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

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 Legacy Air Filter

Air Cleaner

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6 Air Filters found

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Subaru Legacy Element Air Cleaner
Part Number: 16546AA12A
$17.22 MSRP: $24.95
You Save: $7.73 (31%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Filter Element; Air Filter,Element
- Replaces: 16546AA120
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2007-2019 Subaru Legacy | 2.5GT Limited, 2.5GT Premium, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Sport, 2.5i Touring, 3.0R, 3.0R Limited, 3.0R LL-Bean, 3.6R, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Touring, GT, GT Limited, XT Limited | 2.5L H4, 2.5L H4 DOHC, 2.5L H4 SOHC, 2.5L H4 Turbo, 3.0L H6, 3.6L H6
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Subaru Legacy 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:
- 2020-2021 Subaru Legacy | 2.4R F/R-O, 2.4R Limited, 2.4R Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Sport, 2.5i Touring | 2.4L H4 DIT, 2.5L H4 DI
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Subaru Legacy Element-Air Cleaner
Part Number: 16546AA10A
$17.22 MSRP: $24.95
You Save: $7.73 (31%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Air Filter, Element, Filter Element
- Replaces: 16546AA090
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy | 2.5i, 2.5i Base, 2.5i Limited, 3.0R, 3.0R Limited, 3.0R LL-Bean, Base, GT, GT Limited | 2.5L H4, 2.5L H4 Turbo, 3.0L H6
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Subaru Legacy Air Filter
Part Number: 16546AA07A
$12.92 MSRP: $17.95
You Save: $5.03 (29%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Element-Air Cleaner; Filter Element
- Replaces: 16546AA070
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1999-2004 Subaru Legacy | Baja, Baja-S, Base, Brighton, Cold Weather, GT, L, Limited, L-S, Post, SUS Limited | 2.2L H4 Series, 2.5L H4
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Subaru Legacy 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:
- 2001-2004 Subaru Legacy | Baja-B, Flat6, Flat6 L.L.Bean, Flat6-S, SUS Flat6 | 2.5L H4 Turbo, 3.0L H6
- 1990-1999 Subaru Legacy | Base, Brighton, GT, L, LS, LS-D, LS-I, Out Back, Post, SUS, Turbo | 2.2L H4, 2.2L H4 (New EVAPO), 2.2L H4 Series, 2.5L H4
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Subaru Legacy 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:
- 2004 Subaru Legacy | Base, Cold Weather, GT, L, Limited, L-S, SUS Limited | 2.5L H4

Subaru Legacy Air Filter

The Subaru Legacy Air Filter traps dirt and debris before they enter the engine, creating a first line of defense against harmful particles. Due to the Subaru Legacy utilizing 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel, the Air Filter is important. The Air Filter is located in a housing that ducts into the throttle body. It filters incoming air which may contain dust, sand, leaves, and other particles as small as 5 microns to prevent contamination that can damage components and hamper performance and fuel economy. As material gets captured on the filter surface over time, airflow can become restricted, lessening efficiency, so the Air Filter should be changed periodically. The design of a filter element varies depending on the design of a vehicle. Carbureted engines normally have a round element mounted on the top of a carburetor. Similarly, many fuel-injected setups have a flat panel. The flat panel is normally located in an air box. Further, this air box opens with clips or screws for servicing. Every Subaru Legacy must have proper sealing to avoid unfiltered air bypass, and checks of the Subaru Legacy Air Filter keep the airflow up.

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Subaru Legacy Air Filter Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Element Air Cleaner
16546AA12A
Q:
Where is the air filter located in the engine compartment on Subaru Legacy?
Posted by Jon M.
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 Anthony / May 18, 2025