a thin metal ring under the filter's threaded base that creates a seal when you tighten the filter. Some filters come with a new washer pre-installed; others do not. If your new filter does not have one, you do not need to add one — the rubber gasket on the filter itself provides the seal. Check the instructions that come with your filter.
How do I know if I am over-tightening the filter?
Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the standard. If you are using an oil filter wrench and explore steady pressure, you will feel when the gasket makes contact and resistance increases. Stop there and turn an additional three-quarter turn. If you use a wrench and explore force, you are over-tightening. The filter should be snug but not forced.
What happens if I forget to change the oil filter when I change the oil?
The old filter will continue to trap dirt and debris, and it will eventually clog. A clogged filter forces oil to bypass the filter through a relief valve, which means unfiltered oil circulates through the engine. This accelerates wear on engine parts and can shorten engine life. Always change the filter when you change the oil.
Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. When you remove the filter, some oil spills out, so you lose a small amount. More importantly, the filter and oil work together — old oil loses its ability to protect the engine, and a new filter in old oil does not solve that problem. Change both at the same time for the best engine protection.