Quick answer: Engine Air Filter Replacement on a 2022–2026 Hyundai Tucson is rated Easy and takes about 15-20 minutes. No tools are required 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 |
| Engine 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Locate the Door-Style Airbox (front of bay)
The 2022–2026 Hyundai Tucson (4th generation NX4, 2.5L Smartstream GDI — NON-hybrid) engine air filter is in a distinctive DOOR-STYLE airbox at the FRONT of the engine bay, just behind the radiator (driver's side front). This is NOT a clip-down lid — the Tucson uses a side-handle door that opens like a hatch. You'll need: new filter Hyundai 28113-L1000 (for the 2.5L gas — the HYBRID uses 28113-L5100, do NOT mix them up). No tools needed — completely tool-free. This guide covers the 2.5L gas Tucson (not the hybrid). Open the hood and look at the front of the bay, behind the radiator — you'll see the airbox with a handle/lever on its side.
2
Open the Airbox Door
The Tucson's door-style box is unique — you don't unclip a lid, you open a door. The door swings open to reveal the cartridge-style filter. Don't force the handle — it should lift easily. The front-of-bay location means easy access.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I open the Tucson airbox door — and if it fights me, I walk away for five minutes and rethink the angle. I have broken airbox tabs by forcing them, and I have learned that anger has never fixed a car, but patience has.
3
Release the Two Tabs, Slide Out
Turn them, slide the filter out. Note the orientation. The cartridge design means the filter slides out cleanly — no wrestling with a lid.
4
Clean the Housing
Wipe the airbox interior clean. Remove dust and debris. Check the door seal — it must close tightly. Don't touch the MAF sensor. Ensure the housing is clean before installing the new cartridge.
5
Slide In the New Cartridge
Slide the new 28113-L1000 cartridge in, matching the old one's orientation. Ensure it's seated properly — the door must close easily and latch tightly. Verify it's the 2.5L gas filter (28113-L1000), NOT the hybrid's (28113-L5100).
6
Close the Door and Secure
Close the airbox door — push it shut until the handle/lever latches. Ensure it closes tightly (the door must seal). If it doesn't close easily, the cartridge isn't seated — don't force the door. Close the hood. Start the engine — the 2.5L Smartstream should idle normally. The Tucson should feel normal — the GDI engine benefits from the clean filter. The door-style box with two-tab cartridge is the NX4 Tucson's signature — the easiest air filter job you'll do. Official Hyundai interval: replace every 22,500 miles or 36 months (longer than the generic 12k–15k — follow Hyundai's schedule). Remember: 2.5L gas uses 28113-L1000; hybrid uses 28113-L5100.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Forgetting to securely close the air filter box cover after replacement
- • Installing the new filter in the wrong orientation
- • Not checking for debris or dirt in the air intake area before installing the new filter
