Where to Find the Air Filter in a 2013 Hyundai Elantra

The engine air filter in a 2013 Hyundai Elantra is located inside the black plastic air filter box (air cleaner housing) in the engine bay, on the driver’s side, just behind the headlight and next to the battery. This article explains exactly where to look, how to recognize the correct cover, and how it differs from the cabin air filter inside the vehicle.

Understanding the Two Main Air Filters in a 2013 Hyundai Elantra

When drivers ask where the “air filter” is, they usually mean the engine air filter—but the 2013 Hyundai Elantra actually has two important filters: an engine air filter and a cabin air (pollen) filter. Knowing the difference helps you locate the right component and avoid pulling apart the wrong section of the car.

Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter

The 2013 Elantra uses separate air filters for the engine and for the passenger compartment. Both are serviceable at home with basic tools, but they’re located in very different places and serve different purposes.

The list below outlines the two main filters in a 2013 Elantra and what they do, so you can quickly confirm which one you’re trying to find.

• Engine air filter – Cleans the air that goes into the engine for combustion. It sits in a black plastic box in the engine bay on the driver’s side, behind the headlight and near the battery.
• Cabin air filter – Cleans the air entering the interior through the HVAC system. It is located behind the glove box inside the cabin.

Understanding this distinction is important because the engine air filter affects performance and fuel economy, while the cabin air filter affects interior air quality and HVAC efficiency—and they are accessed in completely different areas of the vehicle.

Exact Location of the Engine Air Filter in a 2013 Hyundai Elantra

The engine air filter is housed in a rectangular black plastic box with clips or screws, connected to a large intake hose running to the engine’s throttle body. On the 2013 Elantra, this assembly is easy to identify once you know where to look.

Where to Look Under the Hood

The engine air filter is found in the engine compartment on the driver’s side. To reach it, you must open the hood using the interior hood release and then the safety latch on the front edge of the hood.

The steps below describe how to visually locate the air filter housing without taking anything apart, so you can be sure you’re looking at the right component.

1. Open the hood – Pull the hood release lever inside the car (usually low on the driver’s side, near the kick panel), then lift the hood slightly and release the secondary latch at the front center of the hood.
2. Secure the hood – Use the hood prop rod if your Elantra is not equipped with hood struts, placing it into the designated slot on the underside of the hood.
3. Stand in front of the vehicle – Face the engine bay with the front bumper directly in front of you.
4. Look to the driver’s side (left side as you face the car) – Find the car’s 12V battery; it is a rectangular box with thick red and black cables attached to the top.
5. Locate the black plastic box near the battery – Just ahead of or slightly toward the center from the battery is a large, flat, rectangular black plastic box; this is the air filter housing (also called the air cleaner box).
6. Confirm by finding the intake tube – A large plastic or rubber tube should run from this box toward the engine; if you follow it, it leads to the throttle body/intake manifold. This confirms you’ve found the air filter housing.

Once you’ve identified the air filter housing using these visual cues, you know exactly where the engine air filter sits: directly inside that rectangular box, under its top cover.

Appearance of the Air Filter Housing

The housing on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is designed to be unmistakable once you’re familiar with typical engine layouts. It sits relatively high in the engine bay and is designed for quick access during routine maintenance.

The points below describe what the air filter housing looks like, so you can distinguish it from the fuse box or other plastic covers in the engine bay.

• Shape – Generally a flat, rectangular black plastic box, wider and flatter than the battery, with a removable top cover.
• Clips or screws – The top cover is held in place by metal clips, plastic tabs, or Phillips screws around the edges.
• Connected intake duct – One side connects to a large intake hose leading to the engine; another side may connect to a snorkel or duct leading toward the front grille where fresh air enters.
• Not the fuse box – The fuse/relay box is usually marked “FUSE” or with electrical symbols and has smaller covers; the air box is larger and tied directly to the intake tube.

By matching these visual details, you can confidently distinguish the air filter housing from other plastic components and avoid removing the wrong cover under the hood.

How the Engine Air Filter Is Positioned Inside the Housing

Inside the air filter housing, the filter element itself is a rectangular, pleated paper filter, framed in rubber or plastic. It sits flat in the housing, sealing tightly around the edges to ensure that all intake air passes through the filter media.

