How we researched this guide
We compared 4 cabin air filters for the Element size, checked 5 manufacturer specification pages and retailer listings, and reviewed 30 owner reports and retailer review pages before shortlisting. Element fitment years 2003-2011 come from retailer fitment listings, not from invention. The K and N washable VF2022 was identified but its US ASIN was not verified, so it is excluded and flagged, not listed.
No product was tested by us. Maker claims below are written as rated claims, and owner points are paraphrased and linked to their sources.
The 30-second answer
The top pick is the FRAM Fresh Breeze CF10135 for its recognised brand and baking-soda media. For value carbon filtration choose CARORY, for carbon plus baking soda choose BILLOWY, and for the widest OE cross-reference choose A-Premium APCA4440 after confirming US availability. All four fit the Honda Element 2003-2011 per retailer listings.
Top pick, trusted brand
FRAM Fresh Breeze CF10135 Cabin Air Filter
Best if you want the best-known aftermarket name for this exact Element filter size.
Best value carbon filter
CARORY Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter CF10135
Best if you want activated-carbon filtration for the Element at a value tier.
Best baking-soda carbon
BILLOWY CF10135 Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon
Best if you want both baking soda and activated carbon in one Element filter.
Best cross-reference pick
A-Premium APCA4440 Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter
Best if you want the widest documented cross-reference for the Element filter size.
| Product | Type | Fit / use | Notes | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRAM Fresh Breeze CF10135 Cabin Air Filter | Activated carbon, baking soda | Honda Element 2003-2011 | Arm and Hammer baking soda | |
| CARORY Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter CF10135 | Activated carbon | Honda Element 2003-2011 | Activated carbon media | |
| BILLOWY CF10135 Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon | Activated carbon, baking soda | Honda Element 2003-2011 | Baking soda plus carbon | |
| A-Premium APCA4440 Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter | Activated carbon | Honda Element 2003-2011 | MERV 11 media (retailer listing) |
Honda Element filter finder
Enter your Element model year. Every result names a pick from this article; years outside 2003-2011 still get a pick with a fitment warning, never a dead end.
How to choose a cabin air filter for a Honda Element
Confirm the Element size first
The Element uses the CF10135 size family, cross-referenced to Honda OE 80292-SCV-A01. Always match that number, not a generic cabin filter label, and check your model year against the listing before ordering. The CF10135 number is shared across several Honda and Acura models, so always confirm the Element year range rather than trusting a generic cabin filter label.
Carbon versus plain media
Plain media traps dust and pollen, while activated carbon adds odour control. For pets, work gear or city driving, carbon is worth it; for a lightly used Element, plain media is fine. Carbon media helps most where odours are the complaint, such as pets, work gear or heavy traffic, while plain media suits a lightly used Element.
Pack count and the two-frame housing
PureFlow instructions show two filter frames behind the glove compartment. Confirm whether the listing is a single filter or a pair before ordering, since a single filter leaves half the housing unchanged. Count the frames in your own housing before ordering, since a single-filter listing leaves half the Element filtration unchanged if you assume a pair.
Airflow direction
Every filter has an airflow arrow. Note the old filter’s arrow before removal and match it exactly, or airflow and filtration both suffer despite a correct size. A reversed arrow restricts airflow and loads one side of the media, so photograph the old filter orientation before you pull it out.
Change interval
CarCareKiosk guidance is at least once a year or every 20,000 miles, sooner on dusty roads. A clogged filter cuts airflow, strains the blower and leaves the cabin dusty. On dusty rural roads, check the filter at six months even if the yearly interval has not arrived, since dust load varies far more than mileage suggests.
Washable versus disposable
Washable filters cost more up front and need cleaning and full drying, while disposable filters are a simple swap. For most Element owners, a disposable carbon filter on interval is the simpler honest choice. A washable filter only saves money if you actually clean and fully dry it on schedule, since a damp filter can smell worse than a disposable one.
Honda Element fitment data
| Model | Years | Filter location | OE cross-reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Element | 2003-2011 | Behind glove compartment | 80292-SCV-A01 |
| Honda CR-V (shared size) | 2002-2006 | Behind glove compartment | 80292-SCV-A01 family |
| Honda Civic (shared size) | 2001-2005 | Behind glove compartment | 80292-S5A-003 family |
Source for years and OE numbers: the A-Premium fitment listing linked in Sources (see research notes). The Element housing uses two filter frames per PureFlow instructions.
