Where to Find the Cabin Air Filter in a Honda Accord

In most Honda Accords from the late 1990s through the 2025 model year, the cabin air filter is located behind the passenger-side glove box. In practical terms, you open or lower the glove box, remove a small rectangular access panel in the HVAC housing, and slide the filter out. A few early-1990s Accords did not include a factory cabin filter, but for nearly all modern models, the glove-box area is the spot to check.

The Standard Location: Behind the Glove Box

Honda has used a consistent layout for the Accord’s HVAC system for decades, placing the cabin air filter within the blower/evaporator housing behind the glove box. Access typically involves releasing glove-box stops and a damper cord, exposing a plastic door where the filter slides in. This keeps the filter serviceable without removing major trim or disconnecting airbags.

Generation-by-Generation Notes

While the location is broadly consistent, small differences in access and filter format exist across generations. The following quick guide highlights what to expect by model year range.

• 1990–1997: Many models in this era did not come with a cabin air filter from the factory. If a filter is present (region/trim dependent), it’s still accessed from the glove-box area but may require additional trim removal. Consult the owner’s manual or a dealer for your specific VIN.
• 1998–2002 (6th gen): Behind the glove box. Often uses two smaller filter elements that slide out on trays. You’ll remove the glove-box stops/damper and the HVAC access door.
• 2003–2007 (7th gen): Behind the glove box. Typically a single filter cartridge. Squeeze the glove-box sides to drop it, detach the damper cord, remove the access cover, and slide the filter out.
• 2008–2012 (8th gen): Behind the glove box. Procedure similar to 7th gen; usually tool-free.
• 2013–2017 (9th gen, including Hybrid): Behind the glove box. Release the side stops and damper, then open the filter door and remove the cartridge.
• 2018–2022 (10th gen): Behind the glove box. Quick access by squeezing the glove-box sides; remove the small access panel to reach the filter.
• 2023–2025 (11th gen): Behind the glove box. Same general approach—drop the glove box, open the rectangular door on the HVAC housing, and slide out the filter.

Across these generations, the most notable differences are whether the car uses a single cartridge or two-piece filter and how the glove box is released. The core location—behind the glove box—remains consistent.

How to Access and Replace It (Typical Procedure)

The steps below describe the common approach used on most Accords built from the late 1990s onward. Always verify details in your owner’s manual, as clips and stops vary slightly by year and trim.

1. Park, shut off the engine, and turn off HVAC. Open the glove box and remove its contents.
2. Detach the damper cord (usually on the right side) by sliding it off its peg.
3. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward to release the side stops and let the glove box swing down. Some older models may have small screws or pins instead of flex stops.
4. Look for a rectangular plastic access door on the HVAC housing. Press the side tabs to remove the door.
5. Slide out the cabin filter. On some 1998–2002 cars, remove the first cartridge, then slide the second cartridge over and out.
6. Install the new filter with the airflow arrow oriented correctly (commonly pointing down in Accords—check markings).
7. Reinstall the access door, swing the glove box back up, reattach the damper cord, and ensure the stops engage.

Most owners can complete this in 5–15 minutes with minimal tools. Take care not to force brittle plastic tabs, especially on older vehicles.

Tools, Parts, and Practical Tips

While this is generally a tool-free job, a few items and best practices make the process smoother and help ensure correct fitment.

• Tools: A flashlight helps visibility. Some older models may need a Phillips screwdriver for glove-box screws.
• Filter type: Use a direct-fit cabin air filter for your Accord’s model year and trim. Activated carbon filters help with odors; standard paper filters focus on dust/pollen.
• Orientation: Follow the “Airflow” arrow on the filter frame. In many Accords, the arrow points downward.
• Fitment check: If a new filter binds, remove and reinsert squarely—do not crush the media.
• Sourcing: Confirm fitment via the owner’s manual, dealership, or a VIN lookup to avoid wrong-size filters.

Correct orientation and a proper seal are key to performance; a misaligned filter can reduce airflow and allow unfiltered air past the element.

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are a few situations where access or availability of a cabin filter may differ from the common pattern.