The list below explains how the air filter is typically oriented and seated, which is helpful when you inspect or replace it to ensure proper reinstallation.

1. Flat orientation – The filter lies flat horizontally inside the box, with the pleats running across the wide dimension.
2. Sealed edges – A rubber gasket around the edge of the filter presses against the housing to prevent unfiltered air from bypassing the element.
3. Correct side up – While many designs can only fit one way, ensure the filter sits snugly in the recess without bending or folding.
4. Unobstructed fit – Wires or hoses should not be pinched between the housing cover and the filter; the cover should close cleanly without force.

Knowing how the filter sits in the box helps you verify that it’s installed correctly, which is crucial for proper engine protection and airflow.

Locating the Cabin Air Filter (If That’s What You Meant)

Some owners confuse the engine air filter with the cabin air filter, which affects the air quality inside the car but has nothing to do with engine performance. If you’re looking to improve the air from the vents or fix a musty smell, you probably want the cabin air filter instead.

Cabin Air Filter Location in a 2013 Elantra

The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. Accessing it involves dropping the glove box down and removing a small rectangular access panel.

The following points describe where and how the cabin filter is positioned, providing context if you intend to service it along with, or instead of, the engine air filter.

• Behind the glove box – Open the glove box; the filter compartment is directly behind it, inside the dashboard.
• Glove box stops – The glove box typically needs its side stops or damper arm released so it can swing down further and expose the filter cover.
• Rectangular cover – A plastic rectangular access door marked for the air filter pulls off or unclips to reveal the cabin filter.
• Vertical orientation – The cabin filter slides in and out vertically, with airflow direction arrows marked on the frame.

While this filter is not in the engine bay, many owners replace both filters during the same service interval, so understanding its location complements your knowledge of the engine air filter’s position.

Why the Engine Air Filter’s Location Matters

Knowing where the engine air filter is located lets you inspect and replace it routinely without a shop visit, saving money and ensuring your engine receives clean air. A clogged filter can reduce performance, hurt fuel economy, and place extra strain on the engine over time.

Typical Service Intervals and Checks

Hyundai’s maintenance recommendations vary by driving conditions, but the air filter is generally inspected at regular intervals and replaced when dirty. Dusty or harsh environments require more frequent checks.

The list below summarizes common maintenance practices related to the engine air filter, giving context for how often you should access the air filter housing you’ve located.

1. Inspection frequency – Many technicians check the engine air filter at each oil change or at least every 12,000–15,000 miles (about 19,000–24,000 km).
2. Replacement interval – Under normal conditions, replacement is often recommended around 30,000 miles (about 48,000 km), or sooner in dusty regions.
3. Visual test – Remove the filter and hold it up to the light; if you cannot see light through much of the media or it’s visibly loaded with dirt, it’s time to replace.
4. Impact on performance – A badly clogged filter can cause reduced acceleration, rough running, or lower fuel efficiency due to restricted airflow.

By understanding these maintenance intervals and effects, the location of the air filter housing becomes more than a piece of trivia—it’s a practical point of access that helps you keep the engine running efficiently.

Summary

In a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, the engine air filter is located under the hood on the driver’s side, inside the large black plastic air filter housing situated just behind the headlight and next to the battery, with a large intake tube leading to the engine. The filter itself is a flat, rectangular element sitting inside this box, accessible by releasing the housing clips or screws. This is distinct from the cabin air filter, which is located behind the glove box inside the car. Knowing these locations allows owners to inspect and replace both filters as part of regular maintenance, improving engine performance and interior air quality.

Where is the air filter located on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

The air filter is located here disengage the fasteners lift the housing and free the tabs from their catch remove the old filter from the housing. And clean out any debris.

How to change Hyundai engine air filter?

Support. And put it right in that slot right there. Okay where is the air filter. It’s right there perfect there’s two clips one there and one there you have to undo the clips.

How many air filters does a 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?

There are two primary air filters in your 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. The engine air filter is located in the engine bay and is used to filter out adverse and dangerous particles that may cause damage to your vehicle’s engine.

What is the most common problem on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

• Drive System.
• Noises/Leaks.
• Fuel System/Emissions.
• Engine Minor.
• Transmission Minor.
• Engine Major.
• Engine Electrical.
• Engine Cooling. Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.