Honda oil filters are model-specific, and using the wrong one can reduce engine protection or cause leaks
Every Honda engine needs an oil filter matched to its displacement, year, and model. The filter threads onto the engine block, and if the diameter, thread pitch, or bypass valve rating do not match, the seal fails or the filter cannot spin on tight enough. Honda publishes the correct part number for each model year in the owner's manual and on service bulletins. You can also look it up by VIN (vehicle identification number) at a Honda dealership parts counter or through online parts catalogs like RockAuto or FCP Euro.
The most common mistake is buying a generic filter that fits the thread size but has the wrong bypass pressure or anti-drainback valve. This can starve the engine of oil during cold starts or allow dirty oil to bypass the filter element entirely. Honda filters are engineered to the engine's specifications, and the cost difference between a genuine Honda filter and an equivalent OEM-quality aftermarket filter is usually five to fifteen dollars — not worth the risk.
Key Takeaways
- Your Honda's correct filter part number is in the owner's manual or available by VIN at a Honda parts counter.
- The filter must match the thread size, bypass pressure, and anti-drainback valve design, not just the thread diameter.
- Genuine Honda filters and equivalent OEM-quality aftermarket filters (Fram, Mobil, Bosch) cost roughly the same and protect the engine equally.
- You can buy filters online, at Honda dealerships, or at auto parts chains, but verify the part number before checkout.
How to identify your Honda's correct filter part number
Start with your owner's manual. Open it to the maintenance schedule or specifications section and look for "Oil Filter" or "Engine Oil and Filter." The manual lists the part number and the filter's thread size and capacity. If you do not have the manual, read a PDF version free from Honda's website by entering your model year and model name.
If the manual is not available, use your VIN. Call a Honda dealership parts department, give them your VIN, and ask for the oil filter part number. They will tell you the correct filter in under a minute. You can also enter your VIN into online parts catalogs like RockAuto, FCP Euro, or Amazon. The site will show you the filter that matches your vehicle, and you can cross-reference the part number against Honda's official list to confirm.
Write down the part number before you shop. Common Honda filter numbers include 15400-PLM-A01 (Civic, Accord), 15400-RTA-004 (CR-V, Pilot), and 15400-RZA-003 (Odyssey). The number always starts with 15400 for Honda engines. If a seller shows you a filter with a different prefix, it is not a Honda part.
Genuine Honda filters versus aftermarket alternatives
Genuine Honda filters are made by Honda's suppliers and carry Honda's part number. They cost between twelve and twenty dollars depending on the model. Equivalent aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, or Purolator are engineered to the same bypass pressure and anti-drainback specifications and cost roughly the same. The difference in performance is negligible for most drivers.
Where the risk appears is in budget or no-name filters sold on discount sites. These may have the correct thread size but wrong bypass pressure, which means the filter element clogs faster or the bypass valve opens too early, letting unfiltered oil circulate. Stick to brands that publish their bypass pressure rating and anti-drainback valve design. If a filter listing does not mention these specs, do not buy it.
Synthetic oil does not require a synthetic-specific filter, despite marketing claims. Any filter rated for your Honda's engine will work with synthetic, conventional, or blend oil. The filter element material and bypass design matter; the oil type does not change the filter requirement.
Where to buy Honda oil filters
Honda dealerships stock the correct filter and can order it same-day if they do not have it in stock. Expect to pay retail price, usually fifteen to twenty-five dollars. The advantage is certainty — you walk out with the exact part your vehicle needs.
Auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA carry both genuine Honda and aftermarket filters. Use their website to search by your vehicle year, make, and model. The site will show you what is in stock locally and the price. Many chains offer free installation if you buy the filter from them, which saves you thirty to fifty dollars in labor if you do not have tools or a lift.
Online retailers like RockAuto, Amazon, and FCP Euro often undercut dealership prices by five to ten dollars. Shipping usually takes three to seven days. These sites let you filter by part number, so you can verify the exact Honda filter before you add it to your cart. Read the seller's return policy in case the filter arrives damaged.
What to check before you buy
Confirm the part number matches your owner's manual or the VIN lookup result. Do not rely on the website's "fits your vehicle" tag alone — enter the part number into a second source to double-check. A mismatched filter will not fit or will fit but leak.
Check the filter's thread size and height. Most Honda filters are 3/4-inch-16 UNF thread (the standard for Honda), but some older or specialty models differ. The height matters if you have limited clearance under the hood. The listing should state both. If it does not, contact the seller before you order.
Verify the bypass pressure. Honda engines typically use filters with a 3.5 to 4.5 PSI bypass valve. The listing or product page should state this. If it does not, email the seller or call the manufacturer. A filter with a 6 or 7 PSI bypass will not protect your engine as well in cold weather.
Common Honda filter part numbers by model
| Model | Years | Typical Part Number | Thread Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civic | 2006–present | 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-RTA-004 | 3/4-16 UNF |
| Accord | 2008–present | 15400-PLM-A01 | 3/4-16 UNF |
| CR-V | 2007–present | 15400-RTA-004 | 3/4-16 UNF |
| Pilot | 2009–present | 15400-RTA-004 | 3/4-16 UNF |
| Odyssey | 2011–present | 15400-RZA-003 | 3/4-16 UNF |
This table covers common current models. Older Hondas and specialty models may use different part numbers. Always verify against your owner's manual or a VIN lookup before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a filter from a different Honda model if the thread size matches?
No. Thread size is only one specification. The bypass pressure, anti-drainback valve, and filter element capacity are tuned to your engine's displacement and oil flow rate. Using a filter from a different model can cause the bypass to open too early or the element to clog faster. Always use the part number listed for your specific model and year.
What is the difference between a Honda filter and a Fram or Mobil filter?
Genuine Honda filters and equivalent aftermarket filters from major brands meet the same bypass pressure and anti-drainback specifications. The main difference is price and availability. Genuine Honda filters are made by Honda's suppliers; aftermarket filters are made by independent manufacturers. Both protect your engine equally if the part number matches your model.
Do I need to replace the crush washer on the filter cap?
Yes. The crush washer is a small aluminum ring under the filter cap. It seals the connection between the filter and the engine block. If you reuse an old washer, it will not seal properly and the filter may leak. Honda includes a new crush washer with every filter. Remove the old one, clean the seating surface on the engine block, and install the new washer before you thread the filter on.
How tight should I spin the filter on?
Hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn. Do not use a wrench. Over-tightening crushes the gasket and makes the filter hard to remove next time. Under-tightening causes leaks. Spin it on by hand until you feel the gasket contact the engine block, then turn it three-quarters of a turn more and stop.
Can I buy a filter online and have it installed at a dealership?
Most Honda dealerships will not install a filter you bring in because they cannot verify it is the correct part and they lose the sale. Some independent shops will install it for a small labor fee, usually ten to twenty dollars. Call ahead and ask. If you buy online, factor in the installation cost when comparing prices to a dealership or auto parts chain that offers free installation.