Jerry has helped 40,000+ customers nationwide get reliable repair pricing and found most drivers pay $73 to $142 for an engine air filter replacement. Dealer service and performance filters can run $75 to $150, while cracked airboxes or intake repairs cost $120 to $350+. The filter itself is cheap—$10 to $40 for a paper filter or $50 to $100 for a reusable/oiled unit. Labor is 0.2 to 0.5 hours ($20–$80) depending on access and shop rate. When shops quote “repair,” they may be including cracked housings, broken clips, or MAF sensor service, which can push totals higher.
You can use the Jerry app to see local prices on the engine air filter and other components. Join other customers who’ve taken some of the hassle and uncertainty out of the repair process.
Cost breakdown: Why the price varies
Even a simple job has variables that shift the bill. Here’s what matters most:
- Filter type and quality: Basic paper filters run $10–$25 while premium OEM or high-flow versions add $10–$60. Note that reusable/oiled filters cost $50–$100 upfront.
- Vehicle design and access: Easy-access boxes take 10 minutes, but buried filters under braces, cowls, or dual setups add 0.2–0.5 labor hours ($20–$80). Some Euro/turbo models even need 0.7–1.0 hours.
- Shop type and labor rate: A 0.3-hour job may cost $30 at an independent but $60+ at a dealer.
- Region and market: Urban/coastal areas often add $10–$40 compared to rural.
- Related parts and fixes: Clips ($5–$20), intake boots ($50–$200) or MAF cleaning ($70–$150) can raise costs. A new MAF sensor may be $150–$400+.
- Bundling and timing: Combining with an oil change or scheduled service often saves $10–$30 in labor.
- Taxes and shop fees: Expect $2–$15 in supplies/fees.
See what an engine air filter replacement cost could look like for drivers like you. Here are some examples of costs for real cars and locations.
What is an engine air filter?
The engine air filter acts like a shield for the engine’s lungs and blocks debris before air reaches the cylinders. A properly sealed filter ensures smooth throttle response, efficient fuel-air mixing, and long engine life. Even a small airbox gap can let grit bypass the filter—cheap to fix but expensive if ignored.
What are signs that you need the engine air filter replaced?
Here are common symptoms that your filter needs attention:
- Heavily clogged or dirty pleats.
- Sluggish acceleration or weak throttle response.
- Reduced fuel economy.
- Louder intake noise or whistling from a loose airbox.
- Check Engine Light or airflow codes (P0101, P0171).
- Oil or debris inside the airbox.
- Performance drop after dusty trips.
Your action plan: How to save money
You can keep this repair cheap by following a few smart strategies:
- Follow the service interval: Replace every 15k–30k miles (10k–15k in dusty conditions).
- Inspect visually: Some gray is fine; replace when light doesn’t pass through or pleats are clogged/torn.
- Pick OEM-equivalent: Quality paper filters from Mahle, Mann, Denso, or ACDelco are best for daily drivers.
- Bundle with other services: Have it swapped during an oil change or brake check to save on labor.
- DIY if accessible: Most airboxes use clips or screws—easy for a careful driver.
- Protect the MAF: Seat the lid evenly, avoid leaving the box open, and use proper oiling technique for reusable filters.
- Ask for proof: Request to see your old filter and confirmation all clips/latches are sealed.
DIY vs. Pro: Can I do this myself?
Replacing an engine air filter is an easy DIY job on many cars, but be aware that cramped layouts can make it trickier.
| Factor | DIY | Pro Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Skill level | Basic: open clips, seat filter evenly | None for you; just hand over the keys |
| Tools | Screwdriver or small socket/Torx | Full toolset, spare clips |
| Time | 10–20 minutes | 10–30 minutes including paperwork |
| Cost | $15–$84 (filter only) | $35–$90+ parts + labor |
| Risk | Mis-seated lid lets dirt bypass; over-oiling reusable filters can foul MAF | Very low—techs confirm seal |
| When it makes sense | Easy access, careful DIYer | Tight layouts, brittle hardware, or guaranteed seal |
Quick DIY checklist:
- Park, let the engine cool, and clean debris off the airbox.
- Note filter orientation before removal.
- Open carefully—don’t strain the MAF wiring.
- Wipe out the airbox only; don’t touch the sensing wire.
- Seat the new filter squarely with no rolled edges.
- Reclip/bolt evenly; confirm all tabs engage.
- Start engine, and listen for a whistle or intake roar.
Related repairs
Because the air filter sits at the intake front, related parts are often inspected at the same time:
- Cabin air filter: $78–$106 installed.
- MAF sensor cleaning/replacement: $70–$150 cleaning; $150–$400+ for replacement.
- Intake boot/duct: $75–$200 installed if cracked.
- Clips/lid/snorkel hardware: $5–$20 each.
- Throttle body cleaning: $100–$180 if the plate sticks.
Use the Jerry app to get repair estimates in advance so you’re not caught off guard if the technician recommends further services.
What our customers are asking
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How often should I replace the filter?
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Can a dirty filter damage the engine?
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Do performance filters help?
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Can I clean a paper filter?
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Why did my shop charge $100+?
Beginning with Hot Wheels toys as a preschooler, Rocco’s lifelong passion for cars has taken him from high school occupational courses to decades of master mechanic experience in mobile, dealership and independent auto shops.
Rocco’s professional career began in 1997 with factory Ford training in San Diego. While gaining invaluable experience in dealerships and independent shops, he went forward to complete Toyota factory training and graduated from the Universal Technical Institute near Chicago in 2009.
In 2014, Rocco opened Rocco’s Mobile Auto Repair in California servicing Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties with both individual and fleet-based services. After years of success, Rocco shifted his work model from running a business to managing an independent automotive shop. Now in Tennessee, he focuses on training new technicians to be their best.
Steve Kaleff began working on cars at the very young age of nine years old, when his dad actually let him make fixes on the family car. Fast forward to the beginning of a professional career working at independent repair shops and then transitioning to new car dealerships. His experience was with Mercedes-Benz, where Steve was a technician for ten years, four of those years solving problems that no one could or wanted to fix. He moved up to shop foreman and then service manager for 15 years. There have been tremendous changes in automotive technology since Steve started his professional career, so here’s looking forward to an electric future!
Nick Wilson is an editor, writer, and instructor across various subjects. His past experience includes writing and editorial projects in technical, popular, and academic settings, and he has taught humanities courses to countless students in the college classroom. In his free time, he pursues academic research, works on his own writing projects, and enjoys the ordered chaos of life with his wife and kids.