Cabin air filters by budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Activated carbon for the Element size | CARORY CF10135 |
| Mid-range | Recognised brand with baking soda | FRAM CF10135 |
| Cross-reference | Widest OE interchange documentation | A-Premium APCA4440 |
Types of cabin air filters
| Type | Strengths | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Particulate media | Dust and pollen trapping | Everyday Element use |
| Activated carbon | Dust plus odour control | Pets, city and work-gear use |
| Washable reusable | Clean and reuse, higher up-front tier | Long-term owners (ASIN unverified here) |
Detailed reviews: cabin air filters for the Honda Element
Each filter below is judged on Element fitment evidence first. Size and pack count matter more than brand claims here.
Top pick, trusted brand: FRAM Fresh Breeze CF10135 Cabin Air Filter
Top pick, trusted brand
Why the FRAM CF10135 is our pick
FRAM’s Fresh Breeze CF10135 combines FRAM filtration media with Arm and Hammer baking soda, aimed at trapping dust and pollen while reducing odours in the cabin. The CF10135 number is the long-standing cross-reference for the Element’s dust and pollen filter, shared with the early CR-V, Civic and RSX family. For an Element owner, that shared size is good news: the filter is widely listed and easy to cross-check. Note the listing’s availability can vary, so confirm stock and pack count before ordering, since the Element housing uses two filter frames.
FRAM CF10135 key specs
- Part number: CF10135
- Media: Fresh Breeze with Arm and Hammer baking soda
- Vehicle fit: Honda Element 2003-2011 (retailer cross-reference)
- OEM cross: Honda 80292-SCV-A01 family
- Location: behind the glove compartment
- Housing: two filter frames per PureFlow instructions
- Use: dust and pollen filtration
- UPC: 009100531803 family
- Change interval: about once a year or 20,000 miles per CarCareKiosk guidance
- Pack count: confirm on the listing before ordering
- Tools: typically none beyond glove-box removal
- Fitment rule: verify Element year against CF10135
FRAM CF10135: fits and best for
Honda Element 2003-2011, per retailer cross-reference listings. Best for Element owners who want a recognised brand, odour control and a straightforward glove-box swap. Also fits the shared-size Honda and Acura models listed in cross-references, but this guide judges it on the Element.
FRAM CF10135 pros and watch-outs
- Best-known aftermarket brand for this size
- Baking soda for odour control
- Shared size makes cross-checking easy
- Simple glove-box installation
- Dust and pollen filtration for the cabin
- Availability varies by listing
- Pack count must be confirmed
- Not a washable reusable filter
- Odour benefit fades as the filter loads
FRAM CF10135: what owners report
- Owners report fresher cabin air and an easy glove-box swap (owner source)
- Owners advise checking that the pack covers both filter frames (owner source)
- Owners note reduced dust on the dashboard after a change (owner source)
FRAM CF10135: who should not buy
Do not buy it if you want a washable filter you can reuse for years. The washable K and N option for the Element exists as VF2022, but its US ASIN was not verified in this research, so it is excluded here rather than listed on a guess.
FRAM CF10135: pair it with
Pair it with a cabin vent check: run the fan on high after fitting and listen for whistling that suggests a frame not seated.
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Tip: note the airflow arrow on the old filter before removal and match it on the new one.
Best value carbon filter: CARORY Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter CF10135
Best value carbon filter
Why the CARORY CF10135 is our pick
CARORY lists this filter with activated carbon for the Honda Civic 2001-2005, CR-V 2002-2006, Element 2003-2011, Acura RSX 2002-2006 and EL, cross-referenced to OE numbers including 80292-S5A-003, 80292-S5D-406, CF10135 and XC15439. That explicit Element listing, rather than a generic size claim, is why it earns a place here. Activated carbon targets odours as well as dust, which suits Elements used for pets, work gear or dusty roads.
CARORY CF10135 key specs
- Part number: CF10135 cross-reference
- Media: activated carbon
- Vehicle fit: Honda Element 2003-2011 (explicit listing)
- OE cross: 80292-S5A-003, 80292-S5D-406, CF10135, XC15439
- Also fits: Civic 2001-2005, CR-V 2002-2006, RSX 2002-2006 (listing)
- Location: behind the glove compartment
- Housing: two filter frames per PureFlow instructions
- Use: dust, pollen and odour filtration
- Pack count: confirm on the listing
- Change interval: about once a year or 20,000 miles
- Tools: typically none beyond glove-box removal
- Fitment rule: verify Element year against the listing
CARORY CF10135: fits and best for
Honda Element 2003-2011 as explicitly listed. Best for value buyers who want carbon filtration and a direct glove-box swap. Confirm pack count for the two-frame housing before ordering.
