2019 Nissan Rogue Cabin Air Filter Location (Behind the Glove Box) & Replacement Guide

Replacing the cabin air filter in your 2019 Nissan Rogue is a straightforward task you can do yourself in under 15 minutes. The cabin air filter housing is located directly behind the vehicle’s glove box. Accessing it requires gently removing the glove box assembly. This essential maintenance improves your driving comfort and air quality, saving you money compared to dealership service. Follow the detailed steps below to locate, access, and change your Rogue's cabin filter with ease.

Understanding the Cabin Air Filter and Why You Need to Replace It

The cabin air filter, sometimes called the pollen filter or micro filter, cleans the air entering your Nissan Rogue’s passenger compartment through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It traps pollutants like:

  • Dust and road dirt
  • Pollen and allergens
  • Soot and exhaust particles
  • Mold spores
  • Leaves and other organic debris

Over time, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year (whichever comes first, or more often in dusty environments), this filter becomes clogged. A dirty filter can cause several problems:

  1. Reduced Airflow: You'll notice significantly weaker airflow from your vents, especially when using the fan on higher speeds. The system struggles to push air through the clogged filter.
  2. Poor Air Quality: Trapped pollutants and moisture in the filter material can promote mold growth, leading to unpleasant musty odors circulating inside the car whenever the HVAC is on. Allergens pass through more easily.
  3. Strained HVAC System: The blower motor works harder to move air, potentially shortening its lifespan. Evaporator coils might become dirty faster.
  4. Reduced Defrosting/Demisting Efficiency: Poor airflow hinders the system's ability to quickly clear your windshield on cold or humid days.

Replacing it regularly ensures clean air for you and your passengers and maintains HVAC system performance.

Tools and Parts You'll Need

Before starting, gather these items:

  1. New Cabin Air Filter: Ensure it's compatible with the 2019 Nissan Rogue. Popular brands include Fram Fresh Breathe (CF12333), Bosch (C1233), Purolator (C25609), WIX (WP10178), or a Genuine Nissan filter (27260-9CA2A or similar – confirm with your dealer or parts counter). Standard activated carbon filters are effective.
  2. Small Flashlight or Work Light: Helpful for illuminating the recessed area behind the glove box.
  3. Clean Work Area: You’ll be handling the filter indoors or in a sheltered spot.
  4. Flathead Screwdriver (Optional, Rarely Needed): Primarily for prying stubborn clips if they resist finger pressure, though this is unlikely on the 2019 Rogue. Fingers are usually sufficient.

No specialized tools are required. Protect carpets with an old towel if needed.

Locating the 2019 Nissan Rogue Cabin Air Filter Housing

As stated clearly at the beginning, the filter housing is behind the glove box assembly. More specifically:

  1. It is mounted vertically on the rear wall of the area immediately behind the glove box opening when the glove box is removed.
  2. The housing is a rectangular plastic casing, approximately 8-10 inches wide by 4-6 inches tall.
  3. It has a cover secured by clips or tabs on the left and right sides.
  4. The cover itself often has an arrow indicating airflow direction or instructions ("Push," "Release"). It usually features textured plastic for grip.
  5. Important: On the 2019 model year, the filter housing is not accessed from inside the glove box itself by flipping a small cover down, which is common on many older Nissan models. Removal of the entire glove box assembly is required.

Step-by-Step Guide to Access and Replace Your 2019 Rogue Cabin Air Filter

Phase 1: Preparing the Vehicle and Glove Box

  1. Park Safely: Ensure your Rogue is parked on a level surface with the engine off and the parking brake firmly engaged.
  2. Empty the Glove Box: Remove all contents from the glove box to prevent items from falling out during removal.
  3. Open the Glove Box Door: Pull the glove box handle and let the door swing fully open towards you.
  4. Remove Dampening Cable (Passenger Side - Most Rogues): Look along the passenger side wall (right side as you face the glove box opening) inside the glove box cavity. You should see a thin, white plastic cable or strap attached to a post near the glove box hinge area. This is the "damper" or "assist strap." Carefully push the clip on the end of this cable off its mounting post using your fingers. Do not pull on the cable itself; push the clip laterally off the post. Set the cable aside. Note: Some base models might not have this damper cable. If yours doesn't, proceed to the next step.
  5. Release Glove Box Retainers:
    • Look along the sides of the glove box opening. You will see plastic "stops" or molded-in tabs on both the left and right edges.
    • Left Side (Driver Side): Firmly press the left sidewall of the glove box assembly inwards (towards the center of the vehicle). As you push in, gently flex the top of the glove box downwards a little at the same time. This maneuver should release the glove box assembly from its stops/posts on that side.
    • Right Side (Passenger Side): Repeat the process on the right sidewall: firmly press inwards while gently pulling the top of the glove box downwards. You should hear or feel the stops/posts disengage.
  6. Remove the Glove Box: Once both sides are released, gently swing the top of the glove box assembly downwards and pivot it towards you. You are not detaching it completely; it will hang down by its hinge at the bottom near the floor. Allow it to rest in this position, providing clear access to the area behind it. Use caution to avoid straining wiring harnesses that might run nearby, though none are directly attached to the glove box.

