Does the Honda Civic Have Two Air Filters?

Yes. Most modern Honda Civics have two air filters: an engine air filter and a cabin (dust and pollen) air filter. Exceptions mainly involve older models from the 1990s that may lack a cabin filter, while some hybrid variants can include an additional battery-cooling intake screen. Below is what that means for different model years, where to find the filters, and how often to replace them.

What the Two Filters Do

Honda equips the Civic with separate filtration for the engine and the passenger compartment to ensure performance, efficiency, and interior air quality. Here’s what each filter covers and where you’ll typically find it.

• Engine air filter: Cleans the air entering the engine for combustion. It’s housed in a plastic airbox in the engine bay, usually secured by clips or screws. A clean engine air filter helps maintain power, fuel economy, and protects internal engine components.
• Cabin air filter (dust and pollen filter): Cleans outside air before it enters the HVAC system. It’s typically located behind or beneath the glove box on the passenger side. A clean cabin filter improves HVAC performance and reduces allergens and odors inside the car.

For nearly all Civics from the early 2000s onward, both filters are standard features and are considered routine maintenance items.

Model-Year and Trim Differences

Whether a Civic has both filters can depend on the generation and market. Here’s a high-level guide for U.S.-market models, which also broadly reflects many global versions.

• 1992–2000 (5th/6th gen): Generally no factory cabin air filter in the U.S.; some aftermarket retrofit kits exist.
• 2001–2005 (7th gen): Engine and cabin filters present; cabin filter typically accessed behind the glove box.
• 2006–2011 (8th gen): Both filters standard; Maintenance Minder begins guiding replacement intervals.
• 2012–2015 (9th gen): Both filters standard across trims.
• 2016–2021 (10th gen, including 1.5T): Both filters standard; locations unchanged (engine bay and behind glove box).
• 2022–present (11th gen, including 2024 Civic Hybrid): Both filters standard; hybrid models may also use a battery-cooling intake screen or filter that is inspected and cleaned as needed.

Si and Type R performance variants use the same basic locations for the engine and cabin filters, though part specifications can differ. Right-hand-drive markets may position access panels slightly differently but follow the same principles.

Recommended Replacement Intervals

Honda’s Maintenance Minder (on most 2006+ models) will prompt service, but general intervals apply across conditions. Consider your environment—dust, pollen, urban pollution, or wildfire smoke can shorten these intervals.

• Engine air filter: About every 15,000–30,000 miles (24,000–48,000 km), or when indicated by the Maintenance Minder (often subcode “2” on many models).
• Cabin air filter: About every 12,000–20,000 miles (19,000–32,000 km) or annually; sooner if you notice reduced airflow or odors.
• Hybrid battery-cooling intake screen/filter (if equipped): Inspect periodically (for example at 20,000–30,000 miles) and clean or replace per the owner’s manual.

Always defer to the owner’s manual and Maintenance Minder for your specific model and driving conditions, as they provide the most accurate guidance.

How to Tell If Your Civic Has Two Filters—and Where They Are

If you’re unsure whether your Civic has a cabin filter or want to locate both, these quick checks can help.

• Check the glove box area: Lower or remove the glove box and look for a rectangular access door—usually labeled—for the cabin filter.
• Inspect the engine bay: Locate the plastic airbox connected to the intake snorkel; the engine air filter sits inside.
• Consult the owner’s manual: It lists filter locations, service intervals, and part names (engine air cleaner element and dust/pollen filter).
• Use a parts catalog: Enter your VIN on Honda’s parts site or reputable retailers; if a cabin filter is listed, your car uses one.
• Hybrid clue: Look for a small grille or vent near the rear seat/side trim—this can be the battery-cooling intake that may have a serviceable screen.

These steps will confirm what your specific Civic is equipped with and where to access the filters without guesswork.

Symptoms of Dirty or Clogged Filters

Filters degrade gradually. Watch for these signs to avoid reduced performance or comfort.

• Engine air filter: Noticeable loss of power, rougher acceleration, reduced fuel economy, or a visibly dirty filter element.
• Cabin air filter: Weak HVAC airflow, more window fogging, persistent musty or dusty odors, or increased allergy symptoms inside the cabin.

Addressing these symptoms promptly protects the engine, keeps the interior comfortable, and can save money on HVAC or engine repairs down the road.

Costs and DIY Notes

Replacing both filters is one of the simplest and most cost-effective maintenance tasks for the Civic. Many owners handle it at home with minimal tools.

• Parts: Engine air filter typically $15–$45; cabin air filter $15–$40. HEPA or activated-carbon cabin filters cost a bit more.
• Labor: Dealerships and shops often charge $40–$120 per filter for labor. DIY can take 5–20 minutes each.
• Tips: Match the filter orientation arrows, seat the airbox lid fully, and reset any service reminders if your model supports it.

Using OEM or high-quality aftermarket filters ensures proper fit, filtration, and airflow—especially important on turbocharged models.

Summary

In practical terms, yes—the Honda Civic typically has two air filters: an engine air filter and a cabin air filter, standard on most models from 2001 onward. Older 1990s Civics may lack the cabin filter, while some hybrids add a battery-cooling intake screen. Replace the engine filter roughly every 15,000–30,000 miles and the cabin filter every 12,000–20,000 miles (or as prompted by the Maintenance Minder) to maintain performance, efficiency, and cabin comfort.

Does my car have two air filters?

Your vehicle has two common air filters: the cabin air filter and the engine air filter. Both need to be changed regularly to keep your car running in tip-top shape.

Do Honda Civics have engine air filters?

FRAM provides a comprehensive selection of engine air filters designed for HONDA CIVIC. Select a model year on this page to find an engine air filter that exactly matches your HONDA CIVIC engine system.

How many air filters does a Honda Civic have?

A Honda Civic typically has two air filters: an engine air filter and a cabin air filter. The engine air filter cleans the air entering the engine, while the cabin air filter cleans the air circulating through the heating and air conditioning system inside the vehicle. 
This video demonstrates how to locate and remove the engine air filter on a Honda Civic: 57smunchyYouTube · Mar 1, 2024
Here’s a bit more detail:

• Engine Air Filter: . Opens in new tabThis filter is located in the engine compartment and its primary function is to protect the engine by trapping dirt, dust, and other debris that could cause damage. 
• Cabin Air Filter: . Opens in new tabThis filter is typically found in the passenger compartment, often under the dashboard or glove box. Its job is to filter out dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants that can affect the air quality inside the vehicle. 

This video shows how to replace the cabin air filter on a Honda Civic: 57sTurbo KitchenYouTube · May 19, 2025

Why do I have two air filters?

Your central air system has two filters to enhance air quality and protect the system. One filter is usually located in the furnace to protect the internal components, while the other is in the return vent to trap larger particles before the air enters the HVAC system.