There are two air filters in a Honda Pilot: the engine air filter in the engine compartment and the cabin air filter behind the glove box.
This guide explains where to locate both filters, how to tell when they need replacement, and step-by-step instructions to replace them across common Pilot generations.
Engine air filter location and replacement
The engine air filter sits inside a black rectangular housing in the engine bay, typically on the passenger side near the front. The housing is attached to a large intake hose that leads to the throttle body; you’ll see clips or screws securing the lid.
To replace the engine air filter, follow these steps:
- Turn off the engine, apply the parking brake, and open the hood.
- Locate the engine air filter housing near the front of the engine bay on the passenger side. Release the clips or remove the screws to lift the housing lid.
- Take out the old filter and inspect the inside for debris or signs of wear; note the filter’s orientation.
- Wipe or brush out any dust from the housing with a clean cloth if needed.
- Insert the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the engine, ensuring it sits snugly in the housing.
- Reattach the housing lid and secure the clips or screws. Reconnect any intake tube clamps if you loosened them.
- Close the hood and start the engine to confirm it runs smoothly with no whistling or debris in the intake.
Replacing the engine air filter is a routine maintenance task; most pilots use a cadence of about every 30,000 miles (or 2–3 years) under normal driving, with more frequent changes in dusty or harsh conditions as outlined in the owner’s manual.
Cabin air filter location and replacement
The cabin air filter sits behind the glove box on the passenger side. Access is gained by lowering the glove box and removing a small cover or filter door. The filter cleans air entering the HVAC system for the cabin.
To replace the cabin air filter, follow these steps:
- Turn off the vehicle and locate the glove box on the passenger side.
- Gently push the sides of the glove box inward to release the stops and allow the box to drop down (or remove the flexing stops, depending on model year).
- Look for a rectangular access panel behind the glove box and remove it to reveal the cabin air filter.
- Slide out the old filter straight out of its frame and note the direction of airflow arrows.
- Insert the new filter with the arrows pointing in the correct direction, then reseat the filter housing and close the access panel.
- Raise the glove box back up and re-engage the stops to secure it in place.
Cabin air filter replacement cadence is typically about every 15,000–25,000 miles or once a year, depending on usage and exposure to dust, pollen, or smoke. Check the owner’s manual for your exact interval and any model-year variations.
Summary
In a Honda Pilot, the air filter system includes two filters: the engine air filter in the engine bay and the cabin air filter behind the glove box. Both are accessible with basic hand tools, and routine replacement helps maintain engine efficiency and cabin air quality. Always refer to the owner’s manual for your specific generation’s service intervals and any model-year variations.