Nissan Qashqai cabin filter: where is it located in the car and how to change it

Owners Nissan Qashqai We are often faced with the question: where is the cabin filter hidden in this popular crossover? The answer depends on the generation of the car - J10 (2006–2013), J11 (2013–2021) or J12 (from 2021), - since the design of the glove compartment and the location of the filter element have changed. In this article you will find exact layout diagrams, step-by-step photo instructions and tips for choosing a filter, so as not to waste time searching in the service.

Replacing the cabin filter is one of the simplest maintenance procedures that you can do yourself in 10-15 minutes. However, many drivers miss this point until they begin to notice fogging of windows, unpleasant smell in the cabin or poor airflow. We will tell you how to avoid these problems and save money on a service center without risking your health (after all, a dirty filter becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold).

Why is it important to know where the cabin filter is located in a Nissan Qashqai

The cabin filter is first line of defense from dust, pollen, exhaust gases and even viruses entering the cabin through the ventilation system. B Qashqai it is located so that in case of heavy contamination it can completely block the air flow, which will lead to overheating of the stove or air conditioner. Here's why you can't ignore its replacement:

• 🚗 Deterioration of the microclimate: A clogged filter allows 30–40% less air into the cabin, which leads to stuffiness and increased humidity.
• 🤧 Allergies and respiratory diseases: Accumulated dust and mold can cause sneezing, coughing and even asthmatic attacks.
• 💨 Ventilation system overload: The climate control fan wears out, which reduces its service life.
• 🔍 Loss of visibility: Foggy windows due to poor air circulation increase the risk of accidents.

The manufacturer recommends changing the filter every 15,000 km or once a year, but in the realities of Russian roads (with their dust and reagents), it is better to reduce this interval to 10,000 km. Moreover, the cost of the original filter for Qashqai - from 800 to 1,500 rubles, and analogues are even cheaper.

⚠️ Attention: If you smell mold or dampness in the cabin, this is a sure sign that the filter is not only dirty, but has also become a source of fungus. In this case it needs to be replaced immediately, since mold spores are dangerous to the lungs.

Where is the cabin filter located in the Nissan Qashqai: comparison of generations

Construction Nissan Qashqai evolved, and with it the location of the cabin filter changed. Below is a comparison table for the three generations of the crossover so you know exactly where to look.

Generation	Years of manufacture	Filter location	Difficulty of replacement
J10 (1st generation)	2006–2013	Behind the glove compartment, to the right of the passenger seat	Easy (3–5 minutes)
J11 (2nd generation)	2013–2021	Under the glove compartment, behind the decorative cover	Medium (5–10 minutes)
J12 (3rd generation)	from 2021	In the niche under the glove compartment, accessible through the hatch	Medium (7–12 minutes)

B Qashqai J10 the filter is located as conveniently as possible - just open the glove compartment and remove its fastenings. But in J11 And J12 you will have to work hard: you need to dismantle the decorative panel or move the passenger seat for access. But even here there is nothing complicated if you know the algorithm.

Step-by-step instructions: how to find and replace the filter in Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013–2021)

Second generation Qashqai - the most common on Russian roads, so let’s look at replacing the filter using its example. You will need:

• 🔧 Flat screwdriver or plastic pick (for removing clips).
• 🧹 New cabin filter (original 27277-JM00A or an analogue, for example, Mann CU 25008).
• 📸 Flashlight (for illuminating the niche under the glove compartment).

Sequence of actions:

1. Open the glove compartment and remove all things from it. Lower it all the way down.
2. Remove the restraints: There are plastic latches on both sides of the glove compartment - carefully press them out with a screwdriver.
3. Remove the decorative cover under the glove compartment. It is attached with 2-3 clips. Pull it towards you, starting from the right side.
4. Take out the old filter: It is located in a plastic box. Pull the tab at the bottom and pull it towards you.
5. Clean the box remove dust and debris with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner.
6. Install a new filter, observing the direction of the arrow (it should look down, in the direction of air movement).
7. Reassemble everything in reverse order, making sure that the clips click tightly.

If the filter is too tight, do not try to tear it out - this may damage the plastic box. It is better to bend the filter a little at the edges so that it comes out easier. B Qashqai J11 Sometimes there are filters with coal layer - they are more effective against odors, but are more expensive (from 1,500 rubles).

⚠️ Attention: Some “craftsmen” advise washing the cabin filter with water or a vacuum cleaner. This useless — after such “cleaning” the filter loses up to 70% of its effectiveness, and moisture promotes the growth of bacteria. It's better to spend 10 minutes replacing it.

Nissan Qashqai J10 (2006–2013): where to look for the filter and how to change it

In the first generation Qashqai access to the cabin filter is simplified as much as possible - it can be replaced without tools, literally with bare hands. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the glove compartment and pull it out completely: to do this, press the side latches inside the glove compartment and pull it towards you.
2. Behind the glove compartment you will see black plastic box - this is where the filter is installed.
3. Click on two latches on the sides of the box and pull it towards you.
4. Take out the old filter (it may be glued to the box due to moisture - carefully pry it off with a screwdriver).
5. Install the new filter, making sure it is fits tightly to the box.
6. Reassemble everything in reverse order.

B Qashqai J10 A common problem is that due to the design of the box, the filter may shift when driving, resulting in whistling or noise from the air ducts. To avoid this, check that the filter is installed exactly and not skewed.

Filters with article numbers are suitable for this generation:

• Original: 27277-4M000 or 27277-4M001 (with a carbon layer).
• Analogues: Mann CU 1829, Bosch 1 987 429 655, Filtron K 1152.