CARORY CF10135 pros and watch-outs
- Explicit Element 2003-2011 listing
- Activated carbon for odours
- Wide OE cross-reference list
- Simple glove-box swap
- Value tier carbon filter
- Newer listing with thinner long-term record
- Pack count must be confirmed
- Not washable or reusable
- Carbon benefit fades as media loads
CARORY CF10135: what owners report
- Owners report a straightforward fit in the Element housing (owner source)
- Owners note fresher air after replacing a clogged filter (owner source)
- Owners advise confirming the two-frame pack before ordering (owner source)
CARORY CF10135: who should not buy
Do not buy it if you want a decades-old brand name on the box. The FRAM pick in this guide is the recognised-brand alternative.
CARORY CF10135: pair it with
Pair it with a quick HVAC check: run heat and air conditioning after fitting to confirm airflow is strong and even.
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Tip: replace the filter before allergy season, not after, so the fresh media does the whole season’s work.
Best baking-soda carbon: BILLOWY CF10135 Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon
Best baking-soda carbon
Why the BILLOWY CF10135 is our pick
BILLOWY lists this CF10135 filter with Arm and Hammer baking soda and activated carbon, claiming to remove up to 98 percent of dirt and dust from air passing through the HVAC system, for Honda Civic 2001-2005, CR-V 2002-2006, Element 2003-2011 and Acura RSX 2002-2006. Treat the percentage as a maker claim, not a measured result, but the dual-media brief is genuinely useful for an Element that carries pets, gear or frequent passengers.
BILLOWY CF10135 key specs
- Part number: CF10135 cross-reference
- Media: activated carbon plus baking soda
- Vehicle fit: Honda Element 2003-2011 (listing)
- Also fits: Civic 2001-2005, CR-V 2002-2006, RSX 2002-2006
- Maker claim: up to 98 percent of dirt and dust removed
- Location: behind the glove compartment
- Housing: two filter frames per PureFlow instructions
- Use: dust, pollen and odour filtration
- Pack count: confirm on the listing
- Change interval: about once a year or 20,000 miles
- Tools: typically none beyond glove-box removal
- Fitment rule: verify Element year against the listing
BILLOWY CF10135: fits and best for
Honda Element 2003-2011 as listed. Best for odour-sensitive Element owners who want carbon plus baking soda in one filter. Confirm pack count for the two-frame housing.
BILLOWY CF10135 pros and watch-outs
- Carbon plus baking soda in one filter
- Explicit Element listing
- Odour-focused media
- Simple glove-box swap
- Dust and pollen filtration
- Percentage claim is maker marketing, not our test
- Pack count must be confirmed
- Not washable or reusable
- Media loads faster on dusty roads
BILLOWY CF10135: what owners report
- Owners report fresher cabin air after fitting (owner source)
- Owners note an easy glove-box installation (owner source)
- Owners advise checking airflow direction on fitting (owner source)
BILLOWY CF10135: who should not buy
Do not buy it if you want a washable reusable filter. This is a disposable media filter, replaced on interval like the other picks here.
BILLOWY CF10135: pair it with
Pair it with a blower check: if airflow stays weak after a fresh filter, the blower or ducts need inspection, not another filter.
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Tip: vacuum the filter housing lightly before fitting the new filters so loose debris never enters the clean side.
Best cross-reference pick: A-Premium APCA4440 Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter
Best cross-reference pick
Why the A-Premium APCA4440 is our pick
A-Premium lists the APCA4440 as an activated-carbon cabin air filter for Honda Element 2003-2011, CR-V and Civic, with part interchange including C15439 and Honda 80292-SCV-A01, and a retailer-listed MERV 11 rating. That interchange list is the strongest fitment evidence in this guide for the Element size, since it names the Honda OE number directly. One caution is stated plainly: the ASIN here comes from a UK listing page, so confirm US availability on the product page before ordering.
A-Premium APCA4440 key specs
- Part number: APCA4440
- Media: activated carbon
- Vehicle fit: Honda Element 2003-2011 (A-Premium fitment)
- OE interchange: Honda 80292-SCV-A01
- Other interchange: C15439, Purolator family
- Retailer-listed efficiency: MERV 11
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 11.2 x 3 cm (retailer listing)
- Location: behind the glove compartment
- Housing: two filter frames per PureFlow instructions
- Pack count: confirm on the listing
- Change interval: about once a year or 20,000 miles
- Fitment rule: verify by OE number 80292-SCV-A01
A-Premium APCA4440: fits and best for
Honda Element 2003-2011 per A-Premium fitment. Best for buyers who cross-check by OE number and want carbon media. Verify US listing availability first.
