How Many Air Filters Does a 2020 Honda Civic Have?

The 2020 Honda Civic has two air filters: one engine air filter and one cabin (dust and pollen) air filter. This applies across the lineup—including sedan, coupe, hatchback, Si, and Type R—though the exact filter shapes may vary by engine and body style. Understanding what each filter does, where it’s located, and when to replace it can help you keep your Civic running efficiently and your cabin air clean.

What the Two Filters Do—and Where They’re Located

The Civic’s air filtration is split between the powertrain and the HVAC system. Below is a breakdown of the two filters, their functions, and typical locations owners will encounter during routine maintenance.

• Engine air filter: Cleans the air entering the engine to protect internal components and ensure proper combustion. Location: Inside the air box under the hood (passenger side on most trims); it’s a rectangular/panel-type element.
• Cabin (dust and pollen) air filter: Filters the air entering the HVAC system to remove dust, pollen, and debris for occupants. Location: Behind the glove box; accessed by dropping the glove box and removing the filter tray.

Together, these two filters handle engine health and cabin comfort. While materials and dimensions can differ by trim (for example, Type R uses a different engine filter size), the count remains the same: one engine air filter and one cabin air filter.

Service Intervals and Maintenance Minder Tips

Honda’s Maintenance Minder system helps time replacements based on driving conditions. If you prefer mileage-based guidance, these typical ranges apply for the 2020 Civic under normal use.

• Engine air filter: Commonly replaced around 30,000 miles (48,000 km), sooner in dusty environments. The Maintenance Minder sub-code “2” generally indicates it’s time to replace the engine air cleaner element.
• Cabin air filter: Often replaced around 15,000–30,000 miles (24,000–48,000 km) or about once a year, depending on conditions. The same sub-code “2” typically covers the dust and pollen filter.

Actual intervals can vary with climate and driving conditions. Trust the Maintenance Minder if it appears earlier than the mileage estimates, and replace filters sooner if you notice symptoms of restriction or odors.

Signs It’s Time to Replace

If you’re between service intervals, these indicators can help you decide whether to change a filter early.

• Engine air filter: Reduced acceleration, rough idle, or visibly dirty/darkened filter media.
• Cabin air filter: Weak HVAC airflow, persistent odors, increased window fogging, or excessive dust in the interior.

Catching these signs early helps maintain fuel economy, performance, and cabin air quality without waiting for a scheduled service.

Do Any Trims Have More Than Two Filters?

No. Whether it’s a 2.0L non-turbo, 1.5L turbo (including Si and hatchback), or the Type R, the 2020 Civic uses one engine air filter and one cabin air filter. Some owners may choose activated charcoal cabin filters for odor control, but that’s still a single cabin filter, not an additional unit.

Summary

The 2020 Honda Civic uses two air filters: one engine air filter under the hood and one cabin air filter behind the glove box. Expect to replace the engine filter around 30,000 miles and the cabin filter between 15,000 and 30,000 miles, or as indicated by Honda’s Maintenance Minder. Replacing both on schedule preserves engine efficiency and keeps your cabin air clean.

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

Where is the air filter located on a Honda Civic?

The other thing you’re gonna notice when you put this back. Together. Here I need to go into so make sure when you put the housing back on that those line up pull out the new air filter. Now.

Where is the cabin air filter located in a 2020 Honda Civic?

So there’s little tabs. On each side. Um that you just got to kind of feel. For. So there’s the one on the left. There’s the same one on the same side on the right.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Honda Civic?

Common problems for the 2020 Honda Civic include electrical system issues such as infotainment glitches and malfunctioning body control modules, engine performance problems like rough idling and a check engine light, Brake issues, particularly warp-prone rotors and a recall on certain models, and transmission issues, with some models potentially affected by fuel pump problems from a recall. 
Electrical & Infotainment Issues 

• Software Glitches: Some owners experience problems with the infotainment system, including freezing, Bluetooth issues, and problems with CarPlay.
• Malfunctioning Components: Issues have been reported with the body control module and instrument cluster.

Engine & Fuel System Problems

• Check Engine Light: A check engine light can illuminate due to various reasons, including emissions system components, sensors, or a catalytic converter. 
• Carbon Buildup: Carbon buildup on intake valves can lead to rough idling and hesitation. 
• Fuel Pump Issues: A recall affected 2017-2020 Civic Si models due to a manufacturing defect that could cause the fuel pump to fail. 

Brake Problems

• Warped Rotors: Owners have reported warped front brake rotors, leading to vibrations when braking. 
• Recall: A safety recall was issued for certain 2020 Honda models, including some Civics, due to a potential loss of brake function. 

Transmission & Clutch Problems

• General Transmission Issues: Like any vehicle, the Civic is not immune to transmission problems. 
• Clutch Problems (Si models): For the Civic Si, adding more power through performance upgrades can sometimes lead to clutch slippage. 

Other Common Issues

• Hood Release Cable: The hood release cable can break at the handle. 
• Wiper Motor Failure: The windshield wiper motor can fail, preventing the wipers from parking correctly. 
• Steering System Issues: Some owners have reported problems with steering, including vibrations and a feeling of looseness.