The engine air filter is located in a rectangular air-filter housing in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, connected to the intake hose that runs to the throttle body. The cabin air filter, if you’re asking about the interior air, sits behind the glove box.
Across most Honda Pilot generations, the engine air box is a black plastic enclosure toward the front of the engine bay on the driver’s side. You’ll see a pliable intake duct feeding into the housing and multiple retention clips or screws securing the lid. The cabin filter lives in a separate housing behind the glove box and is accessed by lowering the glove box or removing a small access panel.
Engine air filter location and access
To locate and replace the engine air filter, follow these steps. The process is similar across different Pilot model years, with minor hardware variations.
- Park safely, turn off the engine, and open the hood. Locate the large black plastic air-filter box on the driver’s side of the engine bay near the front.
- Release the clips or remove the screws securing the lid. Carefully lift the lid to expose the filter.
- Remove the old filter and inspect the inside of the box for debris. Wipe the interior if needed and ensure the seals are intact.
- Install a new engine air filter with the correct orientation. Look for an arrow indicating airflow toward the engine and align it with the housing.
- Reposition the lid, reseal the box, and re-secure the clips or screws. Reattach any intake hoses that were detached during the process.
- Close the hood and start the engine to confirm normal idle and airflow.
Replacing the engine air filter is a routine maintenance task, commonly recommended every 15,000–30,000 miles depending on driving conditions and the owner's manual.
Generational notes
While the basic location remains consistent, some model years may use different clip designs or screw patterns. If you’re unsure, consult your owner's manual or a service guide for your exact year and trim to confirm the filter size and orientation.
Cabin air filter location (behind the glove box)
The cabin air filter cleans air entering the vehicle's interior and is a separate component from the engine air filter. It is typically located behind the glove box in most Honda Pilot models.
To replace the cabin filter, you generally remove the glove box or its dampers to access the filter housing, remove the cover, slide out the old filter, insert the new one with the correct orientation (following any arrows printed on the filter), and reassemble the housing and glove box.
Note that access points can vary slightly by model year, but the general locations are consistent: engine air filter in the driver-side front of the engine bay and cabin air filter behind the glove box.
Summary
The Honda Pilot’s engine air filter sits in a rectangular housing in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, with the intake duct feeding from the front toward the throttle body. The cabin air filter is a separate unit located behind the glove box. Both filters are serviceable with common hand tools, and replacement intervals typically range from 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on conditions and the owner’s manual guidance.