Does a Honda CRV have two air filters?
Yes. The Honda CR-V uses two filtration components: one for the engine’s air intake and one for the cabin air you breathe inside the vehicle. This two-filter setup helps protect engine performance and maintain interior air quality. Below is a clear breakdown of where they are, how they work, and when to replace them.
Two filters, two jobs
CR‑V models rely on a engine air filter to keep dirt and debris out of the intake, and a separate cabin air filter to keep the air inside the cabin clean. Here’s a simple overview of each filtration system and what to know about maintenance.
- Engine air filter: Location — inside the engine bay, in the rectangular air intake box (typically toward the front of the engine compartment). Replacement interval — commonly around 30,000 miles (about 48,000 kilometers) or longer in clean environments; consult the owner’s manual for the exact interval for your year and trim.
- Cabin air filter: Location — behind the glove box on the passenger side, inside the cabin air filter housing. Replacement interval — typically every 15,000–30,000 miles (about 24,000–48,000 kilometers) or annually, depending on driving conditions; some trims use a carbon-activated or two-stage design inside the same housing.
Keeping both filters current helps protect engine performance and ensure comfortable, clean air inside the vehicle. Always refer to the owner’s manual or a Honda service advisor for model-specific intervals and filter options.
Where they live and how to replace
Engine air filter: location and replacement steps
If you plan to replace the engine air filter yourself, here are the general steps you would follow:
- Open the hood and locate the engine air intake box, typically near the front of the engine bay.
- Unclip or remove the cover securing the air box lid.
- Lift out the old engine air filter and inspect the housing for debris.
- Insert the new filter in the correct orientation, ensuring it sits flat and seats properly.
- Reattach the air box cover and secure the clips or screws.
- Close the hood and take note of any changes in engine performance or idle after replacement.
Replacing the engine air filter is a straightforward maintenance task that can help sustain horsepower and fuel economy, especially in dusty or harsh driving conditions.
Cabin air filter: location and replacement steps
If you plan to replace the cabin air filter yourself, these are typical steps:
- Remove or lower the glove box to access the cabin air filter housing (you may need to release a damper or remove side pins depending on year/trim).
- Open the housing cover and slide out the old cabin air filter, noting its orientation.
- Clean any dust from the housing, then insert the new filter with the arrow or airflow direction pointing in the correct direction.
- Reattach the housing cover and reinstall the glove box, ensuring all fasteners and dampers are secure.
- Test the HVAC system with the fan on to verify proper airflow and note any odd odors or reduced airflow as a signal for replacement.
Cabin air filter replacement helps maintain interior air quality and HVAC performance, particularly for pollen, dust, and odors. If your CR‑V has a carbon-activated or dual-stage filter, follow the specific orientation and replacement guidance for that design.
Summary
Most Honda CR-V models employ two primary air filtration systems: one for the engine and one for the cabin. Regularly replacing both filters—engine filter roughly every 30,000 miles and cabin filter roughly every 15,000–30,000 miles or annually, depending on conditions—helps sustain engine efficiency and interior air quality. Always consult the owner’s manual or a certified Honda technician for your exact year, trim, and recommended replacement intervals.
