Where is the air filter on a 2018 Honda CR‑V?

The 2018 Honda CR‑V has two air filters: the engine air filter is located in the black plastic air cleaner box in the engine bay (near the front corner and attached to the large intake tube), and the cabin air filter sits behind the glove box inside the dashboard. Knowing which one you’re looking for—and how to access it—helps with quick inspections or replacements.

Two filters, two locations

Honda equips the 2018 CR‑V with an engine air filter (for the engine’s intake air) and a cabin air filter (for the HVAC system). Both are serviceable at home with basic tools, and their locations are consistent across the 2.4L (LX) and 1.5L turbo (EX and above) trims.

Engine air filter location

Open the hood and look for a rectangular black plastic box—this is the air cleaner housing—connected to a large, ribbed intake tube. It’s positioned forward of the engine, adjacent to one of the front headlights, and is secured with metal clips and/or small bolts. The exact side can vary by engine layout, but it is always in the engine bay near a front corner and easy to spot via the intake snorkel leading to it.

How to visually identify the engine air box

The following points help you confirm you’ve found the engine air filter housing before you open anything under the hood.

• Rectangular black plastic box with a removable lid.
• Large intake tube (snorkel) attached to the side of the box.
• Secured by spring clips and/or small Phillips/10 mm fasteners.
• Located near the front of the engine bay, close to a headlamp area.

Once you’ve matched these cues, you can be confident you’re at the engine air filter housing and not another component like the fuse box or battery cover.

Quick access steps for the engine air filter

These steps outline how to open the air cleaner housing and inspect or change the engine air filter safely.

1. Turn off the engine and let hot components cool.
2. Release the spring clips (or remove the small bolts) holding the air box lid.
3. Lift the lid slightly and note how the existing filter is seated.
4. Pull the old filter straight up/out; wipe out any debris in the box.
5. Install the new filter with the rubber gasket facing up to the lid (match orientation).
6. Re-seat the lid and re‑latch clips or reinstall bolts securely.

Reassembling carefully ensures a proper seal, which is critical to prevent unfiltered air from entering the engine.

Cabin (HVAC) air filter location

The cabin air filter is behind the glove box inside the dashboard. You access it by lowering the glove box, removing a small side damper, squeezing the glove box sides inward to drop it further, and then opening the rectangular filter access panel on the HVAC case.

Access steps for the cabin air filter

Follow these steps to reach and replace the cabin dust/pollen filter without special tools.

1. Turn the ignition off and empty the glove box.
2. Detach the small damper arm on the glove box’s right side.
3. Squeeze the glove box sides inward to release the stops and let it pivot down.
4. Locate and remove the rectangular filter door on the HVAC housing.
5. Slide out the old filter; note the “AIRFLOW” arrow direction.
6. Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing in the same airflow direction; reinstall the door.
7. Reattach the glove box by reversing the steps and reconnecting the damper.

Ensuring the airflow arrow is oriented correctly maintains HVAC performance and reduces blower noise.

When to replace each filter

Honda’s Maintenance Minder typically calls for both the engine air filter and the cabin dust/pollen filter under sub‑item “2,” often around 30,000 miles, but interval timing varies with driving conditions. Inspect more frequently if you drive in dusty areas or experience reduced HVAC airflow, musty odors (cabin), or decreased engine performance (engine filter). Always follow the Maintenance Minder and the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle.

Summary

The 2018 Honda CR‑V’s engine air filter is in the air cleaner box under the hood near a front corner, attached to the large intake tube, while the cabin air filter is behind the glove box inside the dashboard. Both are straightforward to access with basic steps, and replacing them on schedule keeps your engine breathing cleanly and your cabin air fresh.

Where is the engine air filter in a Honda CR-V?

CRV. So we’re only going to need two tools an old paint brush and a DeWalt cordless vacuum. And then just one part the replacement filter with the part. Number.

How many air filters does a 2018 Honda CRV have?

There are two accessible air filters in your 2018 Honda CRV. 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.

What are the most common problems with a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Common 2018 Honda CR-V problems include engine issues like fuel pump failure and oil dilution in the 1.5L turbo engine, electrical glitches causing blank screens and warning lights, A/C system problems like warm air and leaks, and safety feature malfunctions such as spontaneous braking from the Collision Mitigation Braking System. Other issues include transmission hesitation, sticky steering, and potential keyless start malfunctions.
 
Engine & Fuel System

• Fuel Pump Failure: . Opens in new tabA major recall for the fuel pump, where the impeller can deform, leading to failure and potentially stalling or loss of power. 
• Oil Dilution (1.5L Turbo Engine): . Opens in new tabIn cold weather, unburnt fuel can seep into the oil, leading to engine wear. A software update was issued to address this, but engine wear concerns persist. 

This video explains the common issues with the 2018 Honda CR-V, including the oil dilution problem: 57sCarMaxYouTube · Jun 5, 2024
Electrical & Technology

• Infotainment Glitches: Owners have reported unresponsive touchscreens, the screen going black, and random freezing or switching between functions. 
• Warning Lights: Various warning lights, including brake and safety system errors, can illuminate due to electrical system or software issues. 
• Keyless Start Malfunctions: Difficulty starting the vehicle due to keyless push-button start problems has been reported. 

You can watch this video to see an example of a 2018 Honda CR-V with multiple warning lights on: 54sPhillip BaileyYouTube · Dec 5, 2022
Braking & Steering

• Spontaneous Braking: The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) has been known to activate without cause, leading to dangerous, unnecessary braking. 
• Sticky Steering: Some owners have experienced a sticky or loose steering wheel. 

Climate Control 

• AC Not Blowing Cold Air: Repeated A/C issues, including refrigerant leaks, faulty compressors, and malfunctioning blower motors, are common.

This video discusses some of the common issues with the AC system in the 2018 Honda CR-V, such as leaks: 52sbreaker broke23YouTube · Dec 19, 2019
Other Issues 

• Transmission Hesitation: . Opens in new tabDelayed shifts or slipping in the transmission can occur at higher mileage, possibly indicating worn components.
• Excessive Oil Consumption: . Opens in new tabAt higher mileage, some engines may show increased oil consumption, potentially from worn piston rings or valve seals.

Where is the cabin air filter located on a 2018 Honda CRV?

First open the glove box then squeeze both sides of the glove box and pull it down release the stopping arm by pushing it. Down. You should now see the cabin air filter behind the glove.