Phase 2: Locating and Accessing the Filter Housing

  1. Identify the Filter Housing: With the glove box lowered and secured by its hinge, look into the opening. Directly on the rear wall facing you, you will see the rectangular plastic filter housing. It's positioned vertically.
  2. Identify the Housing Cover: The filter housing has a front cover. This cover is typically secured by plastic retaining clips on the Left and Right sides. Often, the cover will have raised molded instructions like "PUSH" near the clips and/or an arrow indicating the airflow direction (which should be downwards for proper installation of the new filter). The cover might also have textured grips.

Phase 3: Removing the Old Filter

  1. Release Housing Cover Clips: Locate the clips on the sides of the housing cover. Using your fingers, simultaneously push inwards (towards the center of the cover) on both the left and right clips. They don't require excessive force; press firmly until you feel or hear them unlatch.
  2. Remove the Housing Cover: While holding the clips released, gently pull the cover straight towards you. It should pivot slightly at the bottom as the top clears the clips. Carefully lower the cover down and away, setting it aside.
  3. Inspect the Old Filter: With the cover off, you will see the old filter. Note its orientation carefully. The airflow direction arrow (if present on the old filter) should point DOWN towards the vehicle floor. Take a quick look at the condition – it's likely very dirty, dusty, or even covered in leaves.
  4. Remove the Old Filter: Simply pull the filter straight out towards you from the housing slot. Be prepared for a shower of dirt and debris – have a trash bag handy immediately nearby. Check inside the housing cavity for any large debris that might have accumulated and remove it.

Phase 4: Installing the New Filter

  1. Verify Correct Replacement Filter: Ensure the new filter is the correct size and type for your 2019 Rogue. Compare its dimensions to the old one visually if possible.
  2. Observe Airflow Direction: Identify the airflow direction arrow on the new filter frame. This arrow must point DOWN. Installing it upside-down (arrow pointing up) drastically reduces its efficiency and defeats the purpose of replacement. Double-check this before insertion.
  3. Install the New Filter: Holding the filter by its edges (avoid pressing on the filter material), carefully slide it into the housing slot in the exact orientation you observed the old filter come out, ensuring the airflow arrow points DOWN. Push it firmly and evenly into the housing until it is fully seated. It should fit snugly; don't force it. Make sure it lies flat within the channel.
  4. Reinstall the Housing Cover: Place the housing cover back onto the housing frame. Align the tabs/pins at the bottom first. Then, push the top of the cover firmly towards the housing until both left and right retaining clips audibly "snap" back into place. Give each clip a gentle tug outwards to confirm it is securely latched.

Phase 5: Reassembly

  1. Return Glove Box to Position: Carefully lift the glove box assembly upwards. Align its side edges with the mounting positions inside the dashboard cavity.
  2. Re-engage Glove Box Retainers: Starting with one side, press the top corner of the glove box assembly firmly inwards and push it upwards to engage the plastic stops/posts on that side. You should hear or feel a definite click as they snap back into place. Repeat this action on the opposite side.
  3. Reattach Dampening Cable (If Applicable): Retrieve the damper cable. Align its clip with the mounting post near the passenger side hinge area. Firmly push the clip straight onto the post until it clicks into position. Ensure the cable isn't twisted or kinked.
  4. Close the Glove Box: Slowly close the glove box door. It should operate smoothly. Give it a gentle shake to ensure it's securely latched and isn't sagging. Replace your belongings.

Testing and Final Checks

  1. Start Vehicle: Start your Nissan Rogue.
  2. Test HVAC System: Turn the ignition to the "ON" position or start the engine. Turn the HVAC system fan on to its highest speed setting.
  3. Verify Airflow: Place your hand near the center air vents. You should feel significantly increased air volume compared to before the filter change.
  4. Check for Odors: If you were experiencing musty smells initially, run the fan for a few minutes to cycle air. The odor should dissipate relatively quickly. If a slight "new filter" smell persists briefly, this is normal but should not be unpleasant.
  5. Dispose of Old Filter: Properly dispose of the old filter in a sealable plastic bag if it's very dirty to prevent dust spreading, then place it in your regular trash.

Maintenance Schedule & Tips

  • Replace Frequency: Nissan recommends inspecting the cabin air filter regularly. Standard replacement intervals are every 15,000 miles or 12 months under normal conditions. However, replace it every 6-12 months or 7,500-10,000 miles if you frequently drive in heavily polluted areas, dusty conditions (e.g., dirt roads), high-pollen regions, or areas with high humidity prone to mold growth.
  • DIY Advantage: Changing the cabin filter yourself typically costs under 50-$100+ at a dealership service department, saving you money instantly. This task requires minimal tools and effort.
  • Buy Genuine or Quality Aftermarket: While Genuine Nissan filters are ideal, high-quality aftermarket filters from reputable brands like Fram, Bosch, Purolator, and WIX perform well. Check reviews and ensure fitment. Avoid the cheapest no-name filters.
  • Seasonal Consideration: An excellent practice is to replace your cabin air filter each Spring before pollen season and each Fall before wet leaf season to ensure optimal air quality year-round.

Conclusion

Accessing and replacing the cabin air filter in your 2019 Nissan Rogue is a quick, simple, and cost-effective maintenance task. By precisely locating the filter housing behind the glove box assembly and following the steps above to carefully remove the glove box, release the housing clips, and install a new filter with the airflow arrow pointing DOWN, you can significantly improve the air quality inside your vehicle and maintain your HVAC system’s efficiency. Performing this basic service yourself takes less than 15 minutes and ensures you and your passengers breathe cleaner air every time you drive your Nissan Rogue.

Back to blog