2016 Hyundai Tucson Air Filter Replacement Guide — Step-by-Step

Two air filters, 15 minutes, no tools required. That's the deal on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Both the engine air filter and the cabin air filter are designed for easy owner replacement — no clips to break, no screws to lose, no proprietary tools. I do both of mine at the same time every 15,000–20,000 miles, and this is one of the jobs I always recommend to anyone who wants to start doing their own car maintenance.

Which Engine Does Your 2016 Tucson Have?

• 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder (base/SE/ECO trims)
• 1.6L T-GDI turbocharged 4-cylinder (Sport trim)

Both engines use the same airbox design and filter replacement procedure. Filter part numbers differ slightly but the procedure is identical.

Engine Air Filter Replacement

Parts:

• 2.0L GDI: Hyundai OEM 28113-D3100, or Wix 49574, or K&N 33-5019
• 1.6T GDI: Hyundai OEM 28113-2B010, or Wix 49572, or K&N 33-5034
• Replacement interval: Every 15,000–30,000 miles

Tools required: None (optionally a flat-head screwdriver if a hose clamp is stiff).

Procedure:

1. Locate the air intake box in the engine bay — large black plastic box on the passenger side.
2. Unclip the four metal wire clips on the sides and front of the airbox lid. These spring-loaded wire clips just pull upward and out.
3. Open the airbox lid by lifting upward.
4. Remove the old air filter — it lifts straight out.
5. Check the airbox interior — wipe out any debris with a dry rag if needed.
6. Place the new filter in the airbox — confirm it seats in the rubber channel around the perimeter. It should sit flat with no gaps.
7. Close the lid and reclip all four wire clips.

Total time: 5 minutes.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Parts:

• Hyundai OEM: 97133-D3000
• Aftermarket: Fram CF11667, Wix 24881, or K&N VF2044 (washable)
• Replacement interval: Every 15,000–20,000 miles, or annually

Tools required: None.

Procedure:

1. Open the glove box fully.
2. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward — this compresses the side tabs past the door frame stops, allowing the box to drop down past its normal full-open position.
3. Lower the glove box completely — it should hang down, giving you full view of the cabin filter housing.
4. Locate the cabin filter cover — a rectangular plastic cover with two side tabs. Press the tabs inward and pull the cover toward you.
5. Slide the old filter out — note the arrow direction indicating airflow (arrow points toward the car's interior/blower).
6. Slide in the new filter with the arrow pointing the same direction.
7. Snap the cover back on — both side tabs click into place.
8. Push the glove box back up — squeeze the sides and push upward until the tabs re-engage.
9. Close the glove box normally.

Total time: 5–7 minutes.

Doing Both at the Same Time

Since both filters are due on similar intervals (15,000–20,000 miles), always replace them together. Buy both filters in one parts store trip, do the engine filter first (5 min), then the cabin filter (7 min). Total time: under 15 minutes.

Signs You're Overdue

Engine air filter: Reduced acceleration, lower fuel economy, dark/black filter with visible debris.

Cabin air filter: Reduced airflow from dashboard vents, musty smell from HVAC, increased blower motor noise.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY (both filters)	Dealer
Engine air filter	$15–$25	Included
Cabin air filter	$12–$20	Included
Labor	$0	$40–$80 total
Total	$27–$45	$80–$150

For more Hyundai Tucson maintenance guides, browse the OwnerDrop blog.

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