Does a 2002 Honda Accord have a cabin filter?

Yes. Most 2002 Honda Accords sold in North America—both four-cylinder and V6, sedan and coupe—are equipped with a serviceable cabin air filter (also called a pollen or microfilter). It’s located behind the glove box in the HVAC housing, typically as a two-piece filter set. The only exceptions are rare base models without air conditioning, which are uncommon.

What owners should know

The cabin air filter cleans the air that enters the interior through the heating and air-conditioning system, trapping dust, pollen, soot, and debris. In the 2002 Accord (6th generation, final model year), Honda provided a built-in, removable filter tray, making routine replacement straightforward without special tools.

Where it’s located and how to access it

The filter housing sits directly behind the glove box on the passenger side. Access typically requires lowering the glove box and removing a small access door on the HVAC case. Many cars from this generation use two narrow filter elements that slide in side-by-side.

If you want to check or replace it yourself, the following general steps apply to most 2002 Accords. Always consult your owner’s manual or a service guide for your exact trim.

• Empty the glove box. Detach the small damper cord on the right side of the glove box if equipped.
• Press inward on both sides of the glove box to release the stops, allowing it to swing down further.
• If present, remove or swing down the glove-box support bar (usually two screws) to clear access to the HVAC case.
• Locate the rectangular cabin filter access cover; release its tab and remove the cover.
• Slide out the first filter cassette, then the second. Note the airflow direction arrows.
• Insert the new filters in the correct orientation (airflow arrows typically point down), reinstall the cover, and reassemble the glove box.

The process usually takes 10–20 minutes. If any parts feel stuck, avoid forcing them; plastic tabs can be brittle on older vehicles.

Replacement interval and signs it’s due

Honda’s typical guidance for this era is about every 15,000–30,000 miles (24,000–48,000 km) or every 1–2 years—more often if you drive in dusty or urban environments. Many owners opt for an annual change to maintain airflow and reduce odors.

Watch for these common indicators that the cabin filter needs attention:

• Weaker airflow from the vents at a given fan speed
• Persistent musty or unpleasant odors when the fan starts
• Increased window fogging or slower defogging performance
• Visible dirt, leaves, or gray/black discoloration on the filter media

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, inspecting and replacing the filter is a quick, low-cost first step.

Parts, cost, and compatibility

The 2002 Accord typically uses a two-piece cabin filter set. OEM and aftermarket options (including charcoal-activated filters that help with odors) are widely available. Expect parts to cost roughly $10–$35 for aftermarket sets; dealership OEM parts can be higher. Professional installation is usually a minimal labor charge given the short procedure.

Notes on trims and markets

Across U.S. and Canadian models, both I4 and V6 versions share the same filter location and general procedure. Right-hand-drive markets or specific international trims may have minor differences in access panels or part numbers. If your car lacks air conditioning, it may not have a filter housing.

Summary

The 2002 Honda Accord does have a cabin air filter in nearly all configurations equipped with air conditioning. It’s behind the glove box, generally a two-piece element, and is easy to replace in minutes. Change it every 15,000–30,000 miles or 1–2 years to maintain airflow, HVAC efficiency, and cabin air quality.

What year did they start using cabin air filters?

Cabin air filters, though initially a premium feature, became mainstream in cars around the early 2000s. While some high-end vehicles had them earlier, like the 1989 Mercedes SL roadster, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they became common in most new cars, according to NAPA Auto Parts. 
Here’s a more detailed look:

• Early Adopters: Saab was an early adopter, introducing cabin air filters in the 1979 900 model. 
• Luxury Marques: The technology initially appeared in luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. 
• Mainstream Adoption: By the late 1990s and early 2000s, cabin air filters became more widespread, eventually appearing in many popular models like the Toyota Camry. 
• Consumer Demand: The increasing awareness of air quality and the desire for cleaner air inside vehicles fueled this shift. 

Does a Honda Accord have a cabin air filter?

One. That’s going to be a lot better than the old. One. So the new one looks really really nice. And it and it lets you know about the air flow air flow.

Does my 2002 Honda Accord have a cabin air filter?

Not. You may want to have a vacuum handy to sweep this out and in this case we’ve used our Dyson handheld unit that’s Dyson for all your cabin air filter dirt removal. Needs.

Where is the air filter on a 2002 Honda Accord?

The air filter is located here. There are four fasteners securing the housing disengage the fasteners lift the housing and remove the old filter remove any debris in the housing.