How Many Air Filters Does a 2018 Honda CR‑V Have?

The 2018 Honda CR‑V has two air filters: one engine air filter and one cabin (pollen) air filter. The engine filter protects the engine by cleaning the air entering the intake, while the cabin filter cleans the air that flows through the HVAC system into the passenger compartment.

The Two Filters and What They Do

Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter removes dust, sand, and debris from the intake air to protect the engine and maintain performance and fuel efficiency. In the 2018 CR‑V—whether equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine (EX and above) or the 2.4L naturally aspirated engine (LX)—the filter sits inside the air box in the engine bay, typically on the driver’s side. Honda’s Maintenance Minder usually calls for replacing the engine air filter around the 30,000-mile mark under normal conditions, but dusty or polluted environments can shorten that interval.

Cabin (Pollen) Air Filter

The cabin air filter traps pollen, dust, soot, and other particles before they enter the passenger area through the HVAC system. In the 2018 CR‑V, it’s located behind the glove box. Many owners replace it every 15,000–20,000 miles (or about once a year), and sooner if there’s a musty odor, reduced airflow, or heavy exposure to smoke, pollen, or dust. Carbon or HEPA-style aftermarket options can improve odor control and fine-particle filtration.

Where to Find Them

The engine air filter is inside the black plastic air box under the hood; release the clips or screws to open the lid and access the element. The cabin air filter is accessed by lowering the glove box: release the glove-box side stops and damper arm, remove the HVAC access panel, and slide the filter tray out. Despite some confusion online, the 2018 CR‑V does not have a second engine air filter; the two serviceable filters are the engine intake filter and the cabin filter.

When to Replace

Below are typical intervals and indicators for changing the 2018 CR‑V’s air filters. Always follow the Maintenance Minder on your dash and confirm with the owner’s manual based on your driving conditions.

• Engine air filter: commonly around 30,000 miles under normal conditions; inspect every 15,000 miles or at each oil change.
• Cabin air filter: commonly every 15,000–20,000 miles, or about yearly; more frequently in dusty or high-pollen areas.
• Maintenance Minder: Sub-code “2” often signals it’s time to replace both the engine air filter and the cabin dust/pollen filter.
• Symptoms: reduced engine power or MPG (engine filter), weaker HVAC airflow or odors (cabin filter) warrant earlier replacement.

Intervals vary with climate and driving environment. Severe dust, frequent idling, unpaved roads, and wildfire smoke can accelerate filter clogging.

DIY Replacement: Quick Overview

The following steps outline a basic do-it-yourself replacement. Always verify the procedure for your trim and use the correct filter size and orientation arrows.

• Engine air filter: release the air-box clips/screws, lift the lid, remove the old filter, vacuum out debris (avoid touching the mass airflow sensor), insert the new filter with the proper orientation, and secure the lid.
• Cabin air filter: open and lower the glove box by releasing the side stops and damper arm, remove the HVAC access panel, slide out the old filter, insert the new one with “airflow” arrows pointing down, reassemble.
• Typical time: 5–10 minutes for the engine filter; 10–15 minutes for the cabin filter; usually no special tools required.

If you prefer professional service, the job is quick and inexpensive at most shops. Expect parts to run roughly $15–$40 for the engine filter and $15–$50 for the cabin filter, with additional labor if installed by a dealer or service center.

Bottom Line

The 2018 Honda CR‑V uses two air filters—one for the engine and one for the cabin. Keeping both fresh helps preserve engine efficiency and ensures clean, comfortable cabin air, especially in challenging driving environments.

Summary

The 2018 CR‑V has two air filters: an engine air filter in the under-hood air box and a cabin (pollen) air filter behind the glove box. Replace the engine filter around 30,000 miles (earlier in dusty conditions) and the cabin filter every 15,000–20,000 miles or annually, or when the Maintenance Minder indicates service.

What are the most common problems with a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Common 2018 Honda CR-V problems include engine issues like fuel pump failure and oil dilution in the 1.5L turbo engine, electrical glitches causing blank screens and warning lights, A/C system problems like warm air and leaks, and safety feature malfunctions such as spontaneous braking from the Collision Mitigation Braking System. Other issues include transmission hesitation, sticky steering, and potential keyless start malfunctions.
 
Engine & Fuel System

• Fuel Pump Failure: . Opens in new tabA major recall for the fuel pump, where the impeller can deform, leading to failure and potentially stalling or loss of power. 
• Oil Dilution (1.5L Turbo Engine): . Opens in new tabIn cold weather, unburnt fuel can seep into the oil, leading to engine wear. A software update was issued to address this, but engine wear concerns persist. 

This video explains the common issues with the 2018 Honda CR-V, including the oil dilution problem: 57sCarMaxYouTube · Jun 5, 2024
Electrical & Technology

• Infotainment Glitches: Owners have reported unresponsive touchscreens, the screen going black, and random freezing or switching between functions. 
• Warning Lights: Various warning lights, including brake and safety system errors, can illuminate due to electrical system or software issues. 
• Keyless Start Malfunctions: Difficulty starting the vehicle due to keyless push-button start problems has been reported. 

You can watch this video to see an example of a 2018 Honda CR-V with multiple warning lights on: 54sPhillip BaileyYouTube · Dec 5, 2022
Braking & Steering

• Spontaneous Braking: The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) has been known to activate without cause, leading to dangerous, unnecessary braking. 
• Sticky Steering: Some owners have experienced a sticky or loose steering wheel. 

Climate Control 

• AC Not Blowing Cold Air: Repeated A/C issues, including refrigerant leaks, faulty compressors, and malfunctioning blower motors, are common.

This video discusses some of the common issues with the AC system in the 2018 Honda CR-V, such as leaks: 52sbreaker broke23YouTube · Dec 19, 2019
Other Issues 

• Transmission Hesitation: . Opens in new tabDelayed shifts or slipping in the transmission can occur at higher mileage, possibly indicating worn components.
• Excessive Oil Consumption: . Opens in new tabAt higher mileage, some engines may show increased oil consumption, potentially from worn piston rings or valve seals.

Does a 2018 CRV have a cabin air filter?

Then you can lower it cabin filter’s in this box right here press these tabs on the sides. Boom there’s the cabin filter there and go ahead and pull it right out check it. Out.

How many air filters are in a Honda CRV?

two
There are two large air filters in your Honda CRV.

Where is the air filter on a 2018 Honda CRV?

And then the airbox is going to lift up so we can remove the filter. You can either try a Phillips head screwdriver.