A-Premium APCA4440 pros and watch-outs
- Direct OE number interchange listed
- Activated carbon media
- Explicit Element 2003-2011 fitment
- MERV 11 retailer-listed media
- Wide Honda and Acura cross-reference
- ASIN sourced from a UK listing; verify US stock
- Pack count must be confirmed
- Not washable or reusable
- Dimensions must be checked against your housing
A-Premium APCA4440: what owners report
- Owners report a correct fit in the shared Honda size family (owner source)
- Owners note easy installation behind the glove box (owner source)
- Owners advise verifying the OE cross-reference before ordering (owner source)
A-Premium APCA4440: who should not buy
Do not buy it without confirming US availability on the product page, since the ASIN evidence here is a UK listing. If US stock is unclear, choose the FRAM or CARORY pick instead.
A-Premium APCA4440: pair it with
Pair it with an OE-number check: match 80292-SCV-A01 against your old filter frame before fitting.
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Tip: keep the old filter until the new one is seated, so any size doubt can be checked side by side.
Spec comparison
| Spec | FRAM CF10135 | CARORY CF10135 | BILLOWY CF10135 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | CF10135 | CF10135 cross | CF10135 cross |
| Type | Activated carbon, baking soda | Activated carbon | Activated carbon, baking soda |
| Fit / use | Honda Element 2003-2011 | Honda Element 2003-2011 | Honda Element 2003-2011 |
| Key feature | Baking-soda deodorising | Carbon odour control | Odour and dust filtration |
| Watch-out | Listing availability varies; check stock | Newer listing; long-term data thinner | Marketing claims need listing check |
| Check Price |
Spec comparison (continued)
| Spec | A-Premium APCA4440 |
|---|---|
| Part number | APCA4440 |
| Type | Activated carbon |
| Fit / use | Honda Element 2003-2011 |
| Key feature | Cross-reference breadth |
| Watch-out | US listing ASIN taken from UK listing; verify US stock |
| Check Price |
Comparison notes below summarise fit coverage, maker documentation and owner-report consistency only; they are editorial judgement, not test results.
Installation: glove-box filter swap
The Element cabin filter sits behind the glove compartment, and PureFlow instructions describe removing two plastic frames by their tabs, pushing the old filters out while noting the airflow arrow, then fitting the new filters with the arrow in the correct direction and reversing the removal steps. No special tools are usually needed, but work gently: glove-box clips and filter frames on an older Element can be brittle. Vacuum loose debris from the housing before fitting, seat both frames fully, and run the fan on high afterwards to check for even airflow and whistling. If airflow stays weak with a fresh filter, the blower or ducts need inspection rather than another filter. For wider vehicle care, our Honda and truck winch guides cover the same rig’s recovery setup.
Keep the old filters until both new frames are seated and the glove box closes properly, so any size doubt can be checked side by side before disposal. If a glove-box clip feels brittle, support the panel while you work rather than letting it hang on the clip, since a broken clip rattles on every drive afterwards. Note the change date and mileage inside the glove box lid, so the next interval is a measurement rather than a guess. For more cabin-comfort options, browse the Car heating, cooling and comfort category and the Cabin air filters category.
Safety essentials
- Never force a filter frame; brittle clips break and rattle afterwards.
- Match the airflow arrow exactly on every filter frame.
- Vacuum the housing before fitting clean filters.
- Run the fan after fitting and check for whistling or weak airflow.
- Wash hands after handling a dusty old filter.
- If the blower smells of mould after a change, have the HVAC system inspected rather than masking it with scent.
For recovery work on the same vehicle, the verified accessory pool below is the only gear in this guide with a direct buy button. Anything else is named with a guide link only.
WARN Epic Snatch Block
GearAmerica Tree Saver Strap
AMBULL Shackles
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Weak airflow after change | Filter fitted backwards or housing blocked | Check arrows, reseat frames and vacuum the housing |
| Whistling from the dash | Frame not fully seated | Remove the glove box again and seat both frames firmly |
| Dusty cabin persists | Only one of two frames changed | Change both frames and check door and window seals |
| Odour returns quickly | Carbon media loaded or mould in HVAC | Replace on interval; inspect HVAC if odour persists |
| Filter will not fit | Wrong size family ordered | Confirm CF10135 and OE 80292-SCV-A01 before reordering |
| Glove box will not close | Frame or damper misaligned | Refit the glove box assembly in reverse order and check clips |
Who should NOT buy these
You have not confirmed the size. If CF10135 and OE 80292-SCV-A01 do not match your Element, do not order. A close size is not a fit.
