Honda CR-V AC Compressor Problems

2155 messages,  Last post on May 13, 2013 at 5:50 AM

You are in the Honda CR-V Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda CR-V, Heating / Cooling, SUV

#1683 of 2155 Compressor exploded on my 2006 CR-V by rickseibert

Aug 09, 2010 (4:02 pm)

We had the same experience as many other posts. We heard a rattling in the engine compartment, followed by a puff of steam under the hood, and then the car "died". I was able to get it restarted shortly thereafter..........BUT no A/C. We took it to the Honda dealer in Bend, Oregon (where we were vacationing) who informed us that the compressor & condensor needed to be replaced. Cost would be $1,600, no sales tax. I called my local Honda dealer in Las Vegas who quoted me $2,500 + tax. It was a no-brainer. We extended our trip a couple days and had the car repaired in Bend. Honda has issured several service bulletins to their dealers on this problem and our Technician told us that Honda was experiencing significant problems with the 2006 CR-V compressor they chose to have made in Mexico at a cheaper price (even though there is a "Japan" label on the part). He said "now they're paying for that decision". Don't know if that's true, or hearsay. Our compressor housing was literally cracked in several places with a hole the size of a half-dollar. Technicians must examine the entire system to insure that metal shavings from the compressor have not made their way through the rest of the system. Meanwhile, we contacted American Honda Motor Co. in CA to request a "Courtesy Warranty" as our 2006 model was beyond the warranty period. Our car is almost 4 years old with 43,000 miles on it. Within a couple days they informed us they would reimburse us for the cost of "parts" ($1,022) and received the check in the mail today. I guess Toyota's current publicity fiasco may have provided Honda with some added motivation. In any event, we are very satisfied with the service (and price) we got from Bend Honda and for American Honda honoring a courtesy warranty. This forum was also extremely helpful in that it never would have occurred to me to ask Honda for some financial assistance.

#1684 of 2155 Re: 2007 CR-V No A/C...Honda has on Back Order [pvilllookn] by jim442

Aug 10, 2010 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: pvilllookn (Aug 06, 2010 4:06 pm)
Hey PV
Sorry to hear about the AC failure on your 07. My 07(with 48K) AC failed last month and Honda was out of stock. Of course my Honda dealer was "shocked" to hear of Hondas with AC problems. I should call Honda America to check on reimbursement, let me know if you attempt that.
 My private mechanic had me order one online from discountacparts, they were great. It arrived in 3 days (shipped San Diego to Tucson) the compressor and dryer (sock) cost 435.00 with shipping and no tax.
Please post your results, we might be the first wave of 07 and newer CRVs with AC issues. Yeah,lucky us. The fact that Honda is out of compressors is not a good sign for owners. It would be nice to know how many they carried in their inventory. They have had a run on them or their inventory guys are idiots for not having any in stock.

#1685 of 2155 Re: 2007 CR-V No A/C...Honda has on Back Order [jim442] by pspmac

Aug 10, 2010 (1:33 pm)

Replying to: jim442 (Aug 10, 2010 1:01 pm)
These systems are failing in various models from 2000 - 2009, I am stopping every CRV owner I see in Palm Springs and inquiring about their AC systems. 99% have stated their systems failed and was replaced to the tune of $2000.00. The local Honda Dealer isn't even bothering to mention that Honda might give you a very small credit on the repair.
 
Don't count on Honda doing anything for you, their corporate customer service reps have been very nasty on the phone and basically refuse to help.
 
I am joining the class action lawsuit against Honda at www.honda-lawsuit.com and I am making a giant lemon to fit over the back tire that reads, " Honda AC Failed? Contact www.honda-lawsuit.com." I drive on the I-10 an average of twice a week between Palm Spring and Los Angeles, thousand are going to see my sign!!!!!!!
 
I have also started an email campaign advising all of my family, friends, and business associates how Honda has handled this matter and told them not to buy a Honda. I was thinking about buying a Pilot but Honda's behavior in this matter has completely turned me off from being a customer of theirs ever again!

#1686 of 2155 Re: 2007 CR-V No A/C...Honda has on Back Order [pspmac] by isellhondas

Aug 10, 2010 (2:40 pm)

Replying to: pspmac (Aug 10, 2010 1:33 pm)
So, you've stopped 100 people in their CRV's and 99 of them have had A/C problems?
 
Really?
 
I understand you will never buy another Honda and you will make a crusade out of this.
 
My only questions is, what will you buy that you can be assured will never cause you any trouble?

#1687 of 2155 Re: 2007 CR-V No A/C...Honda has on Back Order [jim442] by lenchermack

Aug 10, 2010 (4:17 pm)

Replying to: jim442 (Aug 10, 2010 1:01 pm)
I feel your pain and believe Honda's reputation is at stake now. I owned other Honda cars and until I got this lemon a 2007 CR-V, I and several family members would have sworn by the company for quality and support. The 2007 CR-V A/C compressor stopped blowing cool air in Wyoming while heading to Seatle from Dallas with several others in 3 cars to connect on an Alaskan cruise. It made it 900 miles before catostrophic failure and the compressor pulley assembly froze ( A/C clutch should not have engaged because it stopped 900 miles earlier and I tuned the A/C buttons off) and while driving from Seattle to Dallas the pully froze and the serpantine belt stopped moving. Honda should have redesigned and used dual belts given the previous compressor issues on past models .
 
