How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2014-2020 Nissan Rogue (Engine: Inline 4 2.0L)
Step-by-step DIY guide with tools, parts, torque specs, safety tips, and cost savings
How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2014-2020 Nissan Rogue (Engine: Inline 4 2.0L)
Step-by-step DIY guide with tools, parts, torque specs, safety tips, and cost savings for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
🔧 Rogue - Engine Air Filter Replacement
You’ll be replacing the engine air filter in your Rogue to help the engine breathe better and improve performance and fuel economy. This is a simple under-hood job with no need to lift the vehicle.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 Work on a cool engine to avoid burns from hot parts.
- 🛑 Keep fingers, tools, and clothing away from the engine cooling fan; it can turn on automatically.
- 🛑 Do not disconnect any hybrid system orange cables; those are high-voltage components.
- 🛑 Leave the 12V battery connected; this job does not require battery disconnection.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 🧰 10mm socket
- 🧰 1/4" drive ratchet
- 🧰 3" socket extension
- 🧰 Flathead screwdriver (6-8mm tip)
- 🧰 Work light or flashlight
- 🧰 Clean shop rag or microfiber cloth
- 🧰 Mechanic gloves
- 🧰 Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- 🔩 Engine air filter element (2.0L hybrid) - Qty: 1
- 🔩 Mass air flow sensor-safe cleaner spray - Qty: 1 (optional)
- 🔩 Disposable nitrile gloves - Qty: 1 box
📋 Before You Begin
- 🚗 Park the Rogue on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
- 🔑 Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key or key fob from the vehicle.
- 🔍 Open the hood using the interior hood release, then the safety catch under the front edge of the hood, and secure the hood prop rod.
- 📦 Locate the air filter box: it is a black plastic box on the driver side of the engine bay with a large hose (air intake tube) attached.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Locate and inspect the air filter housing
- 🔧 Use the work light or flashlight to clearly see the air filter housing on the driver side of the engine compartment.
- 🔧 Look for the large black plastic hose coming from the front of the vehicle into the box; this confirms you have the correct part.
- 🔧 Note the metal clips and any 10mm bolts holding the air filter housing cover in place.
Step 2: Release the air filter housing cover clips
- 🔧 Use your hands to flip open the metal retaining clips along the sides of the air filter housing cover.
- 🔧 If any clips are stiff, gently pry up the edge with the flathead screwdriver, being careful not to break the plastic.
- Open clips fully so cover can move freely.
Step 3: Remove any cover bolts (if equipped)
- 🔧 Some Rogues have one small bolt securing the airbox cover near the air intake hose.
- 🔧 Use the 10mm socket with the 3" extension and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the bolt.
- 🔧 Set the bolt aside where it will not fall into the engine bay.
- Torque on reassembly: 6 Nm (53 in-lbs)
Step 4: Lift and move the air filter housing cover
- 🔧 Gently lift the air filter housing cover upward on the clip side using your hands.
- 🔧 The cover may be hinged or hooked on one side; tilt and slide it just enough to access the filter inside without forcing the attached hose or wiring.
- Do not pull hard on any attached sensor wiring.
Step 5: Remove the old engine air filter
- 🔧 Grasp the exposed edge of the filter with your hands and lift it straight up and out.
- 🔧 Note which way the filter is oriented (which side faces up and where the rubber sealing edge sits); this will help you install the new one correctly.
- Matching orientation prevents air leaks.
Step 6: Clean the air filter housing
- 🔧 Use the clean shop rag or microfiber cloth to wipe out any loose leaves, dust, or debris from the bottom of the airbox.
- 🔧 Do not push dirt into the air duct opening; wipe gently towards yourself and remove the dirt.
- 🔧 If you see the mass air flow (MAF) sensor in the intake tube (a small sensor with a plug), do not touch the sensing element with your fingers or rag. If you choose to clean it, use MAF-safe cleaner spray only and follow its instructions.
Step 7: Install the new engine air filter
- 🔧 Take the new engine air filter element and align it the same way as the old one (rubber seal side down into the airbox, pleats vertical or horizontal as originally).
- 🔧 Use your hands to press the filter gently into the airbox so it sits flat and fully in its groove all the way around.
- Filter must sit fully down, no gaps.
Step 8: Refit the air filter housing cover
- 🔧 Lower the cover back over the new filter using your hands, making sure the rear tabs or hinge side engage first.
- 🔧 Check that the cover edge fully overlaps the rubber seal of the new filter all the way around; there should be no visible gaps.
- Misaligned cover can suck in unfiltered air.
Step 9: Reinstall the bolt and clips
- 🔧 If your airbox has a bolt, install it by hand first, then use the 10mm socket with 3" extension and 1/4" drive ratchet to snug it down.
- 🔧 Do not overtighten; this is a small bolt going into plastic. Tighten until it is just snug and stop.
- Torque: 6 Nm (53 in-lbs)
- 🔧 Use your hands to snap the metal clips back into place. You should feel and hear them click when fully engaged.
Step 10: Final checks under the hood
- 🔧 Use the work light or flashlight to look around the airbox area. Confirm the cover is fully seated, clips are closed, and any wiring or hoses are back in their original positions.
- 🔧 Remove any tools and rags from the engine bay, then lower the hood and close it securely.
✅ After Repair
- ✅ Start the engine and let it idle for a minute; listen for any unusual hissing or whistling near the airbox that might indicate a loose cover or gap.
- ✅ Take a short drive, checking that the engine accelerates smoothly with no warning lights added on the dashboard.
- ✅ If a Check Engine light appears after the job, recheck that the airbox cover is sealed and that any sensor connectors on the intake tube are fully plugged in.
- ✅ Plan to replace the engine air filter about every 15,000–30,000 km, or more often in dusty conditions.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $60-$110 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$30 (parts only)
You Save: $45-$80 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 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 Engine Air Filter replace for these Nissan vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.5L | - |
| 2019 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.5L | - |
| 2019 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2018 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.5L | - |
| 2018 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2017 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.5L | - |
| 2017 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2016 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.5L | - |
| 2015 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.5L | - |
| 2014 Nissan Rogue | - | Inline 4 2.5L | - |


