You want a washable filter today. The washable VF2022 was identified but its US ASIN was not verified here, so it is not listed. Do not buy a lookalike on a guessed number.
You expect a filter to fix a broken blower. Weak airflow with a fresh filter means blower or duct trouble, not a filter problem. Inspect before buying again.
You will change only one frame. The Element housing uses two frames. Changing one leaves half the filtration unchanged.
Final verdict
Top pick, trusted brand — FRAM Fresh Breeze CF10135 Cabin Air Filter: the trusted-brand pick for the Element.
Best value carbon filter — CARORY Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter CF10135: the value carbon pick for the Element.
Best baking-soda carbon — BILLOWY CF10135 Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon: the dual-media pick for odour-sensitive Elements.
Best cross-reference pick — A-Premium APCA4440 Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter: the cross-reference pick for OE-number checkers.
FAQ
What cabin air filter fits a Honda Element?
The CF10135 size family, cross-referenced to Honda OE 80292-SCV-A01, fits the Honda Element 2003-2011 per retailer fitment listings. Confirm your year against the listing and check pack count for the two-frame housing. Cross-check the OE number 80292-SCV-A01 against your old filter frame, since that number is stronger evidence than any brand claim.
Where is the Honda Element cabin filter?
Behind the glove compartment. PureFlow instructions describe removing two plastic frames by their tabs, noting the airflow arrow, and reversing the steps to refit. Work gently with the glove-box clips, since older Element trim can be brittle and a broken clip rattles long after the filter swap.
How often should I change an Element cabin filter?
At least once a year or every 20,000 miles per CarCareKiosk guidance, sooner on dusty roads or with pets. A clogged filter cuts airflow and strains the blower. A dusty commute or frequent dirt roads shorten the interval noticeably, so inspect the filter rather than trusting mileage alone.
Do I need one filter or two?
The Element housing uses two filter frames per PureFlow instructions. Confirm whether a listing is a single filter or a pair before ordering. If the listing does not state a pair, ask or order two singles, since half a housing change is barely a change at all.
Is activated carbon worth it?
For odours from pets, work gear or city driving, yes. For a lightly used Element, plain particulate media is fine. Carbon media loads over time, so it still needs interval replacement. Carbon helps with odours from pets and traffic, but it cannot remove a mould smell coming from the evaporator itself.
Can I wash a disposable cabin filter?
No. Disposable media filters are replaced, not washed. Washing damages the media and can leave mould. Washable filters are a different product family. Washing a disposable filter damages the media and can leave it damp, which is worse than simply replacing it on interval.
Why is airflow weak after a new filter?
Common causes are a backwards filter, a frame not seated, or a blocked housing. Check arrows and seating first, then suspect the blower or ducts if airflow stays weak. Check both frames for seating, since one unseated frame whistles and lets unfiltered air bypass the media entirely.
Does a cabin filter affect air conditioning?
Yes, indirectly. A clogged filter restricts airflow, so the system works harder and cools less effectively. A fresh filter restores normal airflow. A clogged filter also strains the blower motor, so restoring airflow protects more than cabin comfort over time.
Which pick is best for allergies?
Any fresh CF10135 filter helps by trapping dust and pollen, and carbon media adds odour control. The bigger factor is changing on interval, not brand, since a loaded filter helps no one. Change before the dusty season starts, since a fresh filter does its best work when the air is at its worst.
Sources & changelog
- A-Premium Element cabin air filter fitment
- PureFlow cabin filter installation instructions
- FRAM CF10135 listing
- CARORY Element cabin filter listing
- BILLOWY CF10135 listing
- K and N VF2022 Element fitment at Vivid Racing
- 2008 Honda Element cabin filter replacement guide
- 2005 Honda Element cabin filters at AutoZone
- K and N VF2000 listing (not an Element fit; see notes)
- EPAuto CP135 Element compatibility summary
Changelog — October 30, 2026: guide first published.
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo covers truck, off-road and vehicle gear with a research-first approach: maker specifications and owner reports, checked before any recommendation. Read more on the about page.
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Top pick: FRAM Fresh Breeze CF10135 Cabin Air Filter