The engine air filter sits in a rectangular housing in the engine bay, usually on the driver’s side near the front. The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. This article explains both locations and how to inspect or replace them.
Engine air filter location
Below are the steps to locate, inspect, and replace the engine air filter in a 2016 Legacy.
- Park the car, set the parking brake, and open the hood. Locate the black rectangular air filter housing on the engine bay’s driver-side front area.
- Release the clips or remove the screws securing the top of the air box, then lift or remove the cover to expose the filter.
- Carefully lift out the old engine air filter and inspect the inside of the housing for dirt or debris.
- Clean the inside of the housing with a clean rag if needed, taking care not to push debris elsewhere in the intake system.
- Insert a new engine air filter, making sure it sits flat and oriented correctly to match the opening and any arrows printed on the filter.
- Reinstall the air box lid, secure the clips or screws, and close the hood. Start the engine to confirm smooth operation.
Regular replacement of the engine air filter helps maintain performance and fuel efficiency. In normal driving, expect to check or replace it roughly every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as recommended in your owner's manual; dusty or harsh conditions may require more frequent changes.
Cabin air filter location
The cabin air filter for the 2016 Legacy is located behind the passenger-side glove box. The list below explains how to access and replace it.
- Park the car and remove items from the passenger-side glove box. Open the glove box fully.
- If present, unhook or move the glove box damper to allow the box to drop down further for access to the rear area.
- Look at the back of the glove box for the cabin air filter housing. It is a rectangular cover held in place with clips or small screws.
- Release the clips or remove the screws, then lift off the cover to expose the cabin air filter.
- Remove the old filter, inspect the housing for debris, and insert a new filter with the airflow arrows pointing in the correct direction.
- Reattach the housing cover, reset the glove box damper, and close the glove box securely.
Cabin air filters should be replaced periodically to improve interior air quality and HVAC performance. Typical intervals range from about every 12 to 24 months or 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and environment; check the owner's manual for your exact schedule.
Summary
For a 2016 Subaru Legacy, the engine air filter sits in a driver-side engine bay housing, while the cabin air filter sits behind the passenger-side glove box. Replacing both filters involves a simple set of steps: locate the housing, remove the cover, swap the old filter for a new one, and reassemble. Regular maintenance of both filters helps maintain engine performance, fuel efficiency, and interior air quality. If in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or seek assistance from a trusted mechanic.