Engine air filter replacement for a Kia Soul typically costs about $40–$110 at a shop, while cabin air filter replacement is usually around $30–$140. DIY replacements can bring costs down substantially.
In this article we break down the typical price ranges for both filters, explain the main factors that influence cost, and offer practical tips to save money whether you tackle the job yourself or rely on a professional shop.
Engine air filter: typical costs
Below are the common price components you’ll encounter when replacing the engine air filter on a Kia Soul.
- Parts: OEM (factory) engine air filters for the Kia Soul typically cost about $15–$40; aftermarket filters usually cost $5–$20.
- Labor: If you have the work done at a shop, expect about 0.5–1 hour of labor at standard shop rates, roughly $60–$100 per hour in many markets.
- Typical total: All-in price at a shop commonly ranges from roughly $40–$110 when using aftermarket parts, and about $60–$140 when using OEM parts.
Overall, engine air filter replacement tends to be one of the more affordable service items, especially if you bring your own filter or perform the replacement yourself. Prices can vary by model year, location, and whether OEM parts are requested.
Cabin air filter: typical costs
Below are the common price components you’ll encounter when replacing the cabin air filter on a Kia Soul.
- Parts: Cabin air filters typically run $10–$60, with OEM filters often toward the higher end of that range.
- Labor: Labor time for cabin filters is usually shorter than engine filters, around 0.25–0.5 hour at a typical shop rate of $60–$100 per hour, yielding about $15–$50 in labor.
- Typical total: With aftermarket parts, expect roughly $25–$110; with OEM parts, prices commonly range from $60–$150 depending on the shop and region.
Cabin air filter replacement is often a straightforward task, but the price difference between OEM and aftermarket parts, as well as local labor rates, can push the total higher in some markets.
What affects the price
Before we break out the DIY steps, it helps to understand the main drivers of cost for Kia Soul air filter replacement.
- Model year and engine variant, which can affect filter type and replacement difficulty.
- Parts choice: OEM vs aftermarket can significantly change price.
- Labor rates in your area and the warranty requirements of the service provider.
- Dealer vs independent shop: Dealers often charge more for labor but may guarantee OEM parts and service.
- Your ability to supply or install the part yourself, which can dramatically cut costs.
In practice, the largest savings usually come from choosing aftermarket parts and/or performing the replacement yourself, especially for cabin air filters where a DIY job is common.
Do-it-yourself replacement: quick guide
If you’re comfortable performing the replacement yourself, here are quick guidance steps to save money and avoid unnecessary trips to the shop.
Engine air filter DIY steps
- Turn off the engine, open the hood, and locate the air filter housing (usually a black plastic box near the engine).
- Release the clips or screws holding the housing cover, then remove the cover.
- Take out the old filter, note how it sits in the housing, and clean any debris from the box.
- Insert the new filter in the same orientation as the old one, reseal the housing, and reattach the clips or screws.
- Close the hood and run the engine briefly to ensure no unusual noises or leaks.
Estimated time: about 5–15 minutes, depending on your familiarity with the vehicle.
Cabin air filter DIY steps
- Locate the cabin air filter compartment—often behind the glove box or under the dash panel.
- Remove any access panel or glove box stops to gain entry; slide out the old filter.
- Inspect the housing for debris, insert the new filter with the correct orientation, and reassemble the access points.
- Test interior airflow by turning on the HVAC and selecting a fan mode to verify proper operation.
Estimated time: about 10–20 minutes, depending on accessibility and model year.
Summary
For a Kia Soul, engine air filter replacement at a shop typically costs around $40–$110 with aftermarket parts and $60–$140 with OEM parts, while cabin air filter replacement generally runs about $25–$110 with aftermarket parts and $60–$150 with OEM parts. DIY replacements can reduce costs significantly, often to under $20–$40 for engine filters and under $20–$60 for cabin filters if you provide the parts and follow basic steps. Prices vary by model year, region, and labor rates, so it’s worth shopping around and considering DIY if you’re comfortable doing the work.
Can I drive my car with a bad air filter?
Just like a clean engine air filter will help optimize emissions as well as improve acceleration and fuel economy, a dirty filter can lead to: Damaged Spark Plugs: Driving with a clogged air filter for too long can cause an excess of unburnt fuel, leading to carbon deposits on your spark plugs.
What is the most common problem for a Kia Soul?
Overall Common Issues Across 2021–2025 Models
Engine performance: Loss of power, stalling, misfiring, hesitation under load, and in later models (2025), cruise control RPM fluctuation. Transmission issues: Delayed shifting, jerking, slipping, loud clunks, and juddering, especially in 2021–2023 models.
How often should I change the air filter on my Kia Soul?
Every 30,000-miles
KIA Soul Maintenance Schedule
| Engine oil | Every 7,500-miles or ever 6 months |
|---|---|
| Air filter | Every 30,000-miles or ever 36 months |
| Coolant | Every 60,000-miles or 60 months |
| Spark plugs | Every 60,000-miles or 60 months |
| Brake fluid | Every 60,000-miles or 60 months |
What car is Kia discontinuing?
Kia Soul
The Hamsters Will Dance No More: Kia Kills the Soul After 2025. The Kia Soul had a strong run in the 2010s but saw its sales decline from a peak of around 150,000 units to just over 50,000 units in 2024. The Kia Soul has been discontinued following the 2025 model year.