US Honda HR‑V owners are shocked as dealers charge $130 for a simple air filter replacement—over ten times the part’s cost. Learn how to avoid rip‑offs and save on maintenance today!
Earlier this month, a 2023 Honda HR‑V owner in the United States took to Reddit to share a story that quickly went viral among the automotive community. Every time the vehicle was brought in for an oil change, the dealer added a $130 charge for replacing the cabin‑air filter—roughly ten times the price of the part itself.
The Shocking Price Tag
According to the Reddit post, the dealer billed $130 (about VND 3.2 million) for each air‑filter change. Over a mileage span of more than 80,000 km, the filter was swapped four times, ballooning the cost to well over $500 for a component that normally costs under $12.
What the Filter Actually Costs
The genuine Honda part, catalog number 80291‑TF3‑E01, is readily available online for as low as $11. Even premium carbon‑activated versions typically retail around $45. The filter is a common component, used across a wide range of models—from the Civic and CR‑V to the upcoming 2026 Prelude—so supply is abundant and competition keeps prices low.
Is the Labor Charge Justified?
Replacing the HR‑V’s cabin‑air filter is a straightforward task. The filter sits directly behind the glove‑box; lowering the box gives immediate access. The entire operation can be completed in a matter of minutes. In fact, a video shared by a user showed a 9‑year‑old child swapping the filter under light adult supervision, underscoring how simple the job truly is. Charging $130 for such minimal labor raises serious questions about transparency and fairness at some service centers.
How Often Should You Replace It?
Honda’s maintenance guidelines recommend changing the cabin‑air filter every 15,000–25,000 km, depending on driving conditions. The dealer’s insistence on earlier replacements, paired with the inflated price, suggests a profit‑driven approach rather than a service‑oriented one.
What You Can Do
- Shop for the part online and purchase it yourself; the OEM filter is inexpensive and widely stocked.
- Watch a short DIY video to learn the swap—it takes less than ten minutes and requires only basic tools.
- Ask for a detailed labor breakdown before authorizing any work, and compare it with standard industry rates.
- If a dealer’s price seems unreasonable, consider getting the service done at an independent garage or a certified mechanic.
In an era where vehicle owners are increasingly savvy about maintenance costs, stories like this serve as a reminder to stay informed, question unexpected charges, and take control of your car’s upkeep.