Where to Find the Cabin Air Filter on an Audi Q5

The cabin air filter on most Audi Q5 models is located behind the glovebox on the passenger side; on some earlier or specific engine variants, there may also be an auxiliary filter under the hood near the base of the windshield. Knowing which setup your Q5 has depends mainly on its model year and market, but for the vast majority of drivers the glovebox area is where you’ll access it.

Why the Cabin Filter Location Matters

The question of where the cabin air filter sits on an Audi Q5 goes beyond simple curiosity. This filter cleans the air entering the cabin through the HVAC system, trapping dust, pollen, soot and other fine particles. Its location dictates how easy—or difficult—it is for owners to replace it themselves, which in turn affects maintenance costs, interior air quality and even how efficiently the climate control system operates.

Typical Cabin Filter Location by Audi Q5 Generation

Because the Q5 has been in production since 2008 and has gone through several generations and facelifts, the exact access route to the cabin filter can vary slightly. However, Audi has largely standardized placement to make service more straightforward.

First Generation (8R, approx. 2009–2017)

On the first-generation Audi Q5, sold in most markets from the late 2000s through the mid‑2010s, the primary cabin air filter is almost always found behind the glovebox on the passenger side. In some configurations, there may also be an additional pollen or dust filter element connected to the plenum chamber at the base of the windshield under the hood.

The following list outlines where you’ll typically find the cabin filter on first‑generation Q5s:

• Primary location: Behind the passenger-side glovebox, mounted vertically in the HVAC housing.
• Access point: Lower panel under the glovebox or through the back of the glovebox after loosening its fasteners.
• Possible secondary filter: Under the hood at the cowl area (base of windshield), behind a plastic cover in the rain tray/plenum chamber on some engines and markets.
• Filter orientation: Usually vertical, with airflow arrows printed on the side of the filter frame.

In practice, drivers of first‑generation Q5s will almost always start—and often finish—their search behind the glovebox, resorting to the engine‑bay cowl area only if the service manual indicates an additional filter is installed.

Second Generation (FY, approx. 2018–present)

With the second-generation Q5, Audi kept the broad design logic: the cabin filter remains on the passenger side, behind the glovebox area, but access panels and fasteners were updated. On most 2018‑onward Q5 and SQ5 models, there is a single cabin air filter located inside the HVAC box behind a removable under‑dash or side panel.

Here’s how the location usually breaks down for second‑generation Q5s:

• Primary location: Behind and slightly below the passenger glovebox in the HVAC air distribution box.
• Access point: A removable cover or service hatch near the passenger’s footwell, often revealed after removing a trim panel under the glovebox.
• Engine‑bay filters: Less common as separate cabin elements; most filtration is handled by the interior-mounted filter.
• Filter type: Typically a rectangular pollen/activated charcoal filter designed to slide horizontally in or out of the housing.

For owners of newer Q5s, the passenger footwell and the underside of the glovebox area are the principal areas to inspect, with no need to open the hood for cabin filter access in most standard setups.

Step‑By‑Step: How to Access the Filter Behind the Glovebox

Although exact fastener types and panel shapes differ between model years, the basic process for reaching the cabin filter behind the glovebox is similar across most Q5 variants. The steps below offer a general outline, but you should always cross‑check with your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a model‑year‑specific service guide.

The list below walks through the typical procedure for accessing a glovebox‑mounted cabin air filter on an Audi Q5:

1. Prepare the vehicle: Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and turn off the ignition and climate control system.
2. Clear the glovebox: Remove any contents that might fall out or obstruct access to the rear panel or lower trim.
3. Remove the under‑glovebox trim (if fitted): On many Q5s, a plastic or felt‑lined panel under the glovebox is held by clips or screws; gently pry or unscrew it to expose the HVAC housing.
4. Locate the filter cover: Look for a rectangular or trapezoidal plastic hatch on the HVAC box. It usually has small clips or locking tabs on one side.
5. Release the filter cover: Press or pry the tabs gently and slide or pivot the cover off to reveal the edge of the cabin filter.
6. Slide out the old filter: Carefully pull the filter straight out, noting the direction of any airflow arrows and how it was seated.
7. Inspect and clean the housing: Check inside the opening for leaves or debris and vacuum gently if needed, avoiding damage to the fins or sensors.
8. Install the new filter: Insert the replacement filter with the airflow arrows aligned according to labels on the housing (usually pointing toward the cabin).
9. Reattach the cover and trim: Snap the filter cover back into place, then reinstall any under‑dash panels, screws, or clips you removed.
10. Test the system: Turn on the climate control and check for normal airflow and quiet operation, confirming the filter is properly seated.

While specific clips or screws may vary, these steps cover the core process for nearly all glovebox‑area filter replacements on the Q5 range, from early models to the latest generation.

When the Cabin Filter May Be Under the Hood

Owners of certain early Q5 models—or those coming from other Audi platforms such as the A4 or A5—sometimes expect a cabin filter in the engine bay at the cowl, where the windshield wipers sit. On the Q5, this area is more likely to host components related to fresh‑air intake and water drainage, but some configurations do include a filter element there.

