Replace the Cabin Air Filter

Reviewed by the Service Reset editor · Updated October 5, 2026 · How we verify

These instructions apply to the Kia Rio Mk3 (UB/QBR) 2011-2018.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.

The cabin (pollen) air filter on the Kia Rio Mk3 (UB, 2011–2018) sits behind the glove box and takes about ten minutes to change with no tools. A fresh filter restores airflow from the vents and clears stale, musty smells. The car shown here uses a Bosch 1 987 432 170-size element.

Glove box lowered on a Kia Rio Mk3 to reach the cabin air filter behind it
Opening the glove box — with it dropped down, the cabin filter housing sits behind it. (Left-hand-drive car shown.)

What You Need

Just a new cabin filter — a standard Bosch 1 987 432 170 (or any equivalent listed for the 2011–2018 Rio) fits. No tools are required: the glove box and the filter cover both release by hand.

How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter

  1. Open the glove box and empty it, then free it so it drops all the way down: squeeze the sides inward to clear the two stops and unclip the small damper strap on the right if one is fitted. Work gently — the stops and clips snap easily if forced.
  2. Behind the glove box you will see the filter cover, molded with OPEN arrows. Press the release tab on its end to unclip it.
    Kia Rio cabin filter cover with OPEN arrows and the release tab marked
    The filter cover behind the glove box is molded with OPEN arrows; press the release tab on the end to unclip it.
  3. Lift the cover away to reach the filter in its housing behind it.
    Removing the cabin filter cover on a Kia Rio Mk3
    Lift the cover away to reach the filter in the housing behind it.
  4. Pull the old filter straight out. Note which way round it sits — there is an AIR FLOW arrow on the frame pointing down.
    Pulling the old cabin air filter out of a Kia Rio Mk3, AIR FLOW arrow on the frame
    Pull the old filter straight out — the AIR FLOW arrow on the frame points down.
  5. Fitting the new filter is just the reverse: slide it in with the AIR FLOW arrow pointing down, clip the cover back on, swing the glove box up, and re-engage the side stops and damper strap. Fitted upside down, the cover will not clip back on.

How Often to Change It

Kia’s schedule calls for a fresh cabin air filter every 24,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Change it sooner if you drive in heavy traffic, dust or pollen, or if airflow from the vents has dropped off or the air smells stale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the cabin filter on the Kia Rio?

Behind the glove box. Drop the glove box fully down and the filter sits in a cover molded with OPEN arrows directly behind it.

What size cabin filter does the Rio UB take?

A standard Bosch 1 987 432 170-size element, or any equivalent cabin/pollen filter listed for the 2011–2018 Rio. Both plain particle and activated-carbon versions fit.

Which way does the filter go in?

With the AIR FLOW arrow pointing down. The arrow is printed on the filter frame; fitted correctly, the cover clips back on without force.

Do I need any tools?

No. The glove box and the filter cover both release by hand — no screwdriver needed.

A blocked cabin filter will not set off a dashboard warning light, but if a light does appear on your Rio for another reason, you can check what it means on autodtcs.com.

Independent guide — not affiliated with Kia. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.

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