Does the 2013 Honda Pilot Have a Cabin Air Filter?

Yes. Every 2013 Honda Pilot comes with a cabin air (dust and pollen) filter, located behind the glove box. The filter cleans the outside air that enters the HVAC system and can be accessed and replaced at home in a few minutes. Honda recommends replacement based on its Maintenance Minder (subcode “2”) or roughly every 15,000–30,000 miles (or annually), with shorter intervals in dusty or smoky conditions.

What the Cabin Air Filter Does and Where It Is

The cabin air filter traps dust, pollen, soot, and other particulates before air flows through the vents, improving interior air quality and protecting the blower and evaporator. In the 2013 Pilot, it sits behind the glove box in a rectangular housing. Access is straightforward: lower the glove box, remove the small access door on the HVAC housing, slide out the filter tray, and swap the filter.

How to Inspect or Replace It

The following steps outline the basic DIY procedure for checking or replacing the cabin air filter on a 2013 Honda Pilot. Most owners can complete the job with no special tools.

1. Open and empty the glove box for clearance.
2. Detach the small damper cord on the right side of the glove box.
3. Squeeze the glove box sides inward so the stops clear, allowing the box to drop down.
4. Locate the rectangular cabin filter access door on the HVAC housing; press the side tabs and remove the door.
5. Slide out the filter tray and note the orientation arrows (either “UP” or “AIR FLOW”).
6. Remove the old filter, insert the new one with the arrows aligned as indicated on the housing, and reinsert the tray.
7. Reinstall the access door, lift the glove box back into place, and reattach the damper cord.

This process generally takes 5–10 minutes. No electronic reset is required beyond clearing any Maintenance Minder subcode 2 reminder during routine service if applicable.

Signs the Filter Needs Replacement

If you’re unsure whether the filter is due, watch for these common indicators that it’s clogged or past its service life.

• Reduced airflow from vents even at higher fan speeds
• Persistent musty or stale odors when the HVAC is on
• Windows that fog more easily and clear more slowly
• Visible debris or dark, dirty filter media upon inspection
• Increased allergy irritation inside the vehicle

Any of these symptoms suggest it’s time to inspect the housing and replace the cabin filter to restore airflow and air quality.

Service Intervals and Part Options

Honda’s Maintenance Minder subcode “2” covers replacing both the engine air cleaner element and the cabin dust and pollen filter (and inspecting the drive belt). In typical driving, expect to replace the cabin filter every 12,000–15,000 miles or annually; in dusty, smoky, or high-pollen environments, replacement may be needed sooner. OEM filters are designed for proper fit and airflow; reputable aftermarket options include activated carbon (odor control) and HEPA-style (finer filtration) variants. Parts typically cost $15–$40; professional installation usually adds $30–$80.

Compatibility Across 2009–2015 Pilots

The second-generation Honda Pilot (model years 2009–2015) uses the same basic cabin filter arrangement behind the glove box. All 2013 trims—LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring—are equipped from the factory.

FAQ

Owners often have a few quick questions when planning a cabin filter replacement.

• Location: It’s behind the glove box in the HVAC housing, accessed by lowering the glove box.
• Trim coverage: All 2013 Pilot trims include the filter as standard equipment.
• Orientation arrows: If the filter is marked “UP,” the arrow should point upward in the installed position. If marked “AIR FLOW,” align the arrow with the airflow direction indicated on the housing (on the Pilot, airflow typically goes top-to-bottom).
• Reset needed: No special electronic reset is required; the Maintenance Minder subcode can be reset during routine service.

Following the proper orientation and using a well-fitting filter ensures correct airflow and quiet HVAC operation.

Summary

The 2013 Honda Pilot does have a cabin air filter, standard across all trims, mounted behind the glove box and serviceable in minutes. Replace it when Honda’s Maintenance Minder calls for it—or about every 15,000–30,000 miles, sooner in harsh environments—to maintain airflow, cabin comfort, and air quality.

Where is the cabin filter in a Honda Pilot?

Out you just pull out that filter. And get your new filter which we’ll put a link to the one we purchased down below we got it off of Amazon.

How many cabin air filters does a Honda Pilot have?

There are two basic air filters in your Honda Pilot.

What are three symptoms of a clogged cabin air filter?

3 Signs Your Cabin Filter is Clogged

• There’s Little Flow. The cabin filter is, essentially, a component of the air conditioner structure in your car.
• Dust. Another sign is is that you’re seeing more than the usual amount of dust and debris inside your car.
• Less Vehicle Power.

Where is the cabin filter on a 2013 Honda Pilot?

It. Once you have that out you can pull the old filter out and insert the new one taking note of the airflow. Direction. Slide in that cabin filter assembly until you hear the two tabs.