The following points summarize what to look for if you suspect a cowl‑mounted or auxiliary cabin filter under the hood:

• Location: At the base of the windshield on the passenger side, under a long plastic cowl cover running left to right.
• Access: The plastic cowl panel may need to be lifted or partially removed; it is often held with clips, rubber seals, or Torx screws.
• Filter appearance: A relatively flat, rectangular element, sometimes labeled as a pollen or dust filter, seated in a shallow tray.
• Model dependency: More common on earlier production years and certain diesel or European‑market variants than on recent North American gasoline Q5s.

Because not every Q5 includes a dedicated cabin element in the cowl area, consulting the official service schedule or parts diagrams by VIN is the most reliable way to confirm whether your specific vehicle has this additional filter.

How to Confirm the Cabin Filter Location on Your Specific Q5

Given regional differences, engine options and mid‑cycle updates, there can be exceptions to general rules about filter placement. A quick verification using documentation or online tools can save time and prevent disassembling the wrong trim pieces.

The items below outline practical methods for verifying the exact cabin filter location for your vehicle:

• Owner’s manual: Most Audi Q5 manuals include a “Replacing filter elements” or “Air conditioning” section that specifies where the cabin filter is and how to access it.
• Dealer or official service portal: Audi dealers can pull up the parts diagram by VIN and confirm whether there is only a glovebox filter or an additional cowl‑mounted filter.
• Online parts catalogs: OEM and reputable aftermarket parts sites let you enter your VIN or model year and show diagrams that indicate exact filter placement.
• Model‑specific DIY guides: Well‑documented forum posts and video tutorials often walk through the process for a particular year and engine, showing precisely where the filter sits.

Using one or more of these verification methods ensures you know whether to focus solely on the passenger‑side interior panels or if your Q5 also hides an extra filter under the hood.

Why It’s Important to Know (and Use) the Correct Location

Once you know that the cabin filter in an Audi Q5 is usually behind the glovebox—and sometimes complemented by a cowl filter—you’re better equipped to maintain the vehicle without unnecessary dealer visits. Replacing the filter at the recommended interval, typically every 15,000–20,000 km (or about once a year in many markets), helps prevent fogged windows, reduces strain on the blower motor and improves overall comfort for passengers.

Summary

For nearly all Audi Q5 models, the main cabin air filter is located behind the glovebox on the passenger side, accessed from the lower dash or footwell area. Some earlier or specific variants may also feature an auxiliary filter under the hood at the base of the windshield, but the glovebox‑area HVAC housing is the primary point of interest. Verifying your exact configuration via the owner’s manual, VIN‑based parts diagrams or model‑specific guides ensures you open the right panels and keep the Q5’s interior air clean with minimal hassle.

What is the most common problem of the Audi Q5?

Audi Q5 Common Issues

1. Airbag Issues.
2. Excessive Oil Consumption.
3. Leaking Sunroof.
4. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure.
5. Electrical Problems.
6. Infotainment System Glitches.
7. Transmission Issues.
8. Start-Stop System Defects.

How much does it cost to replace cabin air filter Audi Q5?

The average cost for a Audi Q5 Cabin Air Filter Replacement is between $93 and $128 but can vary from car to car.

What happens if you don’t change cabin air filter?

If you don’t change your cabin air filter, it will become clogged with debris, leading to reduced airflow from your vents, poor air quality inside the vehicle, and potential damage to the HVAC system. This can cause musty odors, foggy windows, and force the blower motor to work harder, shortening its lifespan and leading to expensive repairs. 
This video shows how to change a cabin air filter and the difference between a new and a dirty one: 1mManiZillaYouTube · Jan 25, 2021
Consequences of a clogged cabin air filter:

• Reduced airflow: A clogged filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through, resulting in weaker heat and AC performance. 
• Poor air quality: The filter’s ability to trap dust, pollen, and other pollutants is diminished, leading to lower air quality inside the cabin and potential respiratory or allergy issues for occupants. 
• Unpleasant odors: A dirty, moisture-laden filter can develop mold and mildew, creating musty or foul smells from the vents. 
• Window fogging: A lack of proper airflow can cause windows to fog up more easily, impairing visibility. 
• Damage to the blower motor: The HVAC system must work harder to push air through a clogged filter, which can cause the blower motor to overheat and fail prematurely, notes Filterbuy.com and Berkeley Bob’s. 
• Minor decrease in fuel efficiency: The engine may have to work slightly harder to power the strained HVAC system, leading to a small decrease in fuel efficiency, according to AutoZone.com. 

This video explains the relationship between a dirty cabin air filter and the HVAC system: 57sUnder The Hood ShowYouTube · Jun 23, 2021

Where is the cabin filter on an Audi Q5?

Now this piece slides right out. So on this little white door on this tab push it back that’ll pop out stick your finger up and pull her out. Oh yeah she’s dirty. Remember the orientation.