Fram Extra Guard CA11476 Replacement Engine Air Filter for Select Honda Accord and Acura TLX (2.4L) Models, Provides Up to 12 Months or 12,000 Miles Filter Protection

A ten-minute job that pays you back for a year—that’s been my experience with the Fram CA11476 in a 2016 Honda Accord with the 2.4L four-cylinder. Swapping the engine air filter is one of the easier DIY maintenance tasks on these cars, and this filter slots into that routine with a fuss-free fit, solid construction, and predictable results. It doesn’t promise miracles; it delivers the basics well: clean intake air, stable airflow, and a reasonable service interval.

Fit and build

The CA11476 is cut for the 2.4L applications it lists—2013–2017 Honda Accord and 2015–2020 Acura TLX. If you’re in a V6 trim or a different engine family, this is not your size. In my Accord, the filter dropped into the airbox without any coaxing. The perimeter seal is compliant enough to seat easily but firm enough to hold its shape as the lid clamps down. That’s important; a sloppy gasket can let unfiltered air bypass around the edges.

The media is a fine, pleated paper designed to capture particulates while minimizing restriction. It’s a dry element—no oil—so there’s no risk of fouling a mass airflow sensor with residue. Pleat spacing and depth look consistent across the panel, which helps maintain even airflow distribution across the face of the filter. The frame is rigid enough to resist warping when you close the airbox, and the overall build feels on par with OEM filters I’ve used.

Fram rates this model for up to 12 months or 12,000 miles and claims double the protection versus “standard” filters. Marketing aside, it’s a conventional, well-made paper panel filter targeted at common service intervals. That’s exactly what most daily drivers need.

Installation experience

On the K24-powered Accord, this is a straightforward, tool-free job:

• Release the airbox clips and loosen the snorkel if needed.
• Lift the lid just enough to pull out the old filter.
• Inspect the airbox for leaves or sand; vacuum if necessary.
• Drop in the new filter, verifying the gasket seats evenly around the perimeter.
• Reinstall the lid, making sure the tabs engage and clips snap home.

Total time: under five minutes. If you haven’t done an engine air filter before, the main tip is to make sure the lid isn’t pinching the gasket and that no debris falls into the intake tract while the box is open. Also, don’t confuse this with the cabin air filter—this one lives in the airbox under the hood; the cabin filter rides behind the glovebox.

On-road performance

If you’re replacing a moderately dirty filter, the benefits show up subtly but immediately. After the swap, my Accord idled smoothly and felt marginally more responsive right off idle—especially noticeable when feathering the throttle in slow traffic or pulling away from a stop. On the highway, the car held gears without extra downshifts on familiar grades. Intake sound remained stock-quiet; there’s no added whoosh or growl, as you’d expect from a paper panel meant to mirror OEM behavior.

Fuel economy is where most drivers hope to see gains. A new filter doesn’t magically add MPG to an already clean intake, but it can prevent losses. Over a few mixed tanks, my numbers were consistent with the car’s usual baseline. If your outgoing filter is clogged or well past due, you may see a small improvement. The key is maintaining proper airflow so the ECU doesn’t have to compensate.

What I appreciate with this Fram filter is the stability: no whistling, no fitment drama, no engine anomalies or codes. The mass airflow readings tracked normally, and long-term fuel trims stayed in their typical band—exactly what you want out of a replacement part.

Protection and airflow balance

Filtration and airflow are always a trade-off. Go too fine and you choke the engine; go too open and you feed it grit. The CA11476 lands in the same practical middle ground as OEM. The media packs enough pleats to present a large surface area, which helps maintain airflow as the element accumulates dust. After a few thousand miles of daily use, my filter showed uniform darkening across the face and the pleats were catching fine silt, seed husks, and the occasional insect. No evidence of bypassing at the gasket line.

If you live on dirt roads or through construction zones, I’d shorten the interval. Fram’s 12-month/12,000-mile guidance is appropriate for typical suburban and highway use, but heavy dust can saturate any paper filter quickly. The good news: checking this filter is so easy that it’s worth a quick look every oil change.

Compatibility notes

• Fits: 2013–2017 Honda Accord 2.4L; 2015–2020 Acura TLX 2.4L.
• Does not fit: V6 variants, turbocharged engines, or other Honda/Acura models outside those years. Always confirm by engine code and airbox shape before ordering.

Using the correct part matters. An ill-fitting panel can bow and allow unfiltered air past the seal, defeating the purpose.

Comparing to alternatives

• OEM Honda/Acura filter: Typically similar construction and performance, often at a higher price at the dealer counter. If you’re loyal to OEM, you won’t gain much beyond branding.
• Reusable/oiled cotton filters: Reusable designs promise long-term savings and higher flow, but they require careful cleaning and re-oiling. Over-oiling can contaminate sensors. For daily commuting, a dry paper filter like this Fram is a simpler, lower-risk choice.
• Bargain no-name filters: Prices can be tempting, but I’ve seen inconsistent gasket density and loose pleat packs that deform under the lid. The Fram lands in a comfortable middle—name-brand consistency without the OEM premium.

Value and ownership costs

Changing this filter yourself is one of the easiest ways to save on maintenance. The part cost is modest, and the install takes less time than a coffee stop. Compared with a shop upsell or dealer service menu price, the DIY route with the Fram CA11476 leaves more money in your pocket without compromising performance or protection.

Because it’s a dry disposable element, there’s no extra cost in cleaners or oils. At the end of service life, you simply replace it. If you’re racking up miles, plan for one per year. If you drive less or mostly in clean environments, you might stretch beyond 12 months, but I recommend inspecting at each oil change and using conditions—not just the calendar—to decide.

Small caveats

• Don’t stretch intervals in dusty conditions. Even a quality filter will load up, increasing restriction and potentially hurting performance.
• Confirm the airbox is fully seated after installation. Misaligned lids cause leaks and can trip engine lights if they unseat hoses.
• This is an engine air filter. It won’t affect interior odors or HVAC performance; that’s the cabin filter’s job.

None of these are faults of the filter itself, but they’re worth noting to get the best experience.

Who it’s for

• Owners of 2.4L Accords (2013–2017) and TLX (2015–2020) who want a reliable, DIY-friendly replacement.
• Drivers who value predictable OEM-like behavior over aftermarket intake noise or complexity.
• Budget-conscious maintainers who prefer a reputable brand over generics without paying dealer pricing.

The bottom line

The Fram CA11476 checks the boxes that matter for routine maintenance: correct fit, clean construction, stable airflow, and sensible longevity. Installation is as easy as car maintenance gets, and on-road behavior is exactly what I want from an engine air filter—transparent. After months in service, mine has kept intake plumbing clean and performance consistent, with no quirks to manage.

Recommendation: I recommend the Fram CA11476 for Accord and TLX owners with the 2.4L engine. It’s an easy, cost-effective replacement that matches OEM feel, provides solid filtration, and is simple to inspect and replace on your own. If you’re after peace-of-mind maintenance with minimal effort, this filter delivers.