How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Air Filter in a Hyundai Elantra?

Replacing an engine air filter in a Hyundai Elantra typically costs between $25 and $60 in total if you do it yourself, and about $50 to $130 at a dealership or repair shop including parts and labor; a cabin air filter usually runs $20 to $40 DIY and $50 to $120 professionally, depending on model year and location. This article breaks down the typical price ranges, what factors affect them, and how to decide whether to replace the filters yourself or pay a professional.

Engine vs. Cabin Air Filter: What You’re Paying For

When people ask how much it costs to replace “the air filter” in a Hyundai Elantra, they may mean either the engine air filter or the cabin air filter, which are two different parts with different roles and prices. Understanding which one you need will help you estimate the actual cost and avoid paying for something you don’t need.

Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter cleans the air entering the engine, protecting it from dust and debris and helping maintain fuel efficiency and performance. It’s usually located in a plastic air-box under the hood and is one of the easiest maintenance items to replace.

Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through the HVAC system into the passenger compartment, trapping pollen, dust, and other allergens. It’s typically located behind the glove box in most recent Hyundai Elantra models.

Typical Cost to Replace the Engine Air Filter in a Hyundai Elantra

The engine air filter is generally the cheaper of the two to replace, especially if you handle it yourself. Prices vary by model year and where you buy the filter, but fall within a fairly predictable range in late 2024.

Parts Cost: Engine Air Filter

Engine air filter prices depend on whether you choose an OEM (Hyundai-branded) or aftermarket part, and on the specific Elantra model (standard, Turbo, N Line, hybrid, etc.).

The main price ranges for engine air filter parts are outlined below.

• OEM Hyundai filter (dealer or OEM brands): Typically $25–$45 for most 2011–2024 Elantra models.
• Aftermarket standard filter (e.g., Fram, Purolator, Bosch, Wix): Usually $15–$30 at auto parts stores or online.
• Premium/high-flow or reusable performance filter (e.g., K&N): Commonly $50–$90, marketed as reusable with periodic cleaning instead of replacement.
• Older models (pre-2011) or less common trims: Often in the same $15–$35 range, though availability may be more limited.

These ranges mean that for the typical Elantra owner who chooses a standard-quality filter, the parts cost alone for an engine air filter is usually around $20–$35, with higher prices primarily driven by OEM branding or performance designs.

Labor Cost: Engine Air Filter

Many owners replace the engine air filter themselves, but if you go to a dealer or repair shop you’ll pay for labor as well. Labor is minimal because the job is quick and straightforward.

The following ranges capture what most drivers can expect to pay for labor.

• Dealership labor: Typically $25–$60 for the job, depending on local hourly rates and how the service is bundled (e.g., as part of a larger maintenance visit).
• Independent shop labor: Often $20–$45, slightly less than dealerships in many markets.
• Quick-lube / chain service centers: Frequently $0 additional labor if combined with an oil change, but the filter itself may be marked up to $30–$50.

Because the replacement is a 5–15 minute task, shops often bundle the labor into scheduled services; effective per-job labor cost is mostly about the shop’s pricing strategy rather than actual time spent.

Total Typical Cost: Engine Air Filter

Combining parts and labor gives a realistic picture of what most owners are paying in 2024.

Below are the common total cost scenarios.

• DIY replacement with aftermarket filter: About $20–$35 total.
• DIY with OEM filter from dealer or online: Around $30–$50.
• Dealer replacement (parts + labor): Generally $60–$120, depending on region and model year.
• Independent shop replacement: Commonly $50–$100 total, sometimes less when included with other maintenance work.

For most Hyundai Elantra owners, a realistic expectation is that an engine air filter replacement will cost roughly $25–$60 if done at home or $50–$130 at a professional shop, with the higher end covering OEM parts and dealership labor rates.

Typical Cost to Replace the Cabin Air Filter in a Hyundai Elantra

The cabin air filter is similar in price to the engine air filter at the parts level, but professional replacement can sometimes run higher because of slightly more involved access behind the glove box on some model years.

Parts Cost: Cabin Air Filter

Cabin air filters come in basic paper styles and more expensive carbon or “premium” designs, and pricing reflects that difference. Hyundai also offers OEM options at higher prices than many aftermarket brands.

