To replace the cabin air filter in a Nissan Altima, the location and airflow direction depend on the year — behind the glove box for 2019+, under the kick panel for 2012–2018.
If you want to know how to change cabin air filter on a Nissan Altima, the most important detail is your car’s model year. The housing moved from the passenger footwell to behind the glove box in 2019, which completely changes the steps you follow. Doing it yourself takes about 15 minutes and a Phillips screwdriver, saving the $60 to $100 a dealership typically charges for the same job.
How to Access the Filter in 2019–2025 Altimas (6th Gen)
For 2019 and newer Altimas, the cabin filter sits behind the glove box. You need to remove the entire glove box assembly to reach the housing.
- Remove the screws: Open the glove box and remove the three Phillips screws along the top edge. Close it and remove the two screws along the bottom edge.
- Extract the glove box: Pull the glove box down and out, starting one side at a time. Disconnect the interior light by twisting its socket counterclockwise to prevent breaking the fragile bulb.
- Replace the filter: Pull the tabs on the filter cover outward to release it. Remove the old filter and clean any leaves or debris from the compartment.
- Reassemble: Clip the cover back into its slot, reconnect the light socket (twist clockwise until the black line points to 12 o’clock), and reinstall the glove box hand-tight — bottom screws first, then the top ones.
What’s Different About the 2012–2018 Altima (5th Gen)?
The fifth-generation Altima hides the cabin filter behind the lower passenger-side trim panel instead of the glove box. No tools are required to open the panel, making it a slightly faster swap.
- Remove the trim: Locate the plastic kick panel on the lower passenger footwell. Pull firmly outward to release the locking tabs holding it in place.
- Access the filter: Lift the retaining tab on the filter cover and slide the cover off. Pull the old filter straight out and vacuum any debris from the housing before installing the new one.
- Insert the new filter: Never force a filter that feels too tight — gently compress the corners diagonally to fit it through the opening.
- Reassemble: Snap the cover back on (confirm the upper pin is fully seated in its slot), then press the trim panel back into place until all the tabs click securely.
Common Mistakes & Recommended Parts
The most frequent DIY error is installing the filter with the wrong airflow direction. An upside-down filter restricts airflow and forces your blower motor to work harder. Use the table below to confirm your specific model’s orientation.
| Model Year (Generation) | Filter Access Point | Airflow Arrow Direction |
|---|---|---|
| 2019–2025 (6th Gen) | Behind glove box (remove assembly) | Points down |
| 2012–2018 (5th Gen) | Passenger kick panel (pull trim) | Points toward rear |
| 2007–2011 | Driver’s side footwell | Points toward rear |
| 2001–2006 | Passenger side (simpler access) | Verify on old filter |
Nissan’s official maintenance guide recommends replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or once a year, especially in dusty or heavy-traffic conditions. A DIY filter costs between $15 and $40 at auto parts stores. Common part numbers include STP CAF15027C for 2019+ models and STP CAF119031P for 2012–2018 models, though you should always verify fitment against your owner’s manual. Whichever generation you own, using the right part prevents reduced airflow and blower motor strain. For a direct comparison of the best replacement options on the market, check our tested roundup of Nissan Altima cabin air filter recommendations to see which filters hold up best over thousands of miles.
FAQs
How often should I change the cabin air filter in my Nissan Altima?
Nissan recommends replacing it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. If you frequently drive on dusty roads or in stop-and-go traffic, switching to a 12-month schedule helps maintain clean airflow inside the cabin.
What happens if I install the cabin air filter upside down?
Installing the filter backward restricts airflow and reduces filtration efficiency. This forces the HVAC blower motor to work harder, which can lead to reduced cooling performance and premature blower motor wear over time.
Do I need any special tools to replace the Altima cabin filter?
For 2019–2025 models, you only need a Phillips screwdriver to remove the glove box. For 2012–2018 models, no tools are required — the kick panel is held on by hand-operated locking tabs. A vacuum or clean towel is optional but useful for removing debris from the housing.
References & Sources
- Nissan USA. “DIY Air Cabin Filters.” Covers recommended replacement intervals and the general importance of cabin air filter maintenance.