2018–2025 Nissan Leaf
By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 24, 2026 · Updated Oct 14, 2026
Save $76 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $103
Quick answer: Cabin Air Filter Replacement on a 2018–2025 Nissan Leaf is rated Easy and takes about 15–30 minutes. You'll need 1 tool for this job, and parts cost about $27. 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 compatible with 2018–2025 Nissan Leaf (ZE1) | — | $27.00 |
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 Leaf on a level surface, power it fully off, and open the passenger-side front door. Empty the glovebox completely so loose items cannot fall behind the dashboard when the glovebox is released.
Free the glovebox side stops and the damper arm on the right side, then swing the glovebox down and out of the way. On the second-generation (ZE1) Leaf this exposes the rectangular cabin filter cover on the HVAC housing directly behind the glovebox. Seeing that plastic filter cover means the hardest part of the job is already done.
Release the locking tabs on the rectangular filter cover and pull it straight off the HVAC housing. Set the cover aside where its tabs will not snap off.
Pull the old cabin filter straight out of the slot, taking care not to dump trapped dust into the blower housing. Check the airflow direction arrow printed on the filter frame and remember which way it points.
Look into the empty slot with a flashlight and remove any leaves, foam bits, or dust with a vacuum or damp cloth. Never reach blindly into the slot while the blower fan could be energized.
I've seen this exact mistake come through the shop: Never reach blindly into the slot while the blower fan could be energized.
Slide the new cabin filter into the slot with its airflow arrow pointing the same direction the old filter's arrow pointed. Push it in until it seats fully flush with the housing opening, with the filter frame making even contact all around.
Press the filter cover back onto the HVAC housing until its locking tabs click into place. The glovebox should open and latch exactly as it did before, with no sagging or binding.
Power the Leaf on and run the climate fan on high through the dashboard vents. Strong, even, clean-smelling airflow from every vent confirms the new filter is seated correctly and oriented the right way. Weak airflow on one side usually means the filter shifted during installation and needs reseating.
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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