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I see online Mazda dealers recommending replacement of Cabin air filters every 15,000 miles. Also, every 15-30,000 mile.
A few months ago, I bought a certified 2022 CX-5 Premium Plus with 24K miles from a Mazda dealer in a neighboring state. Last week, the 28K service was performed at my nearest Mazda dealer. They sent me a video of the condition of the cabin filter. It was incredibly filthy (see attachment). Naturally, I OK'd replacement.
But, on looking at the CarFax report for this vehicle, I’m seeing that the cabin air filter was "replaced/cleaned" at 10K, 15K, 24K (this when vehicle was being certified for sale) — and, again, now at 28K.
Either the filter has never been replaced, or they have an old filter in the shop and show everyone the same thing to increase revenue....
I would also suggest you DIY the filter as its really easy and you can buy a pack of 3 filters on Amazon for next to nothing. The dealer price is crazy for this service. It will take you 10min at the most.
Last edited by chickdr19; Feb 24, 2025 at 10:42 AM.
I change mine every year and it never gets even close to that dirty.
Really no point in cleaning them, it's really easy to change out and you can get them online for about $16.50
Only once did I ever have a really dirty cabin filter in any vehicle and it was caused by mice.
Cabin filters should be replaced at every season change or if the vehicle is operated in adverse weather and environment conditions.
I recommend to get a K&N cabin filter. The one time investment is well worth it and it is easy to service.
Looking at that cabin filter I can suggest that you also strongly suggest doing a HVAC cabin system cleaning. It is another very easy to do DIY task that would only take about an hour and simply tools.
Although where I live there is no fires I still get the results of all the ash that is carried hundreds of miles from the big fires here in California. The interior of my Mazda was starting to smell like ash/smoke even though I have used only re-circulation setting. I just cleaned the cabinfilter 5 days and 65 miles ago and look at what it has collected. Well it clean again and the interior is fresh smelling.... again!
At first glance it only looks like a small amount of debris.
I placed a clean white paper and tapped the filter a few times.
This may look like dirt but it is mostly ASH!
Ash it the the worst partials to get into the fresh air system because it is not dust dust but a semi soft paste that will coat everything. The only way to clean this if it gets into the ducts is soap and water and wiping it out. Thank fully I have only been using re-circulation and can easily remove the wiper arm cover to access the intake primary duct to clean it after the smash filled sky has cleared and return to normal around here. o
Cabin Filter Replacement Story
The interior of my Mazda was starting to smell like ash/smoke even though I have used only re-circulation setting. I just cleaned the cabin filter 5 days and 65 miles ago and look at what it has collected. Well it clean again and the interior is fresh smelling.... again!
