Where to Find the Air Filter in a Hyundai Accent

The engine air filter in a Hyundai Accent is located inside a black plastic air filter box in the engine bay, typically on the driver’s side near the front of the vehicle, while the cabin air (A/C) filter is usually located behind the glove box inside the passenger compartment. These two filters serve different purposes and are accessed in different ways, but both are designed to be relatively easy for owners to inspect and replace.

Understanding the Two Main Air Filters

When drivers ask where the “air filter” is in a Hyundai Accent, they are usually referring to one of two components: the engine air filter, which protects the engine from dust and debris, or the cabin air filter, which cleans the air entering the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. The exact layout can vary slightly by model year and market, but the general locations and access methods have been consistent across recent Accent generations.

Engine Air Filter Location in a Hyundai Accent

The engine air filter is part of the intake system. Its job is to prevent dust, sand, leaves and other contaminants from entering the engine cylinders, where they could cause premature wear or sensor problems. In nearly all late-model Hyundai Accents (roughly mid-2000s through the final Accent generation sold through early 2020s in many markets), this filter sits inside a rectangular or square plastic housing in the engine bay.

Typical Location in the Engine Bay

On most Hyundai Accent models from about 2006 onward (including 2012–2017 and 2018–2022 generations), the air filter box is located at the front or front‑left (driver’s side in left-hand‑drive markets) of the engine compartment. If you open the hood and stand in front of the car:

This list details the visual cues that help you identify the engine air filter box when you open the hood of a Hyundai Accent.

• Look for a large, black plastic box, often rectangular, with several metal clips or screws holding its lid in place.
• A wide plastic intake tube or snorkel typically runs from this box toward the engine’s throttle body.
• Another duct often points toward the front grille, allowing outside air to feed into the box.
• The box is usually mounted on top of, or just ahead of, the battery on some model years, or slightly inboard from the driver’s side fender on others.
• Near the box, you may see mass airflow or intake air temperature sensors attached to the intake tube.

Taken together, these visual markers make it relatively simple to confirm you have found the air filter housing, even if your specific Accent’s under‑hood layout differs slightly by year or engine option.

Accessing the Engine Air Filter

Hyundai designed the engine air filter to be serviceable without specialized tools on many trims. The exact fastening method can vary, but the principle remains the same: you remove or loosen the lid of the box and lift out the filter element.

This list explains the general steps involved in accessing the engine air filter in most Hyundai Accent model years.

• With the engine off and cool, open the hood and prop it securely.
• Locate the air filter box as described above.
• Release the metal clips or remove the screws/bolts that secure the top cover of the box.
• Lift the lid gently; you may need to flex an attached intake hose slightly without forcing it.
• Pull the rectangular paper filter element straight out of the housing.
• Visually inspect the filter; if it appears clogged, dark, or heavily dusty, it is typically time to replace it.

Although these steps are broadly applicable, owners should always cross-check the procedure in the vehicle’s specific owner’s manual, which reflects exact hardware and layout differences among years and markets.

Differences by Model Year

While the basic location—front area of the engine bay, connected to the intake—has remained consistent, tiny differences exist between generations:

This list outlines how the engine air filter box location and design can vary slightly across different Hyundai Accent generations.

• Early 2000s models (circa 2000–2005): The box may sit more centrally in the bay, with a prominent intake tube leading across the engine.
• 2006–2011 generation: The housing is generally to one side (often driver’s side), with a fairly tall rectangular box and multiple clips.
• 2012–2017 generation: The filter box is usually low and wide, near the front-left section; some models integrate resonance chambers into the intake tube.
• 2018–2022 generation (where sold): The box remains close to the front of the bay, with a flatter, more compact lid design and improved airflow ducting.
• Market-specific variants: In some countries, different engine sizes or emissions equipment may slightly shift the box location, but it is still easy to recognize by the large intake tube and clamped lid.

Despite these generational shifts, owners will always find the engine air filter within a plastic airbox tied directly into the main intake hose leading toward the engine.

Cabin Air Filter (A/C Filter) Location in a Hyundai Accent

In addition to the engine air filter, the Hyundai Accent is equipped—on most modern trims—with a cabin air filter that cleans the air flowing through the A/C and heater vents. This filter traps dust, pollen and other fine particles, improving interior air quality. Its location is separate from the engine bay and is typically behind the glove box on the passenger side.

Typical Location Behind the Glove Box

On most Hyundai Accent models from the mid-2000s onward, the cabin air filter sits in a vertical slot behind the glove box door, accessible from inside the passenger compartment. To reach it, the glove box must usually be lowered beyond its normal open position.

