What You Need to Know About Kia Oil Filters

Your Kia's oil filter removes dirt and debris from engine oil as it circulates. The filter sits in a canister or cartridge mounted on the engine block, and you replace it every time you change your oil — typically every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on your model year and driving conditions. Kia does not make its own filters; instead, the company sources them from suppliers like Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch, so you have multiple brands available at any auto parts store.

The filter you need depends on your specific Kia model and engine size. A 2015 Kia Optima with a 2.0L engine uses a different filter than a 2020 Kia Sportage with a 2.4L engine. Getting the wrong filter can cause poor oil flow or leaks, so you must match the part number to your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size before you buy.

Key Takeaways

  • Kia oil filters are made by third-party manufacturers like Fram and Bosch, not by Kia itself, so you can choose from multiple brands at the same price point.
  • The correct filter part number depends on your Kia's model year, model name, and engine size — check your owner's manual or ask the parts counter to confirm before purchasing.
  • You can find your Kia's filter at any auto parts chain, online retailers, or your Kia dealership, and prices typically range from $8 to $20 depending on the brand and filter type.
  • Replacement takes 10 to 20 minutes if you do it yourself, or you can have a shop or dealership handle it during a routine oil change.

How to Identify Your Kia's Filter Part Number

The fastest way to find the correct filter is to look in your owner's manual. Open the manual to the maintenance section and search for "oil filter" or "filter specifications." You will see the part number listed there, along with the filter's thread size and capacity. Write down this number before you go shopping.

If you do not have your manual, use the VIN lookup tool on any auto parts website. Enter your vehicle identification number (the 17-character code on your dashboard or door jamb), and the site will show you the exact filter that fits your Kia. You can also call your Kia dealership parts department with your VIN and they will tell you the part number over the phone.

Common Kia filter part numbers include 26300-35503 (used on many Kia Souls and Fortes) and 26300-35504 (used on some Sportages and Sedonas), but these vary widely by year and engine. Do not assume two Kias of the same model use the same filter if they are different model years.

Where to Buy a Kia Oil Filter

Auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts stock Kia filters in-store and online. You can walk in with your part number or VIN, and a staff member will pull the correct filter off the shelf. Prices at these retailers typically range from $8 to $15 for a standard filter and $12 to $20 for a synthetic or premium filter.

Online retailers including Amazon and RockAuto often undercut store prices, but you will wait for shipping. If you order online, confirm the part number matches your VIN before checkout, because returns can take time.

Your Kia dealership also sells filters, usually at a markup of $3 to $8 compared to chain retailers. The advantage is that the dealership staff can verify the part number when ready and you know you have the exact OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filter. Many dealerships will install the filter for free or for a small fee if you buy it from them.

Types of Kia Oil Filters and What They Cost

Standard filters are the baseline option. They use pleated paper media to trap particles and cost $8 to $12. These filters work fine for normal driving and are what most Kias come with from the factory.

Synthetic filters use a finer media and last longer between changes. They cost $12 to $20 and are designed to work with synthetic or synthetic-blend oils. If you use synthetic oil, a synthetic filter is the better match, though a standard filter will still work.

High-flow filters promise better engine performance and cost $15 to $25. The performance gain is minimal for most drivers, and Kia does not recommend them for warranty purposes. Stick with the standard or synthetic filter that matches your oil type.

How to Replace Your Kia Oil Filter Yourself

If you want to change the filter yourself, you will need an oil filter wrench (a socket-like tool that grips the filter canister), a drain pan, and a jack or ramps if your Kia sits low to the ground. Warm up the engine for a minute or two so the oil flows more easily, then turn it off and let it cool for five minutes.

Locate the filter on your engine block — it is a cylindrical canister about the size of a soda can, usually on the side or top of the engine. Slide the drain pan underneath it, then use the filter wrench to turn the filter counterclockwise until it comes loose. Unscrew it by hand the rest of the way and set it aside to drain.

Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a rag. Take your new filter and explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket (the ring on top of the filter). Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct.

Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait two minutes. Check the oil level on the dipstick and top it off if needed. The whole job takes 10 to 20 minutes once you have done it once.

When to Have a Shop Replace Your Filter

If your Kia has a cartridge-style filter (a flat, round canister that screws into the top of the engine) rather than a spin-on filter, the job is more involved because you have to remove a housing cap and replace the filter element inside. This style is common on newer Kias and takes 20 to 30 minutes. Most people have a shop handle this rather than do it themselves.

Any tire shop, quick-lube center, or dealership can replace your filter during an oil change. Expect to pay $20 to $50 for labor plus the cost of the filter. A full oil change (filter plus oil) typically costs $35 to $75 at an independent shop and $60 to $100 at a dealership, depending on whether you use conventional or synthetic oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any brand of filter on my Kia?

Yes. Kia does not manufacture its own filters, so Fram, Bosch, Mobil 1, and other brands all work as long as the part number matches your vehicle. The brand does not matter as much as getting the correct part number for your specific model and engine size.

How often should I replace my Kia's oil filter?

Replace the filter every time you change your oil. For most Kias, that is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles with conventional oil or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil. Check your owner's manual for your specific model's interval.

What happens if I use the wrong filter?

Using the wrong filter can cause oil leaks, poor oil flow to the engine, or the filter to come loose. In rare cases, it can damage the engine. Always confirm the part number matches your VIN before installation.

Is it worth buying a synthetic filter instead of a standard one?

A synthetic filter is worth the extra cost only if you use synthetic oil. If you use conventional oil, a standard filter is the right choice. The filter type should match your oil type for best results.

Do I need to go to a Kia dealership for filter replacement?

No. Any shop can replace your filter, and independent shops and chain retailers are usually cheaper than dealerships. The dealership is useful only if you want to verify the part number or need warranty work done at the same time.