Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links go to other retailers and may also earn us a commission. Full disclosure.
The short answer: Tesla recommends replacing the Model Y’s two cabin air filters every 2 years (HEPA and carbon filters every 3 years, if your car has them). They sit behind the passenger footwell cover, and it’s a do-it-yourself job Tesla documents in its service manual. Afterward, reset the reminder under Controls > Service > Maintenance.
When to replace it
Tesla’s schedule is every 2 years for the cabin filters. You may want to go sooner if the car smells musty when the air first comes on, the airflow feels weaker, or you drive in heavy pollen, dust or wildfire smoke. With kids in the back for hours on road trips, cleaner air is an easy win.
Your car keeps track: Controls > Service > Maintenance shows when filters were last changed and when they’re due.
Cabin filters vs. HEPA filters
Every Model Y has the two cabin filters. Tesla also lists HEPA and carbon filters, replaced every 3 years, for cars equipped with them. If you’re not sure what your car has, the Maintenance screen lists the filters that apply to it.
How the replacement works
Tesla’s service manual covers it step by step. In short: remove the passenger footwell cover (it has two electrical connectors), release the filter cover, slide out the upper and lower filters, and fit the new ones the same way. One difference by year: cars built from about February 2025 release the filter cover with two tabs, while earlier cars use a 6 mm screw (or tabs on some). When you’re done, reset the cabin filter reminder on the Maintenance screen.
Filters we’d buy
Tesla sells the filters on its own shop. If you prefer Amazon, these two list the 2020–2026 Model Y:
BASENOR HEPA Cabin Air Filter (4-pack)
Research pickBASENOR lists it for the Model Y 2020–2026, including the 2025–2026 Juniper (the 4-pack doesn’t fit the 2021 Long Range RWD). 4.4 stars from about 1,260 reviews. · same Juniper design as the 2027$59.99 off today on Amazon · price as of 2026-11-01
Carory Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon (2-pack)
Research pickLists Tesla’s OE part number 1107681-00-A and fits the Model Y 2020–2026 and Model 3. 4.7 stars from about 9,800 reviews.$16.99 off today on Amazon · price as of 2026-11-01Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you replace the cabin air filter in a Tesla Model Y?
Tesla recommends replacing the cabin air filters every 2 years, and the HEPA and carbon filters every 3 years on cars that have them. Check Controls > Service > Maintenance to see when yours were last done.
Where is the cabin air filter in a Tesla Model Y?
Behind the passenger footwell cover, in the heating and air conditioning unit. There are two filters, an upper and a lower one.
Can I replace the Model Y cabin air filter myself?
Yes. Tesla publishes do-it-yourself instructions for it in the Model Y service manual. On cars built from about February 2025 (the Juniper), the filter cover releases with two tabs; earlier cars use a 6 mm screw or tabs.
What cabin air filter fits a 2026 Model Y?
Tesla sells the filters on its shop, and aftermarket filters made for the Model Y 2020–2026 fit too. Check that the listing names your year; the OE part number commonly listed is 1107681-00-A.
Sources: Tesla Model Y owner’s manual (maintenance intervals) and Tesla’s Model Y service manual (cabin air filter replacement), plus the makers’ Amazon listings, checked October 2026.
