Quick answer: Cabin Air Filter Replacement on a 2018–2024 Nissan Kicks is rated Easy and takes about 10–15 minutes. You'll need 1 tool for this job, and parts cost about $28. 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 for 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks; verify arrows, size, and VIN/trim fitment |
— |
$28.00 |
|
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
Confirm fitment and find the filter
This subcompact crossover, built on the same platform as the Versa, keeps the job simple: you do not remove the whole glove box. You will need a plastic trim tool, a new filter for your year, and a few minutes.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I've learned never to learn this the expensive way: This subcompact crossover, built on the same platform as the Versa, keeps the job simple: you do not remove the whole glove box.
2
Set up the car and clear the footwell
Switch the ignition off and take the key out so nobody runs the blower while the housing is open. Remove the passenger floor mat and anything sitting in the footwell — you will be kneeling or sitting sideways to reach under the dash.
3
Pry off the inner panel under the glove box
Look at the plastic inner panel directly beneath the glove box. Work a plastic trim tool into its edge and pry gently to release the clips holding it in place, starting at the inner edge and working outward. It may need a firm tug on the far back of the panel — Nissan's clips hold tightly — but keep the tool plastic so you do not gouge the trim. Set the panel aside.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
Quick word from me — I've been under there: It may need a firm tug on the far back of the panel — Nissan's clips hold tightly — but keep the tool plastic so you do not gouge the trim.
4
Open the filter lid and remove the old filter
You will now see the rectangular filter housing lid. Press the release tab at the bottom of the lid to unlock it, then swing the lid open and pull the old filter out. Wear gloves or a dust mask if the filter looks packed — a long-overdue Kicks filter can hold a surprising amount of dust and debris. Note the direction of the printed arrows on the old filter before you discard it.
5
Clean the housing and prep the new filter
Reach into the empty housing with a damp cloth or a vacuum nozzle and clear out dust and leaf bits, keeping debris from falling into the blower opening. Hold the new filter next to the old one and check its printed arrows: they indicate the direction of airflow, so the new filter must go in with the arrows pointing the same way as the old one sat. Do not crease the filter media.
6
Install the filter
Start the top edge of the new filter into the housing first, then push the bottom edge in, working the rest of the filter in evenly until it sits flat.
7
Test the airflow
Start the car and run the HVAC fan from low to high on fresh-air mode, feeling the passenger vents for steady airflow and listening for any whistling from behind the dash that would mean the lid is not clicked shut.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Using a metal screwdriver instead of a plastic trim tool and gouging the under-dash panel
- • Closing the filter lid without hearing the click, so the lid rattles and air bypasses the filter
- • Pushing the new filter in bottom-first, which folds the media and leaves gaps
- • Skipping the arrows and installing the filter backward against the airflow
