How Many Cabin Air Filters Are in a Honda Accord?

Typically one. Nearly all modern Honda Accords (especially from the early 2000s through the 2025 model year) use a single cabin air filter located behind the glove box. Some late-1990s Accords use a two-piece insert that fits into one filter slot and is serviced as a single filter assembly, and a few mid-1990s models did not include a factory cabin filter in North America.

What That Means Across Model Years

Honda standardized cabin filtration on the Accord decades ago, but the exact setup varies slightly by generation. Below is a concise guide so you can match your car’s year and market to the correct configuration.

The following list summarizes the number of cabin air filters by Accord generation and notes any exceptions you should know before ordering parts or attempting a DIY replacement.

• 1994–1997 (5th gen, North America): Typically no factory cabin air filter. Some markets and trims outside North America may differ, and retrofit kits exist.
• 1998–2002 (6th gen): One cabin filter assembly, often supplied as two smaller filter elements that slide in together behind the glove box.
• 2003–2007 (7th gen): One cabin air filter, single-piece element behind the glove box.
• 2008–2012 (8th gen): One cabin air filter, behind the glove box.
• 2013–2017 (9th gen, including Hybrid): One cabin air filter, behind the glove box.
• 2018–2022 (10th gen, including Hybrid): One cabin air filter, behind the glove box.
• 2023–2025 (11th gen, including Hybrid): One cabin air filter, behind the glove box.

In practice, if your Accord is 1998 or newer, you almost certainly have one serviceable cabin air filter; if it’s 1997 or older in North America, you likely don’t have one from the factory.

Location and Access

For Accords that have a cabin filter, it sits in a horizontal tray behind the glove box. Dropping the glove box (by pressing in the sides to release the stops) exposes a small rectangular access door. The filter slides straight out; note the airflow arrows for correct orientation during installation.

Common Points of Confusion

It’s easy to mix up filter counts or types. Here are the typical misunderstandings and how to resolve them.

The following list clarifies frequent misconceptions so you can buy the right part and avoid duplicate maintenance.

• Two-piece vs. two filters: The 1998–2002 two-piece design is still one cabin filter assembly, replaced together.
• Engine air filter vs. cabin air filter: Your Accord also has an engine air filter under the hood. That’s a separate part and service from the cabin air filter.
• Dual-zone climate control: Even with dual-zone HVAC, Accords use a single cabin air filter for the cabin air stream.

By distinguishing these details, you’ll correctly identify that there’s one cabin air filter to service—regardless of HVAC features—and avoid mixing it up with the engine air filter.

When to Replace and What to Look For

Honda commonly recommends replacing the cabin air filter every 15,000–30,000 miles (24,000–48,000 km) or annually in dusty or urban environments. Your maintenance minder or owner’s manual offers the final word.

Use the following checklist to decide if it’s time to change the filter sooner than scheduled.

• Reduced airflow from vents even at high fan speeds.
• Persistent interior odors or mustiness.
• Visible debris or dark discoloration on the filter media.
• Foggy windows that clear slowly, especially in damp weather.

If you notice these symptoms, inspecting and replacing the filter can quickly restore airflow and air quality.

How to Confirm for Your Specific Accord

Check your owner’s manual for the cabin filter section, or look behind the glove box for the access door. If you’re unsure of your exact trim or market differences—especially on 1994–1997 cars—your VIN at a Honda dealer parts counter will confirm whether a filter is present and which part number you need.

Summary

A Honda Accord typically has one cabin air filter. Most models from 1998 onward include a single serviceable filter behind the glove box, with 1998–2002 cars using a two-piece insert that functions as one filter assembly. Earlier mid-1990s Accords in North America generally lacked a factory cabin filter. Verify with your manual or VIN if in doubt.

How many cabin filters are in a Honda Accord?

The typical Honda comes with two air filters, as described above. The cabin air filter will actually be located inside the front passenger area, usually under the glovebox or close to the hood of the car.

Where is the cabin air filter in a Honda Accord?

It push the bolt side of glove box inwards and let it drop. Down. And you can then remove the glove. Box you should see the cabin air filter location. Now then remove the housing. Cover.

Will a dirty cabin air filter affect the AC?

A dirty cabin air filter significantly degrades your AC’s performance by restricting airflow, forcing the system to work harder and reducing cooling efficiency. This leads to weaker air from the vents, longer cool-down times, increased fuel consumption, and can even strain components like the compressor, potentially causing costly damage.
 
This video explains the symptoms of a dirty cabin air filter and its impact on AC performance: 1mcar PROblemsYouTube · May 15, 2023
How a dirty filter affects your AC:

• Reduced Airflow: A clogged filter blocks air from flowing freely through the system. 
• Weak Air From Vents: Even with the fan on high, the air coming from the vents is noticeably weak or slow. 
• Decreased Cooling: The restricted airflow limits the AC’s ability to cool the cabin effectively, making it take longer to reach a comfortable temperature. 
• Increased Strain: Your AC system has to work much harder to compensate for the lack of airflow, which consumes more energy and can lead to reduced efficiency. 
• Potential for Damage: The extra strain on the AC compressor and other components can lead to premature wear and tear, potentially causing expensive damage over time. 

This video demonstrates how a dirty cabin air filter affects the AC system and highlights the importance of replacing it: 54sUnderhood ServiceYouTube · Jan 31, 2020
What to do:

• Check your manual: Find out if your car has a cabin air filter and where it’s located. 
• Inspect the filter: Look at the filter to see if it’s visibly dirty or clogged with dust and debris. 
• Replace it: Changing the cabin air filter is a simple, inexpensive maintenance task that can significantly improve your AC’s performance and your vehicle’s overall efficiency. 

Are there two cabin air filters?

No, most cars have one cabin air filter, not two. While some vehicles might have two slots for cabin air filters, typically only one is used for the primary filter. The other slot might be used for an optional filter, or in some cases, two filters are used in markets with higher pollution levels. Most cars will have a cabin air filter and an engine air filter. 
This video explains how to choose and install a cabin air filter: 56sHealthy Home GuideYouTube · Mar 28, 2023
Here’s a breakdown:

• Engine Air Filter: This filter cleans the air entering the engine, ensuring clean combustion. 
• Cabin Air Filter: This filter cleans the air entering the passenger compartment, typically located behind the glove box. 
• Optional or Dual-Slot Filters: Some vehicles have two slots for cabin air filters, but often only one is used. In some cases, a secondary filter (like a HEPA or activated carbon filter) might be used in the second slot for enhanced filtration, especially in areas with high pollution.