Where is the air filter located in the engine compartment on Subaru Forester?

The air filter is located inside a housing in the engine compartment. To access it, separate the cover halves and remove the air filter element. This involves removing the bolt holding the rear half of the air filter case, then releasing the spring clips. Loosen the intake hose clamp, then unlatch the clips to get to the air filter element. Inspect the outer surface of the filter element. If it is dirty, replace it. If it is only moderately dusty, it can be reused by blowing it clean from the back to the front surface with compressed air. However, because it is a pleated paper type filter, it cannot be washed or oiled. If it cannot be cleaned satisfactorily with compressed air, discard and replace it. While the cover is off, be careful not to drop anything down into the housing. Never drive the vehicle with the air cleaner removed, as excessive engine wear could result. Wipe out the inside of the air cleaner housing. Place the new filter into the air cleaner housing, making sure it seats properly. Installation of the housing is the reverse of removal.

Genuine Subaru Forester Air Filter

Air Cleaner

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7 Air Filters found

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Subaru Forester Engine Air Filter
Part Number: 16546AA16A
$26.45 MSRP: $38.33
You Save: $11.88 (31%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Air Filter; Filter Element, Element Air Cleaner
- Replaces: 16546AA150
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2019-2025 Subaru Forester | Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring | 4 Cyl 2.5L, 4 Cyl 2.5L Hybrid
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Subaru Forester Element Air Cleaner
Part Number: 16546AA120
$17.22 MSRP: $24.95
You Save: $7.73 (31%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Element-Air Cleaner
- Replaced by: 16546AA12A
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2009-2018 Subaru Forester | 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring, X, X Limited, X Premium, XT, XT Limited | 2.5L H4, 2.5L H4 DOHC, 2.5L H4 DOHC Turbo
View related parts
Subaru Forester Element Air Cleaner
Part Number: 16546AA150
$26.45 MSRP: $38.33
You Save: $11.88 (31%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaced by: 16546AA16A
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2019-2021 Subaru Forester | Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
View related parts
Subaru Forester Element Air Cleaner
Part Number: 16546AA090
$17.22 MSRP: $24.95
You Save: $7.73 (31%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Element-Air Cleaner
- Replaced by: 16546AA10A
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2014-2018 Subaru Forester | 2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring | 2.0L H4
- 2009-2010 Subaru Forester | X, X Limited, XS | 2.5L H4 SOHC
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Subaru Forester Air Filter
Part Number: 16546AA020
$12.92 MSRP: $17.95
You Save: $5.03 (29%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Element-Air Cleaner; Filter, Filter Element
- Replaces: 16546AA050
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2004-2008 Subaru Forester | Forester Sports, L.L.Bean, X, XS, XT | 2.5L H4, 2.5L H4 Turbo
- 1998-1999 Subaru Forester | Base, L, S | 2.5L H4 DOHC, 2.5L H4 DOHC (New EVAPO), 2.5L H4 SOHC
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Subaru Forester Element Air Cleaner
Part Number: 16546AA080
$19.64 MSRP: $28.47
You Save: $8.83 (32%)
Ships in 1 Business Day
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Element-Air Cleaner; Filter Element
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2007-2008 Subaru Forester | Forester Sports, L.L.Bean, X, XS | 2.5L H4
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Subaru Forester Air Filter
Part Number: 16546AA070
$12.92 MSRP: $17.95
You Save: $5.03 (29%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Element-Air Cleaner
- Replaced by: 16546AA07A
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1999-2004 Subaru Forester | Base, L, S, X, XS | 2.5L H4, 2.5L H4 SOHC

Subaru Forester Air Filter

The Subaru Forester Air Filter provides clean and particle free airflow to the engine to ensure optimal power and longevity. The Air Filter protects the cylinder walls, plugs, and throttle response by trapping dust, pollen, and grit. Subaru drivers experience smoother acceleration and better mileage because sensor information is unpolluted and friction is minimal. Each Forester generation includes a sealed box designed to fit the filter, so owners of base, Premium, Sport, Limited and XT trims get easy drop in fitment. The synthetic media that is pleated increases the cleaner's surface area so that it can breathe easily and trap debris that is small enough to scratch the pistons. A long-lasting rubber gasket at the edge inhibits any leakages while strengthening reliability with Subaru enthusiasts. It is well-adjusted for the boxer powerplant, enabling the Forester to retain factory horsepower after thousands of kilometres. Consistent Air Filter replacement ensures optimal vehicle performance while reducing harmful emissions and wear. Whether on a slippery back road or in heavy highway traffic, predictable torque through consistent airflow also aids the all wheel drive system to help enhance every Subaru owner's safety. This Air Filter has been specially designed for your Forester so it comes pre-sized for the intake box where it fits in minutes via latch release. Forester owners trust their vehicles to tackle snow, dirt and city commutes. The dedicated Air Filter acts as a barrier against such contaminants. This reliable pedigree matches the Subaru brand's commitment to value. Opt for this Air Filter, which is designed by Subaru, for your Forester and enjoy its longevity and peak efficiency.

Our website stands as the go-to online destination for OEM Subaru Forester Air Filter. With complete lines of genuine Subaru Forester Air Filter available at unbeatable market prices, we ensure top quality, reliability, and durability. Each part comes backed by the manufacturer's warranty, reinforcing your trust in our offerings.

Subaru Forester Air Filter Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Air Filter
16546AA020
Q:
Where is the air filter located in the engine compartment on Subaru Forester?
Posted by Joseph G.
A:
The air filter is located inside a housing in the engine compartment. To access it, separate the cover halves and remove the air filter element. This involves removing the bolt holding the rear half of the air filter case, then releasing the spring clips. Loosen the intake hose clamp, then unlatch the clips to get to the air filter element. Inspect the outer surface of the filter element. If it is dirty, replace it. If it is only moderately dusty, it can be reused by blowing it clean from the back to the front surface with compressed air. However, because it is a pleated paper type filter, it cannot be washed or oiled. If it cannot be cleaned satisfactorily with compressed air, discard and replace it. While the cover is off, be careful not to drop anything down into the housing. Never drive the vehicle with the air cleaner removed, as excessive engine wear could result. Wipe out the inside of the air cleaner housing. Place the new filter into the air cleaner housing, making sure it seats properly. Installation of the housing is the reverse of removal.
Answered by Subaru Parts Specialist Gary / Sep 12, 2025