How Many Filters Does a 2012 Honda Civic Have?

Most 2012 Honda Civics (gasoline models, including the Si) have three user‑replaceable filters: the engine oil filter, the engine air filter, and the cabin dust/pollen (cabin air) filter. In addition, there’s a fuel filter integrated into the in‑tank fuel pump module and an internal transmission filter/screen that are not routine service items. Hybrid and Natural Gas variants add model‑specific filtration details, which can change the count.

What “how many filters” really means for a 2012 Civic

The answer depends on whether you’re counting only routine, owner‑serviceable filters or every filter present in the vehicle, including internal or lifetime components. It also varies slightly by trim (gasoline, Si, Hybrid, and Natural Gas).

Gasoline (1.8L) and Si (2.4L) models

For the mainstream 2012 Civic lineup—the 1.8‑liter gasoline models and the 2.4‑liter Si—the commonly serviced filters are three: engine oil, engine air, and cabin air. The fuel filter is built into the fuel pump module in the tank, and the automatic transmission has an internal strainer; neither is typically replaced as part of normal maintenance.

Hybrid

The 2012 Civic Hybrid also uses three primary serviceable filters (engine oil, engine air, cabin air). Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses fluid changes rather than an external, replaceable filter. The hybrid battery cooling intake has a screen/ducting that may be cleaned if dusty, but it is not generally treated as a routine replace‑and‑discard filter element in the maintenance schedule.

Natural Gas (Civic GX)

The 2012 Civic Natural Gas model includes at least one additional serviceable high‑pressure CNG fuel filter (often referred to as a coalescing filter) in the fuel system, bringing the number of serviceable filters to four for that variant. Replacement intervals and exact component configuration can vary by market and should be confirmed in the Natural Gas supplement to the owner’s manual.

The routine, owner‑serviceable filters on most 2012 Civics

Here are the filters you’ll typically replace in normal maintenance on gasoline and Hybrid models, with where they are and how they’re serviced.

• Engine oil filter: Spin‑on filter mounted on the engine block; replaced at each oil change per the Maintenance Minder (subcode A or B).
• Engine air filter (air cleaner element): Housed in the airbox under the hood; replaced when Maintenance Minder subcode 2 appears (often around 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty conditions).
• Cabin dust/pollen filter: Located behind the glove box; replaced with Maintenance Minder subcode 2 (commonly around 30,000 miles, more frequently if air quality is poor).

These three items cover the filters most owners will actually touch over the life of the vehicle. Following the Maintenance Minder ensures you change them at the correct intervals for your driving conditions.

Filters that exist but aren’t routine service items

Beyond the three commonly replaced filters, your 2012 Civic includes other filtration components designed to last the life of the part or be serviced only with major repairs.

• Fuel filter (gasoline models): Integrated into the in‑tank fuel pump module; not listed as a periodic maintenance item.
• Transmission filter/screen: Internal to the automatic transmission (gasoline) or CVT (Hybrid); not routinely replaced. Fluid changes are done per the Maintenance Minder.
• EVAP system filters/charcoal canister: Part of the emissions system; not normally serviced unless there’s a fault.
• Hybrid battery cooling intake screen (Hybrid): Cleaned if necessary; not typically a scheduled replacement item.
• CNG fuel filter(s) (Natural Gas model): Dedicated high‑pressure filter(s) for the CNG system; serviceable and replaced per the Natural Gas maintenance schedule.

While these components perform filtration, they are either internal “lifetime” parts or serviced only under specific conditions, which is why they’re usually excluded from the everyday filter count.

How to confirm what your Civic has

To be certain about your exact filter complement and service intervals, use the following quick checks.

• Owner’s manual and (if applicable) the Natural Gas or Hybrid supplement: Lists serviceable filters and Maintenance Minder codes.
• Maintenance Minder on the dash: Subcode 2 indicates engine air and cabin filter replacement; A/B indicates oil and oil filter.
• VIN/trim verification: Confirms whether you have gasoline, Si, Hybrid, or Natural Gas.
• Service information by market: Some regional specifications differ; dealers can print the maintenance schedule for your VIN.

These steps remove guesswork and align your maintenance with Honda’s official guidance for your exact model and market.

Bottom line

For the vast majority of 2012 Honda Civics on the road (gasoline and Si), you’re looking at three routine, replaceable filters: engine oil, engine air, and cabin air. Hybrids follow the same pattern, while the Natural Gas model adds a serviceable CNG fuel filter. Other filters exist but are internal or not part of regular maintenance.

Summary

Most 2012 Honda Civics have three user‑replaceable filters (engine oil, engine air, cabin air). There’s also an in‑tank fuel filter and an internal transmission filter that aren’t regularly serviced. The Hybrid keeps the same three serviceable filters, and the Natural Gas (Civic GX) adds a serviceable CNG fuel filter. Always follow the Maintenance Minder and your specific owner’s manual for exact intervals.

Where is the cabin filter in a 2012 Honda Civic?

The 2012 Honda Civic’s cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. To access it, open the glove box, push in on the sides to release it, and lower it down. The filter housing cover will then be visible and can be opened by unclipping it. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. 1. Open the glove box: First, open the glove box in your 2012 Honda Civic. 
2. 2. Release the glove box: Locate the sides of the glove box and push them inward to release it from its stops. It should lower down, revealing the area behind it. 
3. 3. Locate the filter housing cover: You’ll see a cover behind the glove box. This is where the cabin air filter is housed. 
4. 4. Remove the cover: The cover has clips on either side. Push these clips in to detach the cover and remove it. 
5. 5. Replace the filter: The cabin air filter will now be visible. Note the direction of the airflow arrow (usually pointing downwards) on the old filter and remove it. Insert the new filter, ensuring the airflow arrow is facing the correct direction. 
6. 6. Reinstall the cover and glove box: Attach the filter housing cover and close the glove box by pushing it back into place until it clicks. 

Where is the engine filter on a 2012 Honda Civic?

Three. Now it is a bit of a tight squeeze. But you are going to be able to just lift this up till it hits the top cal. And then you can feed out the engine air filter. Like that.

How many filters does a Honda Civic 2012 have?

There are two main air filters in your 2012 Honda Civic. The engine air filter is located in the engine bay and is used to filter out harmful particles that may cause damage to your vehicle’s engine.

How many filters are in a Honda Civic?

two air filters
The typical Honda comes with two air filters, as described above.