How to replace the air filter in a Subaru Outback?

The air filter is located inside a housing in the engine compartment. Separate the cover halves and remove the air filter element. Remove the bolt holding the rear half of the air filter case, then release the spring clips to access the filter element for 2004 and earlier non-turbocharged models. For all other models, loosen the intake hose clamp, then unlatch the clips to access 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. 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. Wipe out the inside of the air filter housing. Place the new filter into the housing, making sure it seats properly. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal.

Genuine Subaru Outback Air Filter

Air Cleaner

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6 Air Filters found

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Subaru Outback 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 Outback | 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 Outback 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 Outback | 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 Outback Element-Air Cleaner
Part Number: 16546AA10A
$17.22 MSRP: $24.95
You Save: $7.73 (31%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
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 Outback | 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 Outback 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 Outback | 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 Outback 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 Outback | Baja-B, Flat6, Flat6 L.L.Bean, Flat6-S, SUS Flat6 | 2.5L H4 Turbo, 3.0L H6
- 1996-1999 Subaru Outback | Brighton, GT, L, LS, LS-I, Out Back, Post, SUS | 2.2L H4, 2.2L H4 (New EVAPO), 2.2L H4 Series, 2.5L H4
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Subaru Outback 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 Outback | Base, Cold Weather, GT, L, Limited, L-S, SUS Limited | 2.5L H4

Subaru Outback Air Filter

The Subaru Outback Air Filter prevents dirt, dust, sand, leaves, and other airborne particles from entering the intake stream. This prevents them from damaging the engine. Situated inside an air box linked to a throttle body, this flat-panel element screens the huge amounts of air an engine uses this flat-panel element screens the huge amount of air an engine uses, which can reach up to 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of gasoline burned. A fibrous medium captures contaminant particles as small as 5 microns. It offers protection to the engine of a Subaru and helps in performance and fuel economy. There are two main types of filters. The dry pleated paper version depends on physical interception, while the oiled version has an oily tacky coating to hold debris. Material collected by the hood over time, regardless of style, will restrict airflow. Airflow of the engine depends on a clear Air Filter. The housing should be cleared of debris, the seal checked, and the new Air Filter installed so all intake air passes through the media. Changing the Air Filter to a new one keeps Subaru power strong, Outback acceleration responsive, and Outback efficiency high with every Air Filter change.

Our website stands as the go-to online destination for OEM Subaru Outback Air Filter. With complete lines of genuine Subaru Outback 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 Outback Air Filter Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Element Air Cleaner
16546AA12A
Q:
How to replace the air filter in a Subaru Outback?
Posted by Jeffery C.
A:
The air filter is located inside a housing in the engine compartment. Separate the cover halves and remove the air filter element. Remove the bolt holding the rear half of the air filter case, then release the spring clips to access the filter element for 2004 and earlier non-turbocharged models. For all other models, loosen the intake hose clamp, then unlatch the clips to access 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. 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. Wipe out the inside of the air filter housing. Place the new filter into the housing, making sure it seats properly. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal.
Answered by Subaru Parts Specialist Nolan / Jul 18, 2024