The Kia Sedona has two air filters to manage different parts of the vehicle: the engine air filter under the hood and the cabin air filter behind the glove box. In most Sedona models, the engine filter sits in a rectangular plastic housing in the engine bay, while the cabin filter sits behind the glove box on the passenger side. Access requires basic tools and careful handling.
Engine air filter location
The engine air filter sits in a large rectangular housing in the engine bay, connected to the intake duct that leads to the throttle body. It is typically located toward the front of the engine compartment and is secured with clips or screws.
What you should know before you start
This section describes the standard steps to locate and replace the engine air filter on most Sedona models. Exact hardware or placement can vary by year, so consult your owner’s manual if you can’t find the housing easily.
Before you begin, make sure the engine is cool, the vehicle is on a level surface, and you have the appropriate replacement filter on hand that matches your engine type.
- Park the car, turn off the engine, and open the hood. Locate the engine air filter housing—a rectangular black plastic box with a large intake hose attached.
- Unclip or unscrew the housing cover and lift it off the box to expose the old filter.
- Remove the old filter and inspect the inside of the housing for dirt or debris. Wipe the interior clean if needed.
- Insert the new engine air filter, ensuring it sits flat and that the airflow direction arrow on the filter matches the housing’s airflow path.
- Reposition the housing cover and secure it with the clips or screws. Reconnect any hoses, then close the hood.
Replacing the engine air filter is a straightforward maintenance task that can improve engine efficiency and performance. Most Sedona owners replace it every 15,000–30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and the specific engine variant.
Cabin air filter location
The cabin air filter is typically located behind the glove box on the passenger side. Accessing it usually requires dropping the glove box and removing a small access panel or cover to reveal the filter slot.
What you should know before you start
This section outlines the general process to locate and replace the cabin air filter. Variations can occur by model year or trim, so if the glove box doesn’t drop as described, check the manual or look for a panel behind the glove box with tabs or screws.
Prepare with basic tools and a clean work area inside the cabin to avoid contaminating the new filter.
- Park safely, then open and empty the glove box. Gently push in the sides to release the stops and lower the box fully to reveal the filter housing behind it.
- Locate the cabin air filter cover and release any tabs or screws to remove it.
- Take out the old cabin filter and inspect the cavity for debris. Wipe or vacuum the area if needed.
- Insert the new cabin air filter with the airflow arrows pointing toward the passenger compartment, ensuring it sits firmly in place.
- Reattach the filter cover, lift the glove box back into its normal position, and close the glove box.
Replacing the cabin filter can improve interior air quality and HVAC performance. Most Sedona cabin filters are recommended for replacement every 12,000–15,000 miles or about once a year, but follow your vehicle’s manual for year-specific guidance.
Summary
In short, the Kia Sedona has two filters to manage air in the vehicle: an engine air filter under the hood in a rectangular housing, and a cabin air filter behind the glove box on the passenger side. Both replacements are straightforward with basic tools, and following the correct orientation and secure reassembly is important for proper function. Always consult the owner’s manual for model-year-specific locations and recommended replacement intervals.