2017–2021 Acura MDX
By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $80 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $100
Quick answer: Replace Cabin Air Filter on a 2017–2021 Acura MDX is rated Easy and takes about 10–15 minutes. Parts cost about $20. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Air Filter | STP CAF1781 | $20.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
Park on flat ground, engage the parking brake, and turn the ignition off. Open the passenger door and empty the glove box completely. The 2017–2021 MDX cabin filter lives in the evaporator assembly directly behind the glove compartment.
Open the glove box and find the small damper on the right side that slows the door's swing. Pull it outward off its pin toward the passenger door side.
With the damper off, press both side walls of the glove box inward until the stoppers clear the dash frame. Swing the box all the way down on its lower hinge, lift it off, and set it aside.
On the face of the evaporator assembly, find the narrow rectangular filter cover. Release its clips — it unclips by hand — and pull the cover straight off. Shine a light inside to see the filter's edge and arrow before touching anything.
Slide the old filter straight out and note its airflow arrow's direction. This applies to 3.5L V6 and Sport Hybrid alike — same housing, same slot. Vacuum or wipe leaves and dust from the cavity now.
I know V6 or Sport Hybrid, same filter, same slot — but the hybrid owners always ask. Yes, the procedure is identical; no, you don't touch anything high-voltage on this job. The evaporator housing doesn't care which powertrain you have.
Slide the new filter in the same orientation as the old one, keeping it square so it doesn't buckle. Push it fully home, then press the cover back on until every clip snaps — the cover should sit flat with no gaps.
Set the glove box back on its lower hinge, squeeze the side walls past the dash frame, and swing it up. Reattach the damper on the right. Open and close the box a few times to confirm the damper controls its swing.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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