In the 2020 Honda Civic, the engine air filter sits inside a rectangular plastic box in the engine bay, on the passenger side toward the front of the car. The filter is accessed by removing the box lid and lifting out the old element.
Locating the air filter housing in the engine bay
The air filter housing is a black or dark-colored rectangular case that connects to a large intake hose leading to the throttle body. In most 2020 Civics, you’ll find it on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the front and adjacent to the wheel well. The cover is typically secured with a set of clips (and may have a small screw or bolt in some trims).
What you’ll need to replace the filter
Before you start, gather the tools and materials required for a straightforward replacement. Having the right items on hand makes the process quick and clean.
- New engine air filter (OEM or high-quality aftermarket)
- Gloves or a small rag to keep hands clean
- Flashlight (optional, for better visibility)
- Flat-head screwdriver or a small socket if your model uses a screw/bolt on the housing
With the right parts and a light source, you can complete the replacement in about 5 to 10 minutes. Always handle the new filter with clean hands to avoid contamination.
Step-by-step replacement procedure
Follow these steps to replace the air filter in most 2020 Civic configurations. If your model uses a slightly different fastener, adapt accordingly, but the general process remains the same.
- Park the car on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and pop the hood. Allow the engine to cool if recently driven.
- Open the air filter housing by releasing the clips or removing the securing screw(s). Use a screwdriver if required.
- Lift the lid of the housing and set it aside. Remove the old air filter if it’s still in place.
- Take note of the orientation of the filter (the arrow on the filter should point toward the engine). This ensures proper airflow direction.
- Discard the old filter and wipe any dust from the inside of the housing with a clean cloth.
- Insert the new air filter into the housing in the same orientation as the old one, ensuring it sits evenly and seals against the housing edges.
- Reposition the housing lid and re-secure the clips or screw(s) firmly but not over-tightened.
- Reconnect any hoses or clamps that may have been repositioned during the lid removal. Double-check that nothing is loose or obstructing the intake pathway.
- Close the hood and, if desired, run the engine briefly to ensure there are no unusual sounds and the intake feels unobstructed.
After replacing the filter, dispose of the old filter responsibly and keep the area clean. If you’re unsure about the exact location or fasteners for your specific trim, consult the owner's manual or a dealer service bulletin for your 2020 Civic.
Notes and cautions for different trims
Some 2020 Civic trims with the 1.5L turbo engine or the 2.0L engine may have slight variances in housing fitment or fastener types. The general location—passenger side, toward the front of the engine bay—remains consistent, but you might encounter a different clip style or a single central screw. If you can’t locate the housing easily, look for a large black box with a wide intake hose attached to the throttle body.
Summary
The engine air filter on a 2020 Honda Civic is housed in a rectangular plastic box on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the front, with a large intake hose feeding the throttle body. Replacement involves removing the housing lid, swapping in a new filter with the correct orientation, re-securing the housing, and verifying a clean intake path. Regular replacement helps maintain performance and fuel efficiency.
Which Civic is the fastest?
Civic Type R
See the Civic Type R set the front-wheel record at the Nürburgring circuit—the most challenging circuit ever devised—clocking in at 7 minutes and 44.881 seconds. This track-ready hatch is also a Car and Driver 10Best Cars of 2026 winner.
Where is the air filter on a 2020 Honda Civic?
Like that and so that's your door. And you see the airflow. Down arrows there's going to be arrows. On the actual new cabin air filter as well. So then when you look in there. There's a nice Honda.
Can a bad air filter cause a misfire?
In extreme cases, an engine will run very roughly when its air filter is too dirty. A driver may notice their vehicle's engine misfiring, vibrating excessively, stalling, or a combination of these symptoms when the engine's air filter is clogged.
What is the best oil for a Honda Civic?
Honda recommends using Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and Honda.