Prep and empty the glovebox
Park the Pilot and set the parking brake. The cabin air filter sits behind the glovebox — a single panel element, and the swap needs no tools. Empty the glovebox so nothing falls when it opens.
2016–2022 Honda Pilot
By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $50 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $70
Quick answer: Cabin Air Filter Replacement on a 2016–2022 Honda Pilot is rated Easy and takes about 15-25 minutes. You'll need 1 tool for this job, and 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 | — | $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 the Pilot and set the parking brake. The cabin air filter sits behind the glovebox — a single panel element, and the swap needs no tools. Empty the glovebox so nothing falls when it opens.
Remove the stoppers on both sides so the glovebox swings down freely, exposing the filter housing — no damper strap or screws on the Pilot. Support the box as the second stopper releases so it doesn't slam down.
Those stoppers love to roll under the seat and vanish — pop them straight into the empty glovebox so they stay with the job. I've crawled under more Pilots than I can count fishing for one.
Unlatch the filter cover — bottom tab first, then top — and pull it off. Slide the old filter straight out, noting the airflow arrow on its side. Wipe or vacuum the empty housing so debris doesn't fall into the blower.
Those cover tabs are tiny — squeeze them with your fingertips right next to the hinge side for leverage. I snapped one prying from the far end on my first Pilot, and the cover buzzed until I replaced it.
Slide the new filter in with the airflow arrow matching the old one (downward on the Pilot). Press it fully home so it sits flat with no edge gaps, then refit the cover, latching the bottom first.
Swing the glovebox back up, re-engage the stoppers, and close it. Run the blower through several speeds on fresh air — verify strong, clean airflow with no rattles — then run the rear climate too if equipped, since it shares the same filter.
In my experience, Run the rear vents before you call it done — on the Pilot they share this same filter, so strong rear airflow is your confirmation the new filter seated squarely and nothing's blocking the box.
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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