This list describes the main clues that indicate where the cabin air filter is located in a Hyundai Accent’s dashboard area.

• The filter housing is usually behind the glove box on the passenger side.
• When the glove box is lowered fully, a rectangular plastic cover on the HVAC housing becomes visible.
• The cover often has small tabs on each side that you squeeze to remove.
• Behind this cover, you will find a slide-in rectangular filter element, similar in size to a paperback book.
• Some models have basic labeling or arrows on the housing indicating “AIR FLOW” direction for proper installation.

Recognizing these features helps confirm you have located the cabin filter slot rather than unrelated electrical or airbag components inside the dashboard.

Accessing the Cabin Air Filter

Hyundai generally allows owners to replace the cabin filter without removing the dashboard; the glove box simply swings down farther than usual. A few small parts—such as stoppers or a damper cord—may need to be unhooked, but the procedure remains straightforward.

This list summarizes the general steps to reach and replace the cabin air filter in most Hyundai Accent models.

• Open the passenger-side glove box and remove any contents.
• Look for small plastic stoppers or side tabs that limit how far the glove box can open; gently press or unclip them so the glove box can swing down farther.
• On some models, detach a small damper cord from the side of the glove box to allow more movement.
• Once the glove box is lowered, locate the rectangular cabin filter access cover on the HVAC housing.
• Press the tabs on each side of the cover and pull it off to expose the filter.
• Slide the old filter straight out, noting the “air flow” direction arrow printed on it.
• Insert the new filter in the same orientation, replace the cover, and then reattach the glove box to its stops and damper.

While these instructions match the design of most late-model Accents, drivers should review the relevant section of their owner’s manual or a verified service guide to confirm any slight variations in hardware or sequence.

Why Knowing Filter Locations Matters

Finding and servicing both the engine and cabin air filters can have noticeable effects on how a Hyundai Accent drives and feels. A clogged engine air filter can reduce performance and fuel efficiency by restricting airflow, while a dirty cabin filter can weaken A/C output and leave unpleasant odors in the interior. Locating these components accurately is the first step in performing simple, cost-saving maintenance at home.

Signs Your Filters May Need Attention

In everyday driving, filters can become dirty faster than expected, especially in dusty or polluted environments. Recognizing the symptoms helps owners know when to inspect those locations under the hood and behind the glove box.

This list highlights common warning signs that suggest you should locate and check your Hyundai Accent’s air filters.

• For the engine air filter: Noticeable loss of power, sluggish acceleration, or decreased fuel economy.
• For the engine air filter: Visual inspection showing a dark, heavily dust-coated filter surface.
• For the cabin air filter: Reduced airflow from dashboard vents even at the highest fan setting.
• For the cabin air filter: Persistent musty or dusty odors when the A/C or heater is running.
• For either filter: Driving frequently on unpaved roads, in construction zones, or in heavy smog, which accelerates contamination.

By recognizing these hints and knowing exactly where the filters sit, Hyundai Accent owners can act quickly to maintain performance, comfort and air quality.

Summary

In a Hyundai Accent, the engine air filter is located in a black plastic air filter box in the engine bay—usually near the front on the driver’s side—connected directly to the intake hose leading to the engine. The cabin air filter, which cleans the air entering the HVAC system, is typically installed behind the passenger-side glove box, inside a rectangular slot on the HVAC housing. Although exact hardware and placement can vary slightly across model years and markets, these general locations have remained consistent, making both filters relatively easy to find and service with the help of the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

How many air filters does a Hyundai Accent have?

There are two first air filters in your 2022 Hyundai Accent. The engine air filter is located in the engine bay and is used to filter out adverse and hazardous particles that may cause damage to your vehicle’s engine.

Where is the cabin air filter on a 2012 Hyundai Accent?

It on the inside of the glove box are two fasteners unscrew the fastener by turning counterclockwise. And then pull out to remove. It then repeat for the other. Side.

How to replace engine air filter Hyundai accent?

There. So just lift up the cover. And slide it out of there slightly. That is good now. It’s clear from both those tabs. That is good now we can lift up the cover a lot more.

What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Accent?

Hyundai Accent Common Problems and Solutions

• Boot leak. Problem: If you find that the boot is leaking water on your car, then the boot seal is likely to be faulty.
• Engine management warning light/rough idling. Problem:
• Electric window problems. Problem:
• Wing mirrors rusting. Problem: