Where to Find the Air Filter on a 2019 Honda Civic

The 2019 Civic has two air filters: the engine air filter sits inside the black plastic airbox in the engine bay near the front corner by the driver-side headlight on left-hand-drive cars (mirrored on right-hand-drive), and the cabin air (pollen) filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. Below is a clear guide to locating—and, if needed, accessing—both.

Engine Air Filter Location

Open the hood and look for a large, rectangular black plastic box connected to the intake snorkel and a rubber hose leading to the engine. On most 2019 Civic trims (2.0L and 1.5L turbo, sedan/coupe/hatch), this “air cleaner box” sits at the front corner of the engine bay, directly behind the driver-side headlight on left-hand-drive models. On right-hand-drive models, it appears behind the passenger-side headlight. The box typically has metal clips or small bolts securing its top cover and a sensor plug on the top or side.

How to Access/Check the Engine Air Filter

The following steps outline a quick, tool-light inspection and replacement process for the engine air filter in a 2019 Civic. This helps you verify the location and condition without a full service visit.

1. Park safely, switch off the engine, and open the hood. Let hot components cool.
2. Locate the air cleaner box near the front corner of the bay (behind the headlight). Identify the clips or screws holding the lid.
3. Release the metal clips by hand or remove the screws (some versions use Phillips screws or 10 mm bolts).
4. Lift the cover slightly; you may need to free it from alignment tabs. Avoid straining any attached sensor wiring.
5. Slide out the rectangular air filter. Note its orientation for reinstallation.
6. Inspect for dirt, debris, or oil. Replace if excessively dirty; otherwise, reinstall.
7. Re-seat the filter, close the lid, and resecure the clips/bolts.

Once closed, check that all clips/bolts are secure and the intake hose and sensor connector remain properly seated. A correctly seated lid prevents unfiltered air from bypassing the element.

Cabin Air (Pollen) Filter Location

The cabin air filter is positioned in the HVAC housing behind the glove box on the passenger side. This filter cleans the air entering the interior through the vents and is separate from the engine air filter.

How to Access/Replace the Cabin Air Filter

These steps describe how to drop the glove box and reach the service panel for the cabin filter. Most owners can complete this in a few minutes without special tools.

1. Open the passenger-side glove box and remove any contents.
2. Detach the small damper arm on the right side of the glove box by sliding it off its pin.
3. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward so the stops clear the dash, then let the glove box swing down.
4. Locate the rectangular cabin filter access door on the exposed HVAC housing; press the side tabs and remove the cover.
5. Pull out the filter tray and remove the old filter. Note the “Airflow” arrow orientation (typically pointing down).
6. Insert the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing in the correct direction, slide the tray back in, and reinstall the access door.
7. Lift the glove box back into place, release the sides, and reattach the damper arm.

After reassembly, ensure the glove box opens and closes smoothly and that the damper arm is properly reconnected for controlled opening.

Ownership Notes, Intervals, and Tips

While locations are consistent across 2019 Civic variants, maintenance timing and small hardware differences can vary. These notes help you plan service and avoid common pitfalls.

• Maintenance Minder: Honda’s system often flags “Sub-Item 2” to replace the engine air filter and cabin filter together. Follow the in-cluster prompts or consult the owner’s manual.
• Typical intervals: Cabin filter every 12,000–15,000 miles (or annually), engine air filter roughly every 15,000–30,000 miles—more often in dusty conditions.
• Visual cues: Replace a filter that appears clogged, grimy, or emits musty odors (cabin filter) or if you notice reduced HVAC airflow or engine performance.
• Variants: Si, hatchback, and Type R have similar airbox locations (appearance may differ). Right-hand-drive cars mirror the engine-bay orientation.
• Parts: Use filters specified for the 2019 Civic trim/engine. Check with your VIN or manual to avoid incorrect sizing.
• DIY safety: Keep debris out of the open airbox. Don’t disconnect sensors unless necessary. Ensure proper airflow direction on the cabin filter.

Following these guidelines ensures correct filter placement and maintains both engine efficiency and cabin air quality without unnecessary trips to the shop.

Summary

On the 2019 Honda Civic, the engine air filter lives inside the black plastic airbox in the engine bay near the front corner by the headlight (driver side on LHD), and the cabin air filter sits behind the passenger-side glove box. Both are accessible in minutes with minimal tools, and replacing them at recommended intervals keeps the car breathing—and you riding—clean.

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 air filter on a 2019 Honda Civic?

And remove the old filter. Make sure the inside of the air filter housing is clear of leaves. And debris. Put your new filter in place making sure all its edges are flush with the assembly.

How many air filters does a 2019 Honda Civic have?

There are two helpful air filters in your 2019 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.

Where is the air filter located on a Honda Civic?

The other thing you’re gonna notice when you put this back. Together. Here I need to go into so make sure when you put the housing back on that those line up pull out the new air filter. Now.