Where to Find the Cabin Air Filter on an Audi Q5

The cabin air filter on most Audi Q5 models is located behind the glove box on the passenger side, although some older or specific engine variants may place an additional or alternate filter under the cowl at the base of the windshield. Knowing exactly where to look depends on the model year and generation of your Q5, but for most drivers, you’ll be accessing it from inside the cabin rather than under the hood.

Understanding the Cabin Air Filter’s Role

The cabin air filter cleans the air entering the interior through the HVAC system, trapping dust, pollen, soot, and other particles. In an Audi Q5, this filter is a key part of maintaining interior air quality and protecting the air-conditioning components from debris buildup.

Location by Generation and Model Year

First-Generation Audi Q5 (Approx. 2009–2017, including many 2018 Q5s in some markets)

For most first-generation Q5 models (commonly designated 8R), the main cabin air filter is positioned behind the glove box on the passenger side.

The key locations for first-generation Audi Q5 cabin filters can be summarized as follows:

• Primary location: Behind the glove box on the passenger side of the dash.
• Access point: Lower glove box panel and filter housing cover behind it.
• Occasional additional filter: In some climates/markets, a secondary “pollen” or pre-filter may be present under the cowl at the base of the windshield.

In everyday practice, Q5 owners will almost always deal with the glove-box-mounted cabin filter, which is the one service centers commonly replace during routine maintenance.

Second-Generation Audi Q5 (Approx. 2018–Present, MLB Evo platform)

On the newer Q5 generation (often chassis code FY), Audi maintained a very similar placement: the main cabin air filter remains behind the glove box, still on the passenger side.

For most second-generation Audi Q5 models, the typical layout is:

• Primary cabin filter: Behind the glove box, accessed from inside the cabin.
• Filter housing orientation: Vertical or slightly angled, with an access cover that snaps or slides off.
• Occasional secondary microfilter or charcoal filter: Depending on options (e.g., 3‑zone climate or “Air Quality” package), there may be an additional or upgraded filter element, but it is generally in the same basic area.

This continuity means that whether you drive an early or late second-generation Q5, you’ll typically follow the same general procedure to access the cabin filter from the passenger footwell area.

How to Access the Cabin Air Filter Behind the Glove Box

Most Q5 owners can locate and inspect or replace the cabin air filter with basic tools. While exact steps can vary slightly by model year and region, the general process is similar across the Q5 range.

Here is a typical step-by-step outline for accessing the cabin air filter behind the glove box:

1. Prepare the vehicle. Park on a level surface, switch off the engine, and set the parking brake. Open the front passenger door fully for more room.
2. Empty and open the glove box. Remove items inside so nothing falls or obstructs access. Open the glove box door fully.
3. Remove any side or lower trim panels. Some Q5s have a small side trim panel by the passenger knee area or beneath the glove box that must be gently pried off to reveal screws or fasteners.
4. Unfasten the glove box (if required). On many models you’ll find several Torx or Phillips screws along the top edge, bottom edge, and/or sides of the glove box assembly. Remove these screws and gently pull the glove box unit outward.
5. Disconnect wiring connectors. Before pulling the glove box completely away, disconnect any electrical connectors for the glove box light, airbag switch, or cooling vent if equipped.
6. Locate the cabin filter housing. Behind where the glove box was, you will see the HVAC box. The cabin filter cover is usually a rectangular panel with clips or small tabs on the front-facing side of the HVAC unit.
7. Remove the filter cover. Release the plastic clips or slide the cover sideways, depending on the year. Take care not to break the tabs—they can be delicate.
8. Pull out the old filter. Slide the used cabin filter straight out. Note the orientation arrow on the filter (typically indicating “airflow” direction, usually downward in many Q5s).
9. Install the new filter. Insert the replacement filter in the same orientation, aligning airflow arrows as marked. Ensure the filter seats fully in the housing without crumpling.
10. Refit the cover and glove box. Reattach the filter cover until it clicks into place. Reconnect glove box wiring, then reinstall the glove box with its screws and any trim panels you removed.

While details such as screw locations or the exact style of filter cover can differ slightly by year, this procedure accurately describes what most Audi Q5 owners will encounter when servicing the cabin air filter.

Possible Alternate Location: Under the Cowl (Less Common)

On some Audi platforms and in certain markets, a cabin or pollen filter can also be mounted under the plastic cowl panel at the base of the windshield. While the Q5 primarily uses the glove-box location, it’s worth noting this possibility, especially if you see references to a “cowl-mounted” filter in parts catalogs.

Key points about any potential cowl-area filter on, or related to, Audi Q5 models include:

• Location: Under the plastic cover at the base of the windshield, often on the passenger side.
• Access: Typically requires removing the wiper arm covers and cowl panel clips to lift the panel.
• Usage: More common in older Volkswagen/Audi models; on modern Q5s, most owners only service the glove-box cabin filter.
• Verification: If your VIN-specific parts lookup shows two cabin filters or a “pollen filter, plenum chamber,” consult your owner’s manual or dealer for confirmation.

For current-generation Q5s in major markets (North America and most of Europe), the primary and usually only cabin filter you need to service is the one behind the glove box, making cowl access rarely necessary.

How to Confirm the Exact Location for Your Specific Q5

Because Audi made incremental changes across years, trims, and regions, it’s wise to confirm the exact filter location and type before ordering parts or disassembling interior panels.

The most reliable ways to verify the filter location on your individual Q5 include:

• Owner’s manual: Check the “Air conditioning,” “Climate control,” or “Servicing and maintenance” sections for a cabin filter diagram and description.
• Service manual or Elsa/erWin documentation: Factory documents (sometimes accessible via paid subscriptions) provide model-year-specific illustrations and steps.
• VIN-based parts lookup: Online Audi parts catalogs or dealer systems can show whether your car has a single cabin filter and its exact part number and location.
• Visual check: Opening the glove box and looking behind or beneath it often reveals the HVAC housing and filter cover, confirming its presence without full disassembly.

By cross-checking documentation and doing a quick visual inspection, you can be certain you are targeting the correct area and ordering the correct replacement filter for your Q5.

When and Why to Replace the Cabin Air Filter

Knowing where the filter is located is only half the story; keeping it in good condition is vital for comfort and health in the cabin.

The most common recommendations and symptoms related to Audi Q5 cabin filter maintenance are:

• Replacement interval: Typically every 15,000–20,000 km (about 10,000–12,000 miles) or once a year, but check your Q5’s specific service schedule.
• Driving conditions: Dusty, urban, or high-pollen environments may require more frequent changes.
• Signs the filter is clogged: Reduced airflow from vents, persistent interior dust, foggy windows that clear slowly, or musty/earthy odors when the HVAC system is on.
• Filter types: Standard paper pollen filters and activated charcoal (carbon) filters; charcoal versions better reduce odors and some gaseous pollutants.

Regularly replacing the cabin air filter helps maintain strong airflow, reduces strain on the blower motor, and improves comfort for occupants, especially those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

Summary

On nearly all Audi Q5 models—both first and second generation—the main cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side, accessed from inside the cabin. While a minority of configurations and related Audi platforms may feature an additional filter near the cowl at the base of the windshield, most Q5 owners will only need to service the glove-box-mounted filter. Verifying your model year and consulting the owner’s manual or a VIN-based parts guide will confirm the exact layout. Routine replacement of this easily overlooked component keeps your Q5’s interior air clean and your HVAC system working efficiently.