Tesla Air Filters are commonly referred to as “Cabin Air filters”. They play a vital role in keeping the air inside your car clean by trapping dust, pollen, and other pollutants. But these filters get dirty and clogged with external debris over time.
Fortunately, replacing a Tesla Air Filter is not expensive. On average, replacing the air filter in a Tesla car can range from $50 to $175 and HEPA upgrade for older Models will cost $500 including installation.

How Does Tesla Air Filtration System Work?
Before delving into air filter replacement costs, you should also clearly understand the Tesla Air Filtration system.
Tesla uses high-quality Cabin air filters for all Models and even introduced HEPA Air Filtration upgrades for its (2012 – 2020) S Models, and (2015 – 2020) X Models in 2016.
All new Tesla Models are equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration system and Bioweapon Defense Mode based on an official Tesla statement published in 2022.
Tesla also claims this new filtration system can remove up to 99.97% of particulate matter from the air within the car, protecting against air pollution and other airborne risks.
Watch the video below to see how efficient the Tesla HEPA filtration system and Bioweapon Defense Mode are:
Signs Indicating the Need for Tesla Air Filter Replacement
The Tesla Maintenance Service Intervals suggest replacing the cabin air filter every 2 years and 3 years for the HEPA filters & HEPA with carbon air filters.
Besides that, if you notice any of the following signs, you should replace your Tesla filters:
- If unpleasant smells come from the air vents of the Tesla.
- If you notice decreased airflow or poor air quality inside the Tesla.
- If the cabin of the Tesla still smells musty or old even after replacing the air filters.
How Much Does a Tesla Air Filter Replacement Cost?
The average cost of replacing both Air Filters on your Tesla may stay between $82.25 and $123.75, including parts price ($34 – $68), labor cost ($125 – $155) per hour & tax.
Tesla Model S and X Air Filters are available for $34 each, while the Model 3 and Y filters are available for $17 each at the Tesla shop.
Older Tesla S (2012-2020) and X (2015-2020) Models HEPA Air Filtration upgrade cost $500 (including installation fees).
Cost at Tesla-Specific Center:
Here’re the approximate estimates for replacing the Air Filter from any Tesla-specific center:
Tesla Models | Parts Price (2 Filters) | Labor Rate | Exact Labor Expense (10/15 min) | Total cost (including Tax) |
Model 3 & Y | $34 | ($125 – $155)/hour | ($31.25 – $38.75) | ($82.25 -$89.75) |
Model S & X | $68 | ($125 – $155)/hour | ($31.25 – $38.75) | ($116.25 -$123.75) |
Tesla Mobile Service may charge you between $59 and $69 for swapping the filters. But if the service includes odor removal from evaporator coils, the cost may range between $133.75 and $175.
Cost at Independent Service Center:
An independent body shop or a mobile mechanic like RepairSmith may charge you between $51 and $114.
Here’re the approximate cost estimates for replacing the Tesla Filter from a third party:
Models | Approx. price | |
Tesla 3 | 2017 (Electric Base • 31,000 miles) | ($117 – $143) |
2018 (Electric 18k & 41 k miles • Electric Performance50k miles) | ($33 – $44) | |
2018 (Electric Long Range • 13,000 miles) | ($117 – $143) | |
2019 Tesla 3 (Electric • 9,500 & Electric Long Range • 10k miles) | ($39 – $47) | |
2019 (Electric Long Range • 18k & 19k miles) | ($117 – $165) | |
Tesla S | 2014 (Electric Signature • 11k & 18k miles) | ($149 – $187) |
2015 (Electric Signature • 92k & Electric Base • 41k miles) | ($47 – $66) | |
2017 (Electric 75D • 22,000 miles) | ($164 – $200) | |
2018 (Electric 100D • 27,497 miles & Electric 75D • 22k miles) | ($51 – $167) | |
2019 (Electric P100D • 27k & 38k miles) | ($47 – $68) | |
2019 (Electric • 9,000 miles) | ($167 – $204) |
Note that the cost of replacing Model S and X Air Filter will be similar as well as Model 3 and Y Air Filter replacement cost will remain same.
Related Post: How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Tesla Drive Unit?
5 Best Air Filters Compatible with Tesla Models:
Besides the OEM options, you can also consider these high-quality Cabin Air Filter:
Air Filter Options | Material | Price |
JOJOMARK Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon Fit 2012-2015 Model S | 2012-15 Carbon | ($16.89 – $22.99) |
ShowEv Tesla Model X Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon | An activated charcoal layered filtration | ($34.99) |
XTechnor Air Filter HEPA 2 Pack with Activated Carbon for Tesla Model 3 & Y (2016-2023) | Carbon | ($49.99) |
LMZX Tesla Model X Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon | An activated charcoal layered filtration | ($93.99) |
Farmogo HEPA Cabin Air Filter for Tesla Model Y | Coconut shell-activated carbon | ($59.99) |
Tesla Air Filter Replacement Guide:
Fortunately, you can save additional costs by replacing your Tesla Filter yourself.
Simply follow the step-by-step instructions released by Tesla:
- Switch off your car’s climate control system and fully retract the front passenger seat to remove the front passenger floor mat.
- Remove the push clips that hold the front passenger footwell cover to the instrument panel with a clip pry tool. Disconnect the two electrical connectors while holding the footwell cover and then slide the footwell cover aside. (In the case of the Model S and X, first free the magnets, then unplug the electrical connectors)
- Disconnect the light by pressing down on the tab while releasing the connector. Similarly, while removing the Speaker connector, tilt the vehicle-side connector so that the little tab comes out of the hole in the footwell cover-side connector.
- Working from the top down, carefully remove the right-side panel from the center console with a trim tool.
- Remove the T20 screw that secures the cabin filter cover to the HVAC module, then loosen and relocate the cabin filter cover. (On some vehicles, the screen is a T20/6mm hybrid fastener). Replace the screw by squeezing the two tabs at the bottom of the cabin filter cover with your index and thumb. To remove the lid, tilt it outwards.
- Fold the tabs of the upper cabin filter upward and the lower cabin filter downward. Pull the upper cabin filter out of the HVAC module while holding the tab. Then, holding the tab on the lower cabin filter, lift the lower filter upwards and out of the HVAC module.
- Lower the lower cabin filter into the HVAC module, making the arrows on both new filters face the back of the car. Place the upper cabin filter on top of it.
- Fold the tabs inward to attach the cabin filter cover. Engage the lower cover tab and secure the T20 screw or T20/6mm hybrid fastener to install the cabin filter cover.
- Tighten the screw until it reaches 1.2 Nm/0.89 ft-lbs. On cars with tabs instead of a T20 screw, insert the excellent cabin filter cover, and secure the tabs at the bottom of the HVAC module.
- Reattach the two electrical connectors to the components in the front passenger footwell cover. Then reinsert the cover with the push clips.
- Align the right-side panel with the front and rear locator slots on the center console, then press down to secure all of the clips. Reinstall the front passenger floor mat and put the front passenger seat back into place.
Read More: A Comprehensive Guide to Tesla Side Mirror Replacement Cost
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How long do Tesla Air Filters last?
The standard Cabin filters last at least 2 years, but if the Tesla Model is equipped
with HEPA & Carbon filters, they will last 3 years max.
How long will it take to replace Tesla Air Filters?
Replacing the filters on Tesla cars by professionals will take 10 to 15 minutes max. But for newbies, it may take up to 30 minutes to do the job.
Is the Air Filter repair covered by Tesla’s warranty?
No. Normal wear and tear components, such as filters, are not covered by
warranty since Tesla considers the Cabin Air Filter replacement as part of their routine maintenance service.