Where Is the Oil Filter on a 2016 Honda CR‑V?

The oil filter on a 2016 Honda CR‑V is mounted low on the front face of the engine, slightly toward the passenger side, pointing forward; it’s easiest to reach from underneath the vehicle after removing or opening the lower engine splash shield. In practical terms, you’ll find it just behind the front bumper and radiator area, above the front crossmember and near the front edge of the oil pan.

How to Locate It Quickly

Finding the filter is straightforward once you know the approach. Most owners will access it from beneath the vehicle, because the splash shield hides the front of the engine bay where the filter sits.

1. Safely lift the front of the vehicle and support it with jack stands on the front pinch welds or subframe points; chock the rear wheels.
2. Remove the lower engine splash shield (plastic undertray), typically held by 10 mm bolts and push clips. Some trims may have a small access panel; if present, open it.
3. Look at the front side of the engine block, just behind the radiator. The oil filter is a small spin‑on canister (often blue or black if OEM) mounted horizontally, facing forward.
4. Confirm you’re not mistaking the A/C components or the oil pressure switch; the filter is the cylindrical canister threaded onto a stub on the engine.

Once the splash shield is out of the way, the filter is visible slightly to the passenger side of centerline, making removal and replacement relatively easy.

What You’ll See and How It’s Oriented

The filter screws into the front of the engine and sits above the front lip of the oil pan. Its open end faces the front bumper, so loosening it will allow oil to drain forward and down. Expect some oil to spill onto the subframe—position a drain pan accordingly and consider using rags or a drip guard to control runoff.

Access Tips and Useful Tools

If you plan to change the filter yourself, a few simple preparations make the job cleaner and safer.

• Use a cap‑style oil filter wrench sized for Honda spin‑on filters or a quality band wrench to avoid crushing the canister.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses; warm, not hot, oil drains fastest but is still hazardous.
• Have replacement crush washer for the drain plug and pre‑fill the new filter lightly if space allows; always oil the new gasket.
• Tighten the new filter by hand to gasket contact, then an additional 3/4 turn (or torque to about 12 N·m / 9 lb‑ft if using a torque adapter).
• Reinstall the splash shield carefully, ensuring all clips/bolts are secured to prevent rattles.

These steps help prevent leaks, stripped fasteners, and mess, especially given the filter’s forward‑facing orientation.

Trim, Drivetrain, and Market Variations

For North American 2016 CR‑V models with the 2.4‑liter i‑VTEC (K24W) engine—across LX, EX, EX‑L, and Touring, FWD or AWD—the oil filter location is the same: front face of the engine, accessed from below. In some non‑U.S. markets with different engine options, the filter is still typically on the front side of the engine and reached from underneath. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a service guide for your specific engine code.

Safety and Environmental Notes

Even a simple oil filter check or change benefits from a few safety and environmental best practices.

• Support the vehicle with rated jack stands; never rely solely on a jack.
• Let the engine cool enough to avoid burns, but keep oil warm for easier draining.
• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean and ensure the old gasket isn’t stuck to the engine.
• Dispose of used oil and filters at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts them.

Following these basics protects both you and the vehicle, and ensures proper sealing at the new filter.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Honda CR‑V’s oil filter sits on the front of the engine, low and slightly toward the passenger side, facing the front bumper. Access it from beneath the vehicle after removing the lower splash shield, and be prepared for some forward‑draining oil when you loosen it.

Summary

The oil filter on a 2016 CR‑V is on the engine’s front face, just behind the radiator and above the front crossmember, best reached from underneath once the splash shield is out of the way. All North American trims share this layout. Use proper supports, the right filter wrench, hand‑tighten the new filter 3/4 turn after gasket contact (or about 12 N·m), and recycle used oil and filters responsibly.

What oil filter does a 2016 Honda CRV take?

A 2016 Honda CR-V typically uses the Honda 15400-PLM-A02 oil filter. You can also use compatible filters from brands like FRAM (e.g., FRAM PH7317) or Mobil 1 (e.g., Mobil 1 M1-110A). 
Details:

• OEM Filter: The genuine Honda filter, part number 15400-PLM-A02, is designed specifically for your vehicle. 
• Other Options: Brands like FRAM and Mobil 1 offer compatible filters with varying features, such as extended performance or different filtering media. 
• Finding the right filter: When selecting a filter, consider the type of oil you’re using (synthetic or conventional) and any specific driving conditions you encounter, according to a YouTube video. 
• Installation: If you’re changing the filter yourself, you may need a 17mm wrench or socket for the drain plug, and a way to grip the old filter for removal. 

Where is the oil filter in a Honda CRV?

The oil filter on a Honda CR-V is typically located at the front of the engine, near the radiator support, on the passenger side of the vehicle. It’s often accessible from underneath the car, after removing a plastic splash guard. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

1. 1. Access: You’ll likely need to raise the vehicle using ramps or a jack and jack stands and remove the plastic splash guard to access the oil filter. 
2. 2. Location: The oil filter is situated on the engine block, typically near the oil pan, but often closer to the front of the engine, near the radiator support. 
3. 3. Orientation: The oil filter is usually installed horizontally or at a slight angle, so you may not be able to fill it completely with oil before installing it. 
4. 4. Removal: Use an oil filter wrench or strap wrench to loosen the old oil filter. 
5. 5. Installation: Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with a little bit of fresh oil before installing it. Tighten it by hand, not with tools, to the manufacturer’s specified tightness (usually hand-tight). 

Where is the oil filter on a 2016 Honda Civic?

For a 2016 Honda Civic, the oil filter is located on the underside of the engine, near the oil pan and drain plug. You will need to remove the underbody or splash shield to gain access to it. The filter itself is a cylindrical component, often blue, screwed into the engine block.
 
This video shows the oil filter’s location in a 2016 Honda Civic: 58sDencioYouTube · Oct 12, 2018
Steps to Access the Oil Filter

1. 1. Safely lift the vehicle: Use a jack and jack stands to raise the front of the vehicle so you can safely access the underside. 
2. 2. Locate and remove the underbody cover: This is a metal or plastic shield that covers the engine and oil pan. It is typically held in place by a few screws and slides off once loosened. 
3. 3. Identify the oil filter: Once the cover is removed, look for the cylindrical oil filter, which is usually located near the oil drain plug on the oil pan. 

You can watch this video to see how to remove the underbody cover and access the oil filter: 54sEyeOnAimanYouTube · Oct 28, 2021
To Remove and Replace the Oil Filter:

1. Drain the engine oil: Before removing the filter, you will need to remove the drain plug and allow the old oil to drain into a suitable container. 
2. Unscrew the old filter: Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter. 
3. Install the new filter: Lubricate the rubber O-ring on the new filter with a thin layer of new oil. Then, screw the new filter on by hand until the O-ring is snug against the engine block, and then tighten it slightly more according to the manufacturer’s specifications. 

Where is your oil filter located?

In most vehicles, the oil filter is located on the engine block, near the oil pan. However, in others, the oil filter may be in a different location, such as above the engine, behind the radiator, or in the fender well. To find the exact location of your oil filter, you can refer to your car’s owner’s manual.