• Early 1990s Accords: Many lacked a factory cabin filter. If yours doesn’t have an access door behind the glove box, it may not be equipped.
• Right-hand-drive markets: The glove box remains on the passenger side; the filter is still behind that glove box.
• Aftermarket modifications: Audio/security accessories or prior repairs may alter access. If panels seem unusually tight, consult a service manual.

If you’re uncertain whether your specific Accord has a filter, your owner’s manual or a dealer parts department can confirm by VIN in minutes.

When to Replace the Cabin Air Filter

Replacement intervals depend on environment and driving conditions. The following guidelines help decide when service is due.

• Time/Mileage: Typically every 12–24 months or 12,000–24,000 miles (19,000–38,000 km). Dusty or urban areas may require shorter intervals.
• Symptoms: Reduced airflow, musty odors, louder blower noise, or hazy windows can indicate a clogged filter.
• Seasonal checks: Inspect before allergy season or after wildfire smoke events for best air quality.

Regular replacement protects the HVAC system, maintains airflow, and improves in-cabin air quality, especially for allergy-sensitive occupants.

Summary

For nearly all modern Honda Accords (late 1990s–2025), the cabin air filter sits behind the passenger-side glove box. Drop the glove box, open the HVAC access door, and slide the filter out—typically a quick, tool-light task. Early 1990s models may not have a factory filter, so confirm by VIN if in doubt.

Will a dirty cabin air filter affect the AC?

A dirty cabin air filter significantly degrades your AC’s performance by restricting airflow, forcing the system to work harder and reducing cooling efficiency. This leads to weaker air from the vents, longer cool-down times, increased fuel consumption, and can even strain components like the compressor, potentially causing costly damage.
 
This video explains the symptoms of a dirty cabin air filter and its impact on AC performance: 1mcar PROblemsYouTube · May 15, 2023
How a dirty filter affects your AC:

• Reduced Airflow: A clogged filter blocks air from flowing freely through the system. 
• Weak Air From Vents: Even with the fan on high, the air coming from the vents is noticeably weak or slow. 
• Decreased Cooling: The restricted airflow limits the AC’s ability to cool the cabin effectively, making it take longer to reach a comfortable temperature. 
• Increased Strain: Your AC system has to work much harder to compensate for the lack of airflow, which consumes more energy and can lead to reduced efficiency. 
• Potential for Damage: The extra strain on the AC compressor and other components can lead to premature wear and tear, potentially causing expensive damage over time. 

This video demonstrates how a dirty cabin air filter affects the AC system and highlights the importance of replacing it: 54sUnderhood ServiceYouTube · Jan 31, 2020
What to do:

• Check your manual: Find out if your car has a cabin air filter and where it’s located. 
• Inspect the filter: Look at the filter to see if it’s visibly dirty or clogged with dust and debris. 
• Replace it: Changing the cabin air filter is a simple, inexpensive maintenance task that can significantly improve your AC’s performance and your vehicle’s overall efficiency. 

What are three symptoms of a clogged cabin air filter?

3 Signs Your Cabin Filter is Clogged

• There’s Little Flow. The cabin filter is, essentially, a component of the air conditioner structure in your car.
• Dust. Another sign is is that you’re seeing more than the usual amount of dust and debris inside your car.
• Less Vehicle Power.

Where is the cabin air filter located in a Honda Accord?

It push the bolt side of glove box inwards and let it drop. Down. And you can then remove the glove. Box you should see the cabin air filter location. Now then remove the housing. Cover.

How often should I change the cabin air filter on my Honda Accord?

Change your Honda Accord’s cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or about once a year, and always check your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle’s recommendation. You may need to replace it more frequently if you drive in dusty or poor air quality areas, such as construction zones or on dirt roads. 
Signs you need to change the filter 

• Reduced airflow: from your air vents
• Lingering musty odors: or other unpleasant smells from your climate control system
• Excessive dust: on surfaces inside your car

Factors that require more frequent changes 

• Driving through construction areas or areas with poor air quality
• Driving on dirt roads or off-roading
• Frequent use of the air conditioning system in dusty or humid conditions

How to find your filter

• Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location and specific replacement interval for your model year. 
• In most models, the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box. 

This video shows how to locate and replace the cabin air filter in a 2013-2017 Honda Accord: 56sWashington LifeYouTube · Jan 20, 2024