2012–2019 Nissan Versa

2012-2019 Nissan Versa — Engine Air Filter Replacement

By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧 Easy 10-15 minutes $35 DIY

Save $75 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $110

Quick answer: Engine Air Filter Replacement on a 2012–2019 Nissan Versa is rated Easy and takes about 10-15 minutes. No tools are required for this job, and parts cost about $35. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$35.00

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Engine air filter for 2012-2019 Nissan Versa; verify engine, housing shape, and VIN fitment	—	$35.00	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

Find the airbox on the driver's side

Open the hood and move to the left (driver) side of the engine bay. This is the 1.6-liter HR16DE four — the box feeds the intake right off the throttle body. Engine off, and no tools are needed for this whole job.

Flip the two metal latches on the front edge

There are two metal latches on the front edge of the airbox lid. They hinge on the lid, so do not pull them off — swing them clear.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

They hinge on the lid, so do not pull them off — just swing them clear. I don't skip this anymore.

Lift the lid and note the tabs

Lift the cover off. Before touching the filter, look at how it sits: pleats facing down into the tray, rubber gasket facing up toward you.

Pull the old filter and clean the box

Lift the old filter straight out. Either way, check the bottom half of the box for sand, leaves, and insects, and clean it out with a vacuum's crevice attachment or a rag.

Drop in the new filter, pleats down

Lower the new filter into the bottom half of the box with the pleats facing down and the rubber gasket facing up. If a corner will not lie flat, the filter is wedged — reposition it rather than forcing the lid down on it.

Line up the rear tabs and snap the latches

Then swing the two metal latches down and snap them over the bottom half until they click. Check that the two halves of the box are flush together at every edge with no part of the filter visible, and that both latches are secure.

Listen for whistling and log the change

Listen at the driver's side for any new whistling, which means the lid is not sealed or a latch is not snapped. Write the change in your service records.

All Done!

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

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trying to force the lid closed without dropping the two rear tabs into their slots first — the lid sits crooked and the latches will not reach.
• Installing the filter with the pleats facing up instead of down, so the gasket does not seal.
• Leaving a metal latch half-swung so the box halves are not flush — dust gets in and it can whistle.

Tools You'll Need

No tools needed — two hand-release metal latches Clean shop rag Wet/dry vacuum with crevice attachment (optional — for cleaning the lower box)

Related Trouble Codes

P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1) P0101 Mass Airflow Sensor Range/Performance P0174 System Too Lean (Bank 2)

⚠️ Safety First!

• Work with the engine off and the keys out, and let the engine cool before reaching into the bay.
• Keep debris, rags, and loose hardware out of the open intake while the lid is off — anything left inside goes straight to the engine.