These instructions apply to the Kia Stonic Mk1 (YB) 2017-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The cabin (pollen) air filter on the Kia Stonic (YB, 2017–present) sits behind the glovebox and is a genuine ten-minute job with no tools. A clogged filter is the usual cause of weak airflow, misted windows that are slow to clear, or a musty smell from the vents, so it is worth changing once a year or every 15,000 km. Here is how to reach it and fit a new one.
What You Need
- A new cabin air filter to suit the Stonic (your parts shop will match it to the car).
- A few minutes — no tools are needed to open the glovebox on most cars.
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter
- Empty and open the glovebox. Open the lid fully so you can see the stoppers at each end of the box.
- Release both side stoppers. Squeeze or push in the stopper on each side so the glovebox can swing down past its normal stop, then lower it. On some cars you also unhook a small support strap on one side.
- Remove the filter cover. Press the lock tab on the right-hand side of the cover and pull the cover off to expose the filter.
- Slide the old filter out. Note which way up it sits as it comes out — the frame carries an airflow arrow that must point the same way when the new one goes in (on the Stonic the arrow points downward, toward the blower).
- Fit the new filter with the airflow arrow facing the same direction as the old one, seated squarely in its slot.
- Refit the cover and glovebox. Clip the filter cover back on, lift the glovebox, re-engage both stoppers (and the strap if fitted), and check the lid closes and latches normally.
Kia’s own note is to install the filter properly — if it is loose or in back-to-front, the heater can make a whistling noise and the filter will not work as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cabin filter on a Kia Stonic?
Behind the glovebox. Drop the glovebox down past its normal stop by releasing the stoppers at each end, then remove the filter cover to reach the filter.
How often should I change it?
Roughly once a year or every 15,000 km, sooner if airflow has dropped, the windows are slow to demist, or there is a stale smell from the vents. Cars used in dusty or pollen-heavy areas benefit from more frequent changes.
Which way does the filter go in?
Match the airflow arrow on the filter frame to the direction the old one faced — on the Stonic the arrow points downward toward the blower. Fitting it the wrong way reduces airflow and filtering.
Do I need any tools?
No. The glovebox releases by hand and the filter cover is held by a lock tab. Just take care not to crack the glovebox stoppers when you lower it.
Keeping on top of maintenance? See the full set of Kia Stonic guides, or decode a fault code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Kia. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.