How Often Should You Change the Air Filter in a Honda Accord?

For most recent Honda Accords, replace the engine air filter about every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or when the Maintenance Minder shows subcode 2; in dusty or severe conditions, every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). The cabin (dust and pollen) filter is typically replaced every 15,000–20,000 miles (24,000–32,000 km) or annually, or when subcode 2 appears. These intervals keep performance, fuel economy, and air quality in check.

What Honda Recommends

Honda relies on its Maintenance Minder system rather than fixed mileage charts for late-model Accords (including 2018–2025). When your dashboard displays the service message with subcode 2, it indicates it’s time to replace both the engine air cleaner element (engine air filter) and the dust and pollen filter (cabin filter), and to inspect the drive belt. The Minder accounts for driving conditions and engine operating data, so it may trigger earlier if you drive in dusty areas, short-trip stop-and-go traffic, or extreme temperatures.

Typical Intervals by Driving Conditions

The following guidelines help if you prefer a mileage/time-based approach or your Maintenance Minder isn’t available. They reflect common Honda recommendations and real-world service patterns for Accords.

• Normal driving: Engine air filter every ~30,000 miles or 2–3 years; cabin filter every 15,000–20,000 miles or about once a year.
• Dusty/severe service (unpaved roads, heavy pollution, extreme heat/cold, frequent idling): Engine air filter every ~15,000 miles; cabin filter every 10,000–15,000 miles or twice a year.
• Infrequent driving/low mileage: Replace by time—engine air filter every 2–3 years; cabin filter yearly, as media can clog with moisture and debris even at low miles.
• Older Accords (pre-Maintenance Minder): Many owner’s manuals list similar intervals; when in doubt, follow 30k engine/15k cabin as a baseline and adjust for conditions.

Use these as a starting point; prioritize the Maintenance Minder alert and your owner’s manual for your specific model year and powertrain (1.5T, 2.0T, or Hybrid).

Signs It’s Time to Replace

You don’t have to wait for a service code if symptoms show up. These common indicators suggest the filters are due.

• Engine air filter: Noticeable drop in acceleration, rougher idle, or a fuel economy dip; the filter element looks dark, clogged, or oily.
• Cabin filter: Weaker HVAC airflow, persistent window fogging, musty or dusty odors, or increased sneeze/allergy symptoms in the cabin.
• Dashboard alert: Maintenance Minder with subcode 2.

If these symptoms appear early, inspect and replace as needed—especially after pollen season or dusty road trips.

How to Inspect and Replace (At a Glance)

Many owners tackle these filters at home with basic tools. Always verify the procedure in your owner’s manual for your model year.

• Engine air filter: Open the air box (usually a few clips or screws), lift the cover, remove the old filter, vacuum out loose debris, and drop in the new filter with the correct orientation. Ensure the air box seals properly when closing.
• Cabin filter: Access behind the glove box (lower it by releasing side stops), slide out the filter tray, note airflow direction arrows, swap the filter, and reinstall. Replace any broken tabs or stoppers.
• Reset: If you performed service without the Maintenance Minder prompt, don’t reset the Minder; only reset when the service code appears to keep intervals accurate.

Use OEM Honda filters or reputable aftermarket equivalents that match the exact model year; ensure correct fit and airflow direction.

Costs and Parts

Expect $20–$40 for an OEM engine air filter and $15–$35 for a cabin filter; dealership parts may cost more. Professional replacement typically adds $30–$80 labor per filter. Many dealerships bundle both under subcode 2 service, totaling roughly $60–$150 depending on region.

FAQs

These quick answers address common owner questions about Accord air filters.

• If I rarely drive, do I still need to replace them? Yes—by time: cabin yearly; engine every 2–3 years.
• Can a dirty engine filter harm the engine? It restricts airflow, reducing performance and efficiency; extreme neglect can foul sensors and increase deposits.
• What about Hybrid Accords? Intervals are generally the same; the hybrid’s engine still needs clean intake air, and the cabin filter is identical in function.
• Do premium or oiled filters extend intervals? Not reliably. Stick with OEM-style dry filters and follow Honda’s Minder or the intervals above.