Nissan Qashqai J12 (from 2021): features of filter location

In the third generation Qashqai engineers Nissan The ventilation system has been redesigned again, and now the filter is hidden deeper. To get to it you will have to:

1. Move back the passenger seat all the way back.
2. Open the glove compartment and remove it from its hinges (to do this, press the latches on the sides).
3. Under the glove compartment you will see hatch with two latches - squeeze them out and remove the lid.
4. The filter is located vertically — pull it down, overcoming the resistance of the seal.
5. Clear the niche of debris and install a new filter (the arrow should point up).

B Qashqai J12 a filter with an article number is used 27277-4M025 (original) or its analogues: Mann CU 30004, Mahle LA 1033. Please note that in this generation the filter longerthan the previous ones, so older models will not work.

What to do if the filter does not fit into the groove?

If the new filter does not fit into the box, check:

1. Correctness of the model (for J12 you need a filter with a size of 200x200x30 mm).

2. The presence of a rubber seal around the edges (sometimes it gets in the way - you can carefully trim it).

3. The box is skewed (if it is deformed, the filter will not sit straight).

Which cabin filter to choose for Nissan Qashqai: original or analogue?

The market offers dozens of options for cabin filters for Qashqai, and understanding them is not always easy. Here are the key selection criteria:

Filter type	Pros	Cons	Price (RUB)
Regular (paper)	Low price, good dust protection	Does not retain odors or gases	400–800
Coal	Absorbs odors, protects against exhaust gases	More expensive, clogs faster	1 000–1 800
Electrostatic	Captures the smallest particles (including viruses)	High price, requires careful handling	1 500–2 500
Multilayer (HEPA)	Maximum filtration (99.9% particles)	Very expensive, rare	2 000+

For most drivers, the best choice will be carbon filter — it strikes a balance between price and efficiency. If you live in a metropolis or often get stuck in traffic jams, it’s better not to save money: a carbon filter will protect against nitrogen oxides And sulfur compounds, which are contained in excess in exhaust gases.

Among analogue manufacturers, the most reliable are:

• 🇩🇪 Mann — high quality filter material, long service life.
• 🇯🇵 Denso - original suppliers for Nissan, perfect fit.
• 🇫🇷 Bosch — good price/quality balance, wide range.
• 🇵🇱 Filtron - a budget option with decent characteristics.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a filter, check it dimensions — even if the article number matches, some manufacturers allow deviations of 1–2 mm, which is why the filter may not fit into place. Original sizes for Qashqai:

• J10: 190×190×25 mm;
• J11: 200×200×20 mm;
• J12: 200×200×30 mm.

Common mistakes when replacing the cabin filter in a Nissan Qashqai

Even such a simple procedure as replacing a filter can turn into problems if you make one of the typical mistakes. That's what can't do:

• 🔄 Install the filter in reverse: If the arrow points in the wrong direction, filtration efficiency drops by 40–50%.
• 🧹 Ignore box cleaning: Dirt accumulated there will quickly clog the new filter.
• 🔧 Forcefully pull out the old filter - this may break the plastic guides.
• 🚫 Buy a filter by eye: Even if it looks similar, the dimensions may not be the same.
• 💦 Change the filter after washing the car: Moisture in air ducts will lead to mold.

Another common problem is loose fit of the filter to the box. This happens if:

• The filter is deformed (for example, bent during transportation).
• The box has cracks or burrs.
• The rubber seal on the filter is missing or damaged.

If after replacing the filter in the cabin there is extraneous noise (whistle, hum), most likely the filter is installed crookedly or the box is not closed completely. Double check the installation!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Qashqai cabin filter

Is it possible to drive without a cabin filter?

Technically yes, but this highly undesirable. Without a filter, not only dust and dirt will enter the cabin, but also small stones, leaves, and insects. In addition, The heater and air conditioner will wear out, since they will have to pump unfiltered air. In the long term, this will lead to a broken fan or a clogged heater core.

How do you know when it's time to change the filter?

Main features:

• Weak air flow from the deflectors when the ventilation is turned on.
• Constant fogging of the windows, even when the air conditioning is running.
• Unpleasant odor (dampness, mold) when the air blower is turned on.
• Increased amount of dust on the dashboard.

If you notice at least one of these symptoms, check the filter - most likely it is clogged.

Is it possible to clean the cabin filter instead of replacing it?

Cleaning the filter (with a vacuum cleaner, water or compressed air) is temporary measure, which will extend his life by a maximum of 1–2 months. The point is that:

• Once wet, a paper filter loses its rigidity and begins to crumble.
• After cleaning, the carbon layer stops absorbing odors.
• Bacteria and mold spores remain in the micropores of the filter, which cannot be removed without special means.

Therefore full replacement - the only reliable way to return the filter to functionality.

What is the difference between filters for Qashqai with and without air conditioning?

Filters for versions Qashqai with and without air conditioning externally identical, but may differ in composition:

• In cars without air conditioning Regular paper filters are often installed - they are cheaper and cope with dust.
• In cars with air conditioning Carbon filters are recommended as they neutralize odors and protect the evaporator from contamination.

However, physically the filters are interchangeable - the main thing is that the size matches.

How much does it cost to replace a cabin filter at a service center?

Replacement cost in official services Nissan varies from 800 to 1,500 rubles (excluding filter price). In unofficial car services the price is lower - 300–600 rubles. However, the procedure is so simple that doing it yourself is more profitable: You will save both time and money.