Where is the oil filter in a Honda CR‑V?

In most Honda CR‑V models, the oil filter is accessed from underneath the vehicle. On 2017–present CR‑Vs with the 1.5L turbo engine, it’s mounted low on the front of the engine (toward the radiator) behind the lower splash shield. On 2002–2016 models with the 2.4L engine—and on 1997–2001 models—the filter sits on the back side of the engine block toward the firewall, typically reached from below. Below are model-by-model details and safe access tips.

Where to look by model year and engine

The exact location depends on the generation and engine. Use the guide below to find the filter on your specific CR‑V.

• 2023–2025 CR‑V (1.5L turbo, L15B7): Front of the engine, low and facing forward, just behind the radiator. Access from underneath by removing the front center service panel of the splash shield.
• 2020–2022 CR‑V (1.5L turbo, L15B7): Same as above—front lower engine area behind the lower grille/radiator, accessible from below after removing the splash shield panel.
• 2020–2024 CR‑V Hybrid (2.0L Atkinson-cycle): Low on the front of the engine near the oil pan, accessed from underneath after removing the larger undertray; some trims include a small service door. Avoid contact with orange high-voltage cables.
• 2015–2016 CR‑V (2.4L K24W): Rear of the engine block toward the firewall, above the subframe. Best reached from underneath; on some vehicles you can reach down from above on the passenger side.
• 2007–2014 CR‑V (2.4L K24Z): Rear of the engine near the firewall (passenger side bias). Access from underneath after removing the splash shield.
• 2002–2006 CR‑V (2.4L K24A1): Rear of the engine toward the firewall, above the front subframe/axle area. Access from below.
• 1997–2001 CR‑V (2.0L B‑series): Rear of the engine block near the firewall. Access from underneath.

If you’re unsure which engine you have, check the emissions label under the hood or your owner’s manual; the location cues above will still help you orient where to look.

How to recognize the oil filter when you see it

Once you’re under the vehicle, these visual cues help confirm you’ve found the right part.

• Shape and size: A small cylindrical metal canister (roughly the size of a fist). Honda and OEM filters are often black, blue, or white.
• Orientation: On 1.5L turbo models it’s usually horizontal and faces the front of the car; on older 2.4L and 2.0L engines it’s mounted horizontally or at a slight angle toward the firewall.
• Proximity: It sits near the oil pan and the oil pressure switch; you’ll typically find it just above crossmembers or subframe rails.
• Access panel: Many CR‑Vs have a plastic undertray with a removable service door directly in front of the filter location.

If you spot a cylindrical canister threaded into the block with an O‑ring base and located near the oil pan, you’ve likely found the oil filter.

Safe access steps

Follow these steps to access the oil filter without damaging components or making a mess.

1. Warm the engine briefly (1–2 minutes) to thin the oil, then shut it off and let it cool until safe to touch.
2. Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks. Raise the front with a jack and support with jack stands at the proper lift points.
3. Remove the lower splash shield or open the service panel to expose the front or rear of the engine (location varies by year/engine).
4. Place a drain pan beneath the filter area. Loosen the filter by hand or with a cap wrench; expect oil to spill.
5. Before installing the new filter, make sure the old rubber gasket isn’t stuck to the engine. Lightly oil the new filter’s gasket and hand-tighten per the filter’s instructions.
6. Reinstall the splash shield or service panel securely, lower the vehicle, refill engine oil to spec, and check for leaks.

Taking your time with the undertray fasteners and confirming the gasket is removed will prevent most common issues.

Common pitfalls to avoid

These are frequent mistakes DIYers encounter around the CR‑V’s filter area.

• Double-gasket: The old filter’s O‑ring can stick to the block. Installing the new filter on top will cause leaks.
• Cross-threading or over-tightening: Hand-tighten to spec; overtightening can deform the gasket or damage threads.
• Undertray damage: Use the correct screwdriver or 10 mm socket for splash shield clips/bolts to avoid breaking them.
• Hybrid caution: Keep clear of orange high-voltage cables; you don’t need to touch them to service the oil filter.

Checking these points as you work helps ensure a clean, leak-free oil change and avoids unnecessary part replacements.

Summary

The Honda CR‑V’s oil filter is typically reached from underneath. On 2017–present 1.5L turbo models (and many hybrids), it’s low at the front of the engine behind the radiator/splash shield. On 1997–2016 models with 2.0L/2.4L engines, it’s on the rear of the engine block toward the firewall, best accessed from below after removing the undertray. Confirm visually, work safely on jack stands, and watch for the old gasket to avoid leaks.

Does the Honda CRV have an oil filter?

Honda CR-V Oil Filter. The engine oil in your Honda CR-V contains particles, soot, metal shavings, sediment, and other contaminants. The purpose of the oil filter is to remove those pollutants so your engine can run more smoothly and reduce the likelihood of internal damage or other costly repairs.

Where is the engine oil filter located?

The engine oil filter’s location varies by vehicle model, but it’s generally a cylindrical metal canister or a housing on the side or bottom of the engine block, near the oil pan. To find its exact position, check your car’s owner’s manual, as it can be located on the front, side, top, or bottom of the engine. You will need to look under the hood and possibly under the vehicle to find it.
 
This video shows how to change the oil filter on a 2011-2019 Ford Explorer: 59sFriendly MechanicYouTube · Oct 30, 2023
How to find the oil filter:

1. Check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable way to find the exact location for your specific vehicle. 
2. Look for a cylindrical canister: The filter is often a metal cylinder, but can also be a housing, which might be black, white, blue, or orange. 
3. Examine the engine block: Check the top, bottom, and sides of the engine. 
4. Look near the oil pan: The filter is typically located close to the oil pan. 
5. Look for plastic covers: Some vehicles may have plastic covers or shields you’ll need to remove to get to the filter. 

Where is the oil filter on a 2005 Honda CRV?

The oil filter on a 2005 Honda CRV is located on the engine block’s front lower side, accessible from underneath the vehicle. You’ll need to raise the vehicle safely to access it, and it’s typically found near the oil pan. 
This video shows the location of the oil filter on a 2005 Honda CRV: 48sNutzAboutBoltsYouTube · Aug 27, 2022

Where is the oil filter on a 2016 Honda CRV?

And remove your oil filter. Take your new filter. And rub it on the old one to cleanly get some oil on the O-ring.