IIRC the filter is installed in the orientation as we see it in the pics.
That is, the engine hasn't sucked it in, it's blown it out.
I used to have that issue in my old V6 Rodeo, was on LPG, and with it's massive engine issues it used to backfire regularly, blow the filter out and rip the lid off the airbox.
My filters would look then look similar to Leos.
But that's a backfire problem, severe enough that it used to blow air box lids to pieces(all duct taped together again), and blow the (LPG)mixing valve to shreds too.
So the question is, has there been any backfiring in the car in recent times.

