Where to Find the Air Filter on a 2016 Honda Civic

The engine air filter on a 2016 Honda Civic is inside the black air-cleaner box in the engine bay at the front-left (driver’s side) corner on U.S. left-hand-drive models, while the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box. In right-hand-drive markets, the air box is at the front-right. Below is a practical guide to locating and accessing both filters.

Quick location guide

Here’s a concise orientation to help you identify the two filters most owners service: the engine intake air filter and the cabin (HVAC) air filter.

• Engine air filter: Under the hood, inside the rectangular black air-cleaner housing near the front-left of the engine bay (connected to the intake snorkel). Applies to both 2.0L and 1.5L turbo models.
• Cabin air filter: Inside the passenger compartment behind the glove box. Accessed by lowering the glove box and removing the filter door.

Knowing which filter you’re targeting saves time and ensures you’re opening the correct access point—under the hood for engine air, behind the glove box for cabin air.

Engine air filter: location and replacement

Where to look and what you’ll see

Open the hood and stand facing the car. On U.S. left-hand-drive Civics, look to the front-left corner of the engine bay for a rectangular black plastic box with clips and a duct leading toward the grille—this is the air-cleaner housing. In right-hand-drive versions, it sits at the front-right. The lid is typically secured by several metal spring clips; some trims may use screws.

How to access and replace the engine air filter

The following steps outline a straightforward way to inspect or replace the engine air filter using basic hand tools.

1. Shut off the engine and let it cool. Open the hood and secure the prop rod.
2. Locate the air-cleaner housing (front-left in LHD markets) and identify the retaining clips or screws around the lid.
3. Release the metal clips by hand or with a flathead screwdriver. If screws are used, remove them carefully.
4. Lift the lid slightly and hinge it open, taking care not to strain any attached sensors or hoses.
5. Slide out the old filter, noting the orientation of the pleats and airflow direction.
6. Vacuum out any debris from the airbox (avoid knocking dirt into the intake duct).
7. Insert the new filter in the same orientation, ensuring it seats flush with the gasket edges.
8. Reinstall the lid, latch the clips or reinstall screws, and confirm a snug, even seal.

Once installed, verify that no gaps exist around the lid and that all clips or screws are secure—this prevents unfiltered air from bypassing the element.

Cabin air filter: location and replacement

Where to look and what you’ll see

Sit in the passenger seat and open the glove box. The cabin filter housing sits directly behind the glove box compartment. You’ll access it by letting the glove box drop down and removing a narrow plastic door on the HVAC housing.

How to access and replace the cabin air filter

These steps cover the common glove box–drop method used on the 2016 Civic to reach the cabin filter tray.

1. Empty the glove box for easier handling.
2. Unhook the small damper cord on the right side of the glove box (gently slide it off its peg).
3. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward to clear the stops and allow it to swing down.
4. Locate the rectangular cabin filter door on the HVAC housing and release its side tabs.
5. Pull out the filter tray and note the airflow direction arrow.
6. Remove the old filter, clean out any leaves or debris, and insert the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing correctly (usually down).
7. Reinstall the tray and filter door, lift the glove box, re-engage the side stops, and reattach the damper cord.

After reassembly, run the fan briefly to confirm there are no unusual noises, which could indicate a misseated filter or trapped debris.

Helpful maintenance notes

Routine checks keep both filters performing efficiently and can improve drivability, HVAC performance, and air quality inside the cabin.

• Engine air filter interval: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) and replace roughly every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty conditions.
• Cabin air filter interval: Replace about every 12,000–15,000 miles or annually; more often if you notice reduced airflow or odors.
• Symptoms of a dirty engine filter: Reduced power, poorer fuel economy, or unusual intake noise.
• Symptoms of a dirty cabin filter: Weak HVAC airflow, fogged windows that clear slowly, or musty smells.
• Parts: Engine filters and cabin filters are widely available; check your owner’s manual or parts catalog to match your trim (2.0L or 1.5T) and ensure correct fit.

Adhering to these intervals and watching for symptoms helps prevent performance loss and maintains comfort inside the vehicle.

Summary

On the 2016 Honda Civic, the engine air filter sits in the air-cleaner box at the front-left of the engine bay in left-hand-drive models (front-right in right-hand-drive), and the cabin air filter is behind the glove box. Both are accessible with basic tools and can be replaced in minutes by following the steps above.

What are the symptoms of a bad air filter in your car?

Symptoms of a dirty car air filter include poor acceleration, reduced fuel economy, a check engine light, black smoke or fuel smell from the exhaust, and unusual engine noises like sputtering or coughing. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing the engine to run with too much fuel, which can also lead to engine misfires, a rough idle, and damage to spark plugs.
 
Performance & Engine Issues

• Poor engine performance: The engine may feel sluggish and struggle to accelerate. 
• Reduced horsepower: You may notice a decrease in your vehicle’s overall power. 
• Engine misfires: The engine might stutter or miss a beat, leading to rough running or stalling. 
• Unusual engine noises: Listen for coughing, popping, sputtering, or vibrating sounds from the engine. 
• Rough idle: The engine may run unevenly, especially when at a standstill. 

Fuel & Emissions Problems

• Poor fuel economy: The engine works harder to compensate for restricted airflow, consuming more fuel. 
• Strong fuel smell: You might notice a gasoline smell, especially when starting your car. 
• Black smoke or soot from the exhaust: Incomplete combustion due to lack of air can result in dark exhaust fumes. 

Other Indicators 

• Check Engine Light: . Opens in new tabThe restricted airflow can trigger a sensor, causing the light to illuminate. 
• Visibly dirty filter: . Opens in new tabIf you can’t see light through the filter’s pleats, it’s likely clogged and needs replacing. 
• Damaged spark plugs: . Opens in new tabSoot from incomplete combustion can cover spark plugs, preventing them from firing properly. 

If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to check your engine air filter and replace it if it appears dirty, as this is a relatively easy and inexpensive maintenance task that can restore performance and fuel efficiency.

Where is the cabin air filter located in a 2016 Honda Civic?

Down. And your filter is exposed now gently pull that out as you can see it’s pretty dirty. All you have to do is pop in the new filter. The only thing you need to worry about is the airflow.

Where is the air filter in a Honda Civic?

Take your new one make sure it’s facing the right direction and because it has this cutout you really can’t put it on backwards. Anyway. But make sure it is seated fully so that this seal.

How many air filters does a 2016 Honda Civic have?

There are two main air filters in your 2016 Honda Civic. The engine air filter is located in the engine bay and is used to filter out harmful particles that may cause damage to your vehicle’s engine.