2013–2016 Audi Allroad

2013-2016 Audi Allroad — Cabin Air Filter Replacement

By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 24, 2026 · Updated Oct 14, 2026

🔧 Easy 15–25 minutes $33 DIY

Save $70 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $103

Quick answer: Cabin Air Filter Replacement on a 2013–2016 Audi Allroad is rated Easy and takes about 15–25 minutes. You'll need 2 tools for this job, and parts cost about $33. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$33.00

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Cabin/pollen air filter (charcoal type recommended)	—	$33.00	Amazon

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Locate the filter under the passenger-side cowl

Open the hood and find the cabin filter housing on the passenger side, under the plastic cowl panel at the base of the windshield. On the B8/B8.5 Allroad this is accessed entirely from the engine bay — no interior disassembly needed.

Release the rubber weather seal

Peel back the rubber weather seal running along the cowl panel on the passenger side. It pulls off by hand and exposes the edge of the plastic cowl cover. Work slowly so you don't tear the rubber.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

That weather seal gets brittle with age — I peel it back slowly with both hands and never yank. A torn seal lets rain into the cowl area, and then you're chasing a wet-footwell leak that was never there.

Lift the cowl panel

Lift the plastic cowl panel to expose the rectangular filter tray underneath. It's held by clips and lifts just enough to reach the filter — no need to fully remove it. You'll see the top of the old filter.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

This is one of my go-to tricks: Don't force the cowl panel — those clips snap if you reef on them. It only needs to lift enough to slide the filter out; prying it fully off just risks breaking clips you can't buy separately.

Remove the old filter and clean the tray

Slide the old pollen filter out of its tray, noting the airflow arrows on its frame. Vacuum or wipe the leaves and debris from the empty tray — a clean tray keeps the new filter working longer.

Install the new cabin filter

Slide the new filter into the tray with the airflow arrows pointing the same way as the old one — toward the cabin. It should fit snugly with no gaps around the edges; press it fully into place so it sits flat.

Reassemble the cowl and test

Lower the cowl panel back until its clips engage, then reinstall the rubber weather seal along the cowl edge, sitting evenly with no folds. Close the hood, start the car, and run the fan — airflow should feel strong and clean.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forcing the cowl panel and snapping its clips — lift it gently after releasing the rubber weather seal.
• Installing the filter upside down — the airflow arrows must point toward the cabin (downward/inward).
• Leaving leaves and debris in the filter tray, which will clog the new filter prematurely.
• Not fully seating the filter, leaving a gap where unfiltered air bypasses into the cabin.