Who Makes Honda’s Oil Filters?

Honda sells “Honda Genuine” oil filters; the actual manufacturers behind those OEM filters are primarily Toyo Roki/Filtech (Japan) and FRAM/Fram Filtration (First Brands Group) in North America, with Mahle/Tennex and Denso supplying certain regions and applications. In other words, the brand you buy is Honda Genuine, but the company that builds the filter varies by market and model.

Why the Box Says Honda but the Maker Varies

Like most automakers, Honda specifies performance standards—filtration efficiency, flow, bypass pressure, durability—and then contracts multiple tier-one suppliers to build filters to those specs. The can typically carries Honda branding and a Honda part number, while the fine print or country-of-origin clues point to the manufacturing partner. This dual-branding approach allows Honda to source locally for different markets without changing the customer-facing brand.

The Main OEM Suppliers Behind “Honda Genuine” Filters

The following list outlines the principal companies known to manufacture Honda Genuine oil filters, along with where you’re most likely to encounter them and relevant background on each supplier.

• Toyo Roki/Filtech: Longtime Honda supplier, especially for Japan-built filters and historic “A01” variants. Often associated with higher-capacity canisters used on many legacy Honda/Acura engines.
• FRAM/Fram Filtration (First Brands Group): The dominant supplier for North America in recent years, notably for “A02” variants. Built to Honda’s spec and not identical to retail FRAM orange-can filters.
• Mahle/Tennex: Supplies Honda Genuine filters in some Asian markets and for select applications; Mahle is a major global filtration supplier with OE programs across brands.
• Denso: Seen on certain Honda motorcycle/power equipment and in specific regions; another established OE filtration supplier.

While packaging remains consistent with Honda’s branding, the build details—such as anti-drainback valve material, bypass valve calibration, and media type—are specified by Honda and executed by these suppliers, which is why genuine filters often differ internally from the same supplier’s retail aftermarket versions.

North America: How It’s Changed Over Time

In the U.S. and Canada, many older Honda/Acura models were long associated with Toyo Roki/Filtech-built “A01” filters. Over the past decade, Honda’s mainstream dealership supply transitioned primarily to Fram-built “A02” filters manufactured in the United States. The change was a sourcing shift, not a downgrade to retail-spec FRAM; the Honda-labeled A02 units are produced to Honda’s OE requirements. Depending on the engine family and production period, you may also see newer superseding part numbers with different sizing, but the principle remains: Honda branding on the outside, a vetted OE supplier behind it.

How to Identify a Genuine Honda Filter

Because multiple suppliers produce legitimate Honda filters, authenticity matters more than chasing a specific factory. Use the checklist below to help confirm you’re getting a genuine Honda part.

• Look for Honda/Acura Genuine Parts branding and a valid Honda part number printed on the can and box.
• Check for consistent label quality, crisp printing, and correct fonts; counterfeits often have fuzzy graphics or misspellings.
• Buy from franchised dealers or reputable retailers/distributors; avoid unusually low prices from unknown sellers.
• Match the part number to your VIN or model/engine in Honda’s catalog; Honda supersessions change over time.

If in doubt, your dealer’s parts counter can verify part numbers and sourcing for your specific model year and engine, ensuring you get a filter built to the correct OE spec.

What About Acura and Motorcycles/Power Equipment?

Acura vehicles share Honda’s supplier base under Acura/Honda Genuine branding, with part numbers specific to the application. Honda motorcycles and power equipment also use Honda Genuine filters, commonly sourced from Denso or Mahle/Tennex in addition to Toyo Roki, depending on model and region.

Bottom Line

Honda’s “brand” for oil filters is Honda Genuine, but the actual manufacturing is handled by vetted OE suppliers. Historically that has meant Toyo Roki/Filtech and, in North America today, largely FRAM/Fram Filtration for many applications, with Mahle/Tennex and Denso appearing in certain regions and product lines. Buy the correct Honda part number for your engine from a trusted source and you’ll get the intended OE specification—regardless of which supplier produced it.

Summary

Honda sells Honda Genuine oil filters built to its specifications by multiple OEM suppliers. The most common are Toyo Roki/Filtech (notably in Japan and historically in NA) and FRAM/Fram Filtration (widely in North America), with Mahle/Tennex and Denso also involved by market and application. Authenticity and the correct Honda part number matter more than the underlying factory name.

Who manufactures Honda oil filters?

Honda oil filters are primarily manufactured by Honeywell, under the FRAM brand. Specifically, the 15400-PLM-A02 and 15400-PLMA03 filters are made by Honeywell. However, some older Honda filters (like the 15400-PLM-A01) were made by Filtech. Additionally, the 15400-RTA-003 filter is manufactured by Mahle-Tennex.

Does Mobil 1 make Honda oil?

Choose Mobil 1™ motor oil for your Honda
We offer a full range of synthetic and synthetic blend motor oils to keep your engine in peak condition throughout its lifetime.

Which oil brand does Honda recommend?

Honda recommends using Genuine Honda Motor Oil or other premium synthetic oils that meet the specific viscosity grade recommended in your owner’s manual. While Genuine Honda oil is preferred, any premium brand meeting the correct viscosity (e.g., 0W-20 for many newer models) is acceptable. 
Details:

• Genuine Honda Motor Oil: Honda specifically recommends its own branded oil, which is formulated by Honda engineers for optimal performance in Honda vehicles. 
• Viscosity: The correct oil viscosity is crucial for proper engine lubrication and performance. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended viscosity (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30). 
• Other Brands: If you choose a non-Honda brand, ensure it meets the recommended viscosity and is a premium synthetic oil, according to Honda. 
• Full Synthetic vs. Synthetic Blend: While full synthetic oils offer superior performance and protection, a synthetic blend is also acceptable if it meets the viscosity requirements, according to a forum user on CivicX.com. 
• Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual is the best source for specific oil recommendations for your Honda model and engine. 

Are Honda OEM oil filters any good?

In an aftermarket filter, you can’t be confident that it’s built with the right filtering material, and that the filter won’t clog up prematurely. Honda engines have an amazing reputation for longevity. By using OEM oil filters and other parts, you can help your engine fulfill its potential.