How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2016-2025 Honda HR-V (Step-by-Step Guide) (Engine: Inline 4 1.8L)
Glove box removal walkthrough, required tools/parts, airflow direction tips, and post-install checks
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2016-2025 Honda HR-V (Step-by-Step Guide) (Engine: Inline 4 1.8L)
Glove box removal walkthrough, required tools/parts, airflow direction tips, and post-install checks for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
🔧 HR-V - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Your HR-V’s cabin air filter cleans the air going through the HVAC system (heat/AC). Replacing it restores airflow, reduces odors, and helps keep dust/pollen out of the cabin.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
- ⚠️ Work gently around the glove box damper and plastic tabs to avoid breaking them.
- ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Flashlight
- Trim removal tool (plastic)
- Phillips screwdriver #2
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room.
- Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open and support the glove box
- Open the glove box fully and use a flashlight to look along the right side for the small “damper” arm (a little support arm that slows the glove box when it opens).
Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper
- Use a trim removal tool (plastic) to gently pry the damper arm off its pin/clip on the glove box side.
- A trim removal tool is a plastic pry tool that helps prevent scratches and broken clips.
Step 3: Drop the glove box down
- On each side of the glove box, you’ll see a “stop” that keeps it from dropping.
- Use your hands to gently push the glove box sides inward (one side at a time) so the stops clear the dashboard opening.
- Lower the glove box down carefully.
Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover
- Behind the glove box, find the rectangular cabin filter housing.
- Press the tabs on the filter cover and pull it straight off by hand.
- If a screw is present on your cover, remove it with a Phillips screwdriver #2.
Step 5: Remove the old filter
- Slide the old cabin filter straight out.
- Tip: Keep it level to avoid spilling debris.
Step 6: Install the new filter (correct direction)
- Check the arrows on the new filter frame.
- Install it so the AIR FLOW arrow points down (toward the floor), matching the airflow direction in the housing.
- Slide the filter fully into the slot without crushing the pleats.
Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box
- Reinstall the filter cover by hand until both tabs click into place.
- Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again so the stops pass into place.
- Reconnect the damper arm to its pin/clip (press it on by hand; use the trim removal tool (plastic) only if needed).
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and run the fan at different speeds to confirm strong airflow and no rattles.
- If you hear a tapping noise, re-check that the filter cover is fully snapped in and the filter is seated flat.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)
You Save: $45-$100 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
Guide for Cabin Air Filter replace for these Honda vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2024 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2022 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2021 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2020 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2019 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2018 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2017 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2016 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |


