Here’s how cabin air filter prices typically break down.

• OEM Hyundai cabin filter: Usually $25–$40 from dealerships or OEM parts retailers.
• Aftermarket standard cabin filter: About $15–$30 at auto parts chains or online stores.
• Carbon / activated charcoal or allergen-reducing filters: Commonly $20–$40, offering extra odor and pollutant control.
• Multi-pack online deals (2–3 filters): Often $25–$50, lowering per-filter cost for long-term maintenance.

Most Elantra owners can plan on about $20–$35 for a single, good-quality cabin air filter, with premium options at the upper end of that range.

Labor Cost: Cabin Air Filter

Cabin filter replacement is usually simple, but it can take slightly longer than an engine air filter because it’s accessed through or behind the glove box. Shops therefore may charge a bit more, though major disassembly is not required on most Elantras.

Labor ranges for cabin air filter work generally fall into the following bands.

• Dealership labor: Frequently $30–$70, sometimes billed as 0.3–0.5 hours of labor.
• Independent shops: Typically $25–$60 for stand-alone service; occasionally less when done during other scheduled maintenance.
• Quick-lube / chain service centers: $0–$30 in labor on paper, but filters may be sold at a premium price.

Actual glove-box removal and filter swap often takes less than 15 minutes, so the cost to you is dictated more by the shop’s minimum labor charge and how they package maintenance services than by difficulty.

Total Typical Cost: Cabin Air Filter

When you combine parts and labor, cabin air filter replacement costs are similar in magnitude to engine air filter replacement but sometimes skew slightly higher in dealer quotes.

Common real-world scenarios for Hyundai Elantra owners include the following.

• DIY with aftermarket filter: About $20–$40 total.
• DIY with OEM or premium carbon filter: Roughly $25–$50.
• Dealer replacement (parts + labor): Often $70–$120, depending on the dealership and local labor rates.
• Independent shop replacement: Usually $60–$110 total, with some variation by city.

For budgeting purposes, most Elantra owners can assume that a cabin air filter replacement will cost around $20–$40 if done at home or approximately $50–$120 through a dealership or independent repair shop.

Factors That Affect Hyundai Elantra Air Filter Replacement Costs

While typical prices fall into the ranges above, a number of variables can push your specific bill higher or lower. Knowing these factors helps you understand quotes and decide whether they’re reasonable.

Model Year and Engine Type

Newer or less common variants—such as Elantra N, N Line, or hybrid models—may use different filters that cost slightly more or are only available from certain suppliers. In general, however, most 2011–2024 Elantra filters remain widely available and competitively priced.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

Hyundai-branded (OEM) filters tend to be at least 20–50% more expensive than quality aftermarket equivalents. Some owners prefer OEM for peace of mind, but many reputable aftermarket brands meet or exceed manufacturer standards at lower cost.

Where You Get the Work Done

Dealerships typically have higher hourly labor rates than independent shops, and both are often more expensive than a DIY approach. Quick-lube chains may offer cheaper labor but offset that by selling higher-priced filters. Regional cost-of-living differences also play a significant role.

Bundled Services vs. Stand-Alone Visit

If the filter change is part of a scheduled service (such as an oil change or major interval maintenance), the effective labor cost can be lower because much of the time is already being spent on other tasks. Stand-alone visits for a single filter replacement may attract a minimum labor charge, even for quick jobs.

Promotions, Coupons, and Online Pricing

Seasonal service specials, coupon mailers, and online discounts can reduce both parts and labor costs. Buying filters online and installing them yourself almost always provides the lowest total price, especially when using sales or multi-pack deals.

How Often Should You Replace Air Filters in a Hyundai Elantra?

Timing affects cost over the life of the car; change filters too often and you spend more than necessary, wait too long and you may hurt performance, comfort, or even components like the blower motor.

Engine Air Filter Intervals

Hyundai’s recommendations vary slightly by model year and driving conditions, but many Elantra maintenance schedules suggest inspecting the engine air filter around every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) and replacing it approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), or sooner in dusty conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Intervals

Cabin air filters are often recommended for replacement every 15,000–20,000 miles (24,000–32,000 km) or once a year, though more frequent changes may be useful in urban areas with heavy pollution, for rideshare drivers, or for owners with allergies.

