The Hyundai Elantra oil filter location and part number

On a Hyundai Elantra, the oil filter sits on the driver's side of the engine block, below the intake manifold. You reach it from underneath the vehicle or from the side, depending on model year and engine type. The filter is a spin-on canister — you unscrew it by hand or with a filter wrench, and a new one screws back on by hand until the rubber gasket contacts the engine block, then a three-quarter turn more.

The part number varies by model year and engine. Most 2011–2024 Elantras with the 1.8L or 2.0L engine use Hyundai part number 26300-35503 or 26300-35504. If you own a 2024 model with the turbocharged 1.6L engine, the part number is different. Always check your owner's manual or call a Hyundai dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm the exact part before you buy.

Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Wix are also available and fit the same thread size. These filters cost less than OEM parts and perform the same function, though some owners prefer the Hyundai-branded filter for warranty peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hyundai Elantra oil filter is located on the driver's side of the engine block, accessible from underneath or the side depending on your model year.
  • Hyundai part numbers 26300-35503 and 26300-35504 cover most 2011–2024 models with 1.8L and 2.0L engines, but you should verify your specific part number using your VIN.
  • Aftermarket filters from major brands fit the same thread size and cost less than OEM filters while meeting the same performance standards.
  • The filter screws on by hand until the gasket touches the block, then turns three-quarters of a turn more — over-tightening can damage the gasket and cause leaks.

How to access the filter on different Elantra generations

On 2011–2016 Elantras, the filter hangs down on the driver's side and is easiest to reach from below. You will need to raise the vehicle on a jack or drive it onto ramps, then remove the plastic undertray. Once the tray is off, the filter is visible and accessible with a filter wrench or by hand if you have room to grip it.

On 2017–2024 models, Hyundai moved the filter slightly higher and more toward the side of the engine. Access is still from below, but the undertray removal is the same first step. Some owners find a filter wrench necessary on newer models because the filter sits at an angle that makes hand removal difficult in tight quarters.

If you do not have a jack or ramps, a quick-lube shop or independent mechanic can change the filter in 15 to 20 minutes for a labor charge that usually ranges from $20 to $50, depending on your location. This is often cheaper than buying a filter wrench if you only change the filter once or twice.

What you need to buy and what tools to gather

You need one new oil filter that matches your Elantra's engine and model year. You also need fresh engine oil — the amount depends on whether you are doing a filter-only change or a full oil and filter change. A filter-only change requires about 0.5 to 1 quart of oil to top off after the filter is installed. A full oil change requires 4 to 5 quarts, depending on engine type.

For tools, a filter wrench is optional but recommended. A 74-mm or 86-mm socket-style filter wrench (the size depends on your filter) costs $8 to $15 and makes removal much easier, especially if the filter is tight or you are working in a cramped engine bay. You will also need a drain pan to catch old oil, a jack and jack stands if you are raising the vehicle yourself, and a socket set to remove the undertray bolts.

Rags or paper towels are essential — oil drips from the filter housing and the old filter itself. Wear gloves to keep oil off your hands, and have a container ready for the old filter and used oil. Many auto parts stores and service stations accept used oil and filters for free or a small fee.

Step-by-step filter replacement process

First, warm the engine by running it for a minute or two, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Warm oil flows more easily and helps the old filter drain faster. Raise the vehicle on a jack or ramps, find it with jack stands, and remove the plastic undertray by unbolting it with a socket wrench. The undertray is usually held by four to six bolts.

Position your drain pan under the filter. Using a filter wrench or your hand, turn the old filter counterclockwise until it spins free. Unscrew it the rest of the way by hand and set it aside. Oil will drip from the filter housing — let it drain for a minute into the pan. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block with a clean rag to remove any old gasket material or debris.

Open the new filter and check that the rubber gasket is present and not damaged. explore a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket — this helps create a watertight seal when you screw the filter on. Screw the new filter onto the engine block by hand until the gasket contacts the block, then turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use a wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct, and over-tightening can damage the gasket and cause leaks.

Reinstall the undertray, lower the vehicle, and add fresh oil to bring the level to the full mark on the dipstick or the full line on the electronic gauge. Run the engine for 30 seconds, turn it off, wait a minute, and check the level again. Top off if needed. Check under the filter for leaks — if you see drips, the filter may not be tight enough, and you should turn it another quarter turn.

OEM versus aftermarket filters for the Elantra

Hyundai OEM filters cost $12 to $18 and come with the assurance that they meet Hyundai's exact specifications. They are the safest choice if you want to preserve your warranty or if you prefer to use only parts made or approved by the manufacturer. Some owners also believe OEM filters last slightly longer, though independent testing shows minimal real-world difference.

Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, Purolator, and Wix cost $6 to $12 and fit the same thread size and mounting surface as OEM filters. These brands meet or exceed industry filtration standards and are used by many independent mechanics and quick-lube shops. The main trade-off is that using a non-OEM filter does not void your Hyundai warranty — federal law protects you — but some dealers may argue the point if an engine problem occurs and they suspect the filter contributed.

A practical middle ground is to use an OEM filter for the first change after purchase, then switch to a quality aftermarket brand for routine changes. This approach keeps your warranty find early on while saving money over the life of the vehicle.

When to change the Elantra oil filter

Hyundai recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For most 2011–2024 Elantras, that is every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, dusty environments, or extreme temperatures — Hyundai recommends every 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Your owner's manual specifies which schedule applies to your driving. If you are unsure, the 10,000-mile interval is the standard for most owners. Some newer Elantras have an oil-life monitoring system that calculates the optimal change interval based on your actual driving patterns and displays a reminder on the dashboard — follow that reminder rather than a fixed schedule if your vehicle has this feature.

Changing the filter at every oil change is the standard practice because the filter accumulates contaminants over time, and a clogged filter reduces oil flow to the engine. Skipping filter changes between oil changes is not recommended and can lead to reduced engine protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change just the oil filter without changing the oil?

Yes, you can change the filter alone, and it costs less than a full oil and filter change. You will lose about 0.5 to 1 quart of oil when you remove the old filter, so you need to top off with fresh oil afterward. However, Hyundai recommends changing the filter every time you change the oil, so a filter-only change is best used as a temporary measure if you are between scheduled oil changes.

What size wrench or socket do I need to remove the Elantra oil filter?

A 74-mm or 86-mm socket-style filter wrench is the most common size for Elantra filters, depending on model year and engine. If you do not know the exact size, bring your vehicle's year and engine size to an auto parts store, and they can tell you which wrench fits. Alternatively, you can remove the filter by hand if you have enough grip strength and space to turn it.

Will changing the oil filter myself void my Hyundai warranty?

No. Federal law (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) protects your right to use aftermarket parts and perform your own maintenance without voiding the warranty. Hyundai cannot deny a warranty claim based on the brand of filter you used or because you changed it yourself, as long as you used the correct filter type and followed the proper procedure.

How do I know if my oil filter is leaking?

Check underneath the engine after you start it and let it run for a minute. If you see fresh oil dripping from the filter housing or the base of the filter, the filter is not tight enough. Turn it another quarter turn by hand and check again. If it still leaks after a quarter turn, remove it and inspect the rubber gasket for damage or debris on the mounting surface.

Can I recycle my old oil filter?

Yes. Most auto parts stores, service stations, and recycling centers accept used oil filters for free or a small fee. Some stores offer a small credit if you bring in an old filter when you buy a new one. Never throw an oil filter in the trash — it contains residual oil and should be disposed of through a proper recycling channel.