When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual and follow the Maintenance Minder prompts for the most accurate timing.

Summary

Change a Honda Accord’s engine air filter about every 30,000 miles (or 15,000 in dusty driving) and the cabin filter every 15,000–20,000 miles or annually—unless the Maintenance Minder subcode 2 prompts you sooner. Watching for symptoms and using quality filters will preserve performance, fuel economy, and in-cabin air quality.

Will my car run better after changing the air filter?

Yes, changing your car’s air filter can improve your miles per gallon (MPG), particularly if the old filter is dirty or clogged. A clean air filter allows for better airflow to the engine, which can enhance combustion efficiency. This may lead to improved fuel economy and overall engine performance.

How to tell if an air filter needs replacing in a car?

A clogged air filter restricts airflow to your engine, potentially leading to reduced performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even engine damage. To determine if your air filter needs replacing, you can visually inspect it, noting its color and any visible debris. If it’s dirty, gray, or brown, or if you see dirt between the pleats, it’s likely time for a change. Additionally, monitor your car’s performance for signs like reduced acceleration, rough idling, or a lit “Check Engine” light, as these can also indicate a clogged filter. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Visual Inspection:

• Locate your air filter housing, usually near the engine. 
• Open the housing and carefully remove the air filter. 
• A clean air filter is typically white or off-white. 
• If the filter is dark gray, brown, or has visible dirt and debris between the pleats, it’s likely time for replacement. 

2. Performance Indicators:

• Reduced Acceleration: . Opens in new tabA clogged filter restricts airflow, making it harder for the engine to get the oxygen it needs for combustion, leading to sluggish acceleration. 
• Rough Idling: . Opens in new tabInsufficient airflow can also cause the engine to idle roughly, meaning it may stutter or stall at a stop. 
• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: . Opens in new tabA dirty air filter can cause the engine to work harder, leading to lower gas mileage. 
• “Check Engine” Light: . Opens in new tabThe “Check Engine” light may illuminate if the filter is severely clogged, potentially due to sensor readings related to airflow. 

3. Addressing a Dirty Filter:

• Cleaning: In some cases, you can gently tap the filter to remove loose debris or use compressed air to clean it. 
• Replacement: For most standard air filters, replacement is recommended, especially if cleaning doesn’t restore its effectiveness. 
• Consult your owner’s manual: Refer to your car’s manual for specific recommendations on air filter replacement intervals and maintenance schedules. 

By paying attention to these signs and performing regular checks, you can ensure your engine is breathing freely and performing optimally.

How much does it cost to replace the air filter in a Honda Accord?

between $51 and $76
The average cost for a Honda Accord Air Filter Replacement is between $51 and $76 but can vary from car to car.

How often should I change the air filter on my Honda Accord?

For a Honda Accord, the engine air filter should typically be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or about once a year. However, driving conditions can affect this schedule. If you frequently drive in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to replace it more often. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific recommendation for your Accord model. 
This video shows how to replace the engine air filter on a Honda Accord and when to change it: 1mGasKillsYouTube · May 12, 2019
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• General Guideline: The common recommendation is to replace the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. 
• Driving Conditions: If you drive in dusty, dirty, or high-pollen areas, it’s best to check the filter more frequently and potentially replace it more often than the general guideline. 
• Owner’s Manual: Your Honda Accord’s owner’s manual will provide the most specific recommendation for your particular model year and engine type. 
• Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect the air filter for dirt and debris. A new filter is typically white or off-white, and a dirty filter will appear gray or black. 
• Signs of a Clogged Filter: If you notice a decrease in fuel efficiency, odd engine noises, or dark smoke from the exhaust, it could indicate a clogged air filter. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check if your air filter is dirty and needs replacing: 58sWashington LifeYouTube · Nov 1, 2024
By following these guidelines and paying attention to your driving conditions, you can ensure your Honda Accord’s engine receives the clean air it needs for optimal performance and longevity.