Symptoms That Indicate Earlier Replacement

Real-world conditions may require attention sooner than the schedule suggests, so watching for signs of clogging is important.

Common indications that it’s time to replace an air filter include the following.

• Engine air filter: Reduced acceleration, lower fuel economy, unusual engine sounds under load, or a visibly dirty filter during inspection.
• Cabin air filter: Weak airflow from vents even at high fan settings, persistent interior odors, foggy windows that clear slowly, or a musty smell when the AC or heater starts.

Addressing these signs promptly can help you avoid secondary problems, like strained HVAC components or degraded driving comfort and efficiency.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement: Cost and Practical Considerations

Choosing between doing the job yourself and going to a shop comes down to comfort level, time, and how much you value savings versus convenience.

DIY Replacement: Pros, Cons, and Cost Impact

Both engine and cabin air filters on a Hyundai Elantra are generally considered among the easier do-it-yourself maintenance items, especially on recent model years, and most basic tools (or none) are required.

The main points to weigh when considering DIY replacement are listed below.

• Pros: Lowest total cost; often 50% or more cheaper than dealer service. You control the brand and filter type. Many online tutorials and videos show the process step-by-step.
• Cons: Requires minimal time and a willingness to open the hood or remove glove-box stops. Small chance of improper installation if instructions are ignored (like mis-seating the filter or not closing the housing fully).
• Time required: Typically 5–10 minutes for engine air filters and 10–20 minutes for cabin air filters for someone doing it the first time.
• Warranty considerations: Using a quality, correct-specification aftermarket filter normally does not void warranties in many jurisdictions, but retaining receipts and following recommended intervals is wise.

For many owners, the simplicity of the task and the moderate price of filters make DIY replacement an attractive option that can keep annual maintenance spending in check.

Professional Replacement: When It Makes Sense

Having the filters replaced at a dealership or independent shop trades higher cost for convenience and peace of mind, and may be particularly appealing for owners who prefer a single point of service or are already scheduling other work.

Key reasons to choose professional replacement can be summarized as follows.

• Convenience: Filters can be swapped during oil changes or multi-point inspections with no extra time commitment from you.
• Inspection: Technicians can spot related issues—such as rodent debris, leaves, or other contamination—in and around the filter housing.
• Record-keeping: Service records at a dealer or shop can support resale value and provide documentation for warranty coverage.
• Comfort level: Some owners simply prefer not to handle any under-hood or interior disassembly work, even minor.

In most cases, professional service raises the cost of a single filter change by roughly $30–$70 over the DIY route, meaning convenience is the main product you’re paying for rather than technical difficulty.

Budgeting Guide: What Hyundai Elantra Owners Should Expect to Pay

Translating all of the ranges into practical planning figures can help you set a realistic maintenance budget, whether you pay out of pocket occasionally or follow a strict schedule.

Typical Annual or Biannual Costs

If you drive an average of 12,000–15,000 miles (19,000–24,000 km) a year, you may be looking at replacing at least one of the filters each year, depending on conditions and personal preference.

Reasonable budget expectations for many Elantra owners look like this.

• DIY approach: Approximately $20–$40 in a typical year, or $40–$80 if changing both engine and cabin filters annually.
• Dealer or shop approach: Roughly $70–$130 in a year for one professionally replaced filter, or $120–$220 if both are done at a shop within the same 12–18 month period.
• Mixed approach: Some owners let shops replace the cabin filter but DIY the engine filter, or vice versa, to balance cost and comfort level.

These estimates assume standard filters and typical urban or suburban driving; heavy use, dusty environments, or premium filter choices will nudge totals upward accordingly.

Summary

For a Hyundai Elantra, replacing an engine air filter generally costs about $25–$60 if you buy the part and install it yourself and around $50–$130 at a dealership or independent shop when labor is included. Cabin air filter replacements typically run $20–$40 DIY and about $50–$120 professionally, depending on the filter type, model year, and regional labor rates. Costs are influenced most by part selection (OEM vs. aftermarket), where you get the work done, and whether the service is bundled with other maintenance. For owners comfortable with very basic car care, DIY replacement is an easy way to keep annual maintenance expenses low while maintaining engine performance and cabin air quality.