Two air filters serve the 2018 Honda CR-V: the engine air filter located in the under-hood intake box, and the cabin (HVAC) air filter located behind the glove box on the passenger side. Accessing both is straightforward with common tools and a little patience.
Engine air filter location
The engine air filter sits in a rectangular plastic housing in the engine bay. It is connected to a large intake hose that routes air to the throttle body, and the housing is typically secured with clips or small screws.
- Open the hood and locate the rectangular air filter housing near the front of the engine bay, connected to the intake hose.
- Unclip or unscrew the housing to lift off the cover and expose the filter.
- Remove the old engine air filter and inspect it for excessive dirt or damage.
- Insert a new filter, ensuring it sits flat and oriented the same way as the old one (notice the directional arrows on the filter if present).
- Reattach the housing cover and secure the latches or screws firmly.
- Close the hood and run the engine briefly to confirm there are no air leaks or abnormal sounds.
Regular replacement of the engine air filter is typically recommended every 30,000 miles under normal conditions, or sooner in dusty environments. Always check your owner’s manual for the exact interval for your vehicle and driving conditions.
Cabin air filter location
The cabin air filter on the 2018 CR-V is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. Access requires lowering or removing the glove box to reveal the filter housing.
- Open the glove box and gently release the stops or dampers so the box can swing down or be removed.
- Look for the cabin air filter cover at the back of the glove box area and unclip or remove the cover.
- Remove the old cabin air filter and inspect it for dirt, leaves, or blockages.
- Install the new filter with the arrows pointing in the direction of airflow (usually toward the front of the car).
- Reattach the filter cover and secure the glove box back in place.
- Test the HVAC system to ensure airflow is normal and there are no unusual noises.
The cabin air filter typically needs replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions and environment. If you notice reduced airflow, musty odors, or increased allergy symptoms inside the cabin, it’s a good time to replace it.
Summary
In the 2018 Honda CR-V, there are two accessible air filters: the engine air filter in the under-hood intake box and the cabin air filter behind the glove box. Both are designed for relatively simple replacement with basic hand tools and careful handling of clips and covers. Regular replacement helps protect engine performance and improve cabin air quality.