So at 4PM on Friday August 6, 2010 in Pendelton Oregon I learned why consumers should be wary of buying a product from Honda. Honda and their support network simply do not support their cars or customers. Honda as I have read has known this to be a major problem yet fail to have parts available n the logistics centers with the knowledge of large MTBF ratios on the A/C condensor since 02. My dealer in McKinney Honda in McKinney, Texas said they had lot's of compressor problems in their shop. They tried to help remotely as Honda Roadside service (who said they would call back but never did) left me stranded in Umatilla Oregon (27 miles or so from the next Honda dealer in Pendelton OR.) We got another towing service.
 
The dealers only fault here is that they represent this product. They should advise customers away from the CR-V and tell Honda they won't stock them. I had an 05 Pilot that ran forever without problems. Family member and myself will probably never buy another Honda given the way this service issue was handled and from what I have read. No one wants to be stranded with a car that cannot be repaired immediately or within reason. My brother-in-law driving in the caravan said now he will trade his Honda in and not buy another Honda/Acura product because he witnessed if traveling you are left holding the bag when their product fails.
 
I got back to Dallas squeezing my girls and I into the other 2 cars in the caravan with many of our pices of luggage in a car some 1400 plus miles away unrepairable because Honda does not have the parts. Dealer in Pendelton tells me they he put the request as critical to Honda. Does anyone think Honda cares? Honda district reps authorized to cover half of the repair. And not considering I now have to fly to Portland or Boise get a one way rental to get the car when repaired and pay again the same hotels to return home.
 
I'd tell people to take their bills to small claims, but given the number of complaints, the judge would probably force us to settle via a class action.

#1688 of 2155 want to see some hard statistics by motoguy128

Aug 11, 2010 (8:51 am)

Right.... a dealer is going to refuse to stock the #1 selling midsized CUV in the US and the 3rd best selling vehcile on their lot, which probably also has a higher margin than the 2 vehciles in front of it in sales.
 
I do agree that if this is a common failure, Honda needs to have the parts available. thsi may be a result of the economic times and Honda keeping invetories lean.
 
I must admit that until I see some hard facts in terms of AC failures on CRV's vs. competitors and the industry as a whole, I'll remain skeptical.
 
For example, if thsi problem was so widespread, there would be a negative mark in the Consumers Reports survery. There is not.
 
I think you have to keep in mind that this has been the top selling SUV's over hte last few years so there's a lot of them out there. Whenever soemone has a failure, it's common these days ot complain about it online. Most people don't go online ot tell everyone they didn't have a problem.

#1689 of 2155 Re: want to see some hard statistics [motoguy128] by alamocity

Aug 11, 2010 (9:23 am)

Replying to: motoguy128 (Aug 11, 2010 8:51 am)
I've been following this for a while and do wonder why if there is no problem why would their be a shortage of parts? Could understand if it was a part for an old car where parts may not be readily available but that isn't the case. Lean times or not a manufacturer need to ensure they have sufficient parts on hand and from the sound of things there must be a problem, otherwise why would there be a shortage of parts on something that is not considered a special order item.

#1690 of 2155 Re: want to see some hard statistics [alamocity] by isellhondas

Aug 11, 2010 (9:39 am)

Replying to: alamocity (Aug 11, 2010 9:23 am)
When I checked with my old store last week the main parts guy told me that they had sold ZERO compressors for 2007 CRVS and had warrantied none.
 
This problem is being hugely overblown in forums like this but that happens all of the time.

#1691 of 2155 Consumers Reports by motoguy128

Aug 11, 2010 (9:40 am)

I stand partially corrected:
 
In Consumers Reports, 02-04 model years, '04 in particular show higher than averag enumber of complaints abotu the climate control system. The complaints drop off in hte '06-current model years.
 
Also, the complaints drive system (AWD system?) on '05-07 models are higher than average. I wonder if this is related to lack of maintenance on the rear differential, rather than failures. Sicne there was no engineering change after '07, I suspect the problem is related to not servicing the rear diff at all or not soon enouhg. Once drivers get to 50k miles or more, they get noises, and take it to the dealer.
 
Finally there are a few low marks on the fuel system in '02 -'04 models. Overall the marks are excellent and it earns their highest reliability rating.
 
Their surveys do not differentiate between failures and complaints or problems that were ocrrected and are somewhat subjective.
 
In comparison, the Subaru Forester has some bad marks for the drivetrain prior to '03. The RAV4 is about the same. The Rogue has a few bad marks and the Santa Fe also has some bad marks. No car has perfect marks. Each has a few weak spots on older models.
 
The CRV clearly has some climate sytem issues in '02-04 models, but other vehciles have similar issues ot address.

#1692 of 2155 Re: Consumers Reports [motoguy128] by isellhondas

Aug 11, 2010 (9:53 am)

Replying to: motoguy128 (Aug 11, 2010 9:40 am)
It's amazing how CR can give a red dot for a catagory yet the next year, they will give it a lower rating when NOTHING CHANGED between those two years.
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