Honda CR-V AC Compressor Problems

ruth9 · June 2008

Thanks to the very helpful discussions on this forum, I am contacting the Honda American Custormer Service regarding my 2003 CR-V air compressor,which went out this pass weekend at 88,000 miles. I will keep everyone posted on the final results.

Best Regards,

Ruth

kisseypoo · June 2008

In my experience w/two a/c compressors failing and rear differential problems with our CR-V (never remember if it's an 02 or 03), go to Honda America first. Tell them about being a repeat Honda customer and then tell them of your a/c, etc. experiences with your current CR-V. I would also get a name and a fax number from them and fax them a letter telling them how much you have always loved your Hondas, your previous satisfaction with them and your current situation with your CR-V. Include, at the top of the letter, the Case number that the Honda America rep assigns to your concern. Just state your letter is a followup to your phone conversation of (give date). Be positive. In my experience, Honda America will stand behind it's product while the dealers don't really want to assume responsibility especially if the car is not under warranty. (Read my experiences in Posts 668, 669 and 671. Good luck.
KP

awesome7 · June 2008

Hello,

I have a 2001 Honda CR-V with 135,434 miles. A few weeks ago I noticed a rumbling sound when I turned on the A/C. After taking it to the Honda dealership I learned that the entire A/C system needed to be replaced. Below is the actual text from the receipt given to me by the service representative.

CUSTOMER STATES A/C NOT COLD
CK AND ADVISE --C/S RATTLING NOISE WHEN AC RUNNING
NOISE COMING FROM COMPRESSOR/CLUTCH/COIL. BEARINGS BAD AND DEBREE HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED IN A/C SYSTEM. WILL NEED REPLACEMENT OF ALL RUBBER LINES, CONDENSOR, DRYER, COMPLETE COMPRESSOR, EVAPORATOR AND FREON. ESTIMATED COST $2,800.00

This has been a very reliable vehicle. I was very shocked to hear that my only option was to replace the entire system or not run the A/C. I live in Georgia and it has been an extremely hot summer. Has anybody ever had this issue? Did you really have to replace the entire A/C system. Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.

bedil · June 2008

I took your advice and called America Honda. The girl there said I had to go to a Honda Dealership and have a diagnostic done and that I would be responsible for the payment of that service. If the dealership does not help to my satisfaction that is when I turn to American Honda. I told her that I had gone into Edmunds car space and she said they did not recognize this sight because anyone can say anything they want. I asked for a case number and she said there was no case until there was a diagnostic done. I told her that it was my understanding that I would be given a case number. She said she could give me one but it would just be closed. I took the number. Should I call the dealership or fax a letter? :confuse:

kisseypoo · June 2008

We had gone to the dealer first only because we hadn't read this site and realized we could turn to Honda America. I would follow Honda's instructions and go have the dealer diagnose the problem. Then you can go back to Honda America and request not only compensation for the repair, but also for the diagnosis.

Be sure you refresh the dealer's memory (especially the service dept.) that you're a loyal Honda buyer. Also, be sure to keep a contemporaneous diary of when you called/spoke to someone, what their name and position was, what their words/actions were as well as the bill for the diagnosis. (We had to submit bills to Honda America because the service dept. never did.) Then when you deal with Honda America you have all the dates, names and data accurate and available.

Don't give up hope. We almost had, but Honda stood behind their product. (See my earlier postings...I think they were 667, 668 and 670).

Good luck...and keep us informed of your progress.

KP

ruth9 · June 2008

I have contacted Honda American on June the 23rd, was assigned a case #. I have called four times and always get the voice mail for the case manager. I was very disappointed. Not sure what kind responds I will get from them.......This may be my last Honda if I am not satisfied with the solution. Has anyone thought about a class action on this?

lynnerk · June 2008

Update:

Honda did participate, but only 50%. And it was made very clear to me that it was a gift for my extreme loyalty, otherwise they wouldn't have participated at all.

Am very disappointed...sadly they wanted me to sign a form saying this was a satifactory conclusion..when I said I wasn't satisfied, they looked at me like I had grown another head and told me that this was all they would do.

So..I signed (I needed my car) and told them it was a shame because if someone had asked me 2 months ago what my next car purchase was going to be, I would have said "Honda" without hesitation. Now, that's not the case.

I have spent 1000's keeping up to date on ALL maintenance just to avoid these failures. I have a 96 Accord with 270,000 miles that has never had an AC issue and they admitted that there was an AC issue with this model. But because I have 113000 miles on it, they just wouldn't pay more than 50%.

I'm very disappointed and will have to re-think my next purchase...

kisseypoo · June 2008

Ruth9, Hang in there a few more days. The first time we dealt w/Honda America, they didn't call back within the timeframe they initially gave us, but they did get back to us. Check out my posts #668, 670 and 679 before they do call back. The info and approach we used may be helpful to you when you finally talk to the case manager once again. Good luck! KP

bedil · June 2008

I called the service manager at Hardin Honda yesterday. He was very nice and told me to bring my CRV in and he would do what he could to help me out. I took the car in and I was helped by a young man who was EXTREMELY nice. He explained that the estimate would include a cost for a diagnostic check but that they would contact Honda America to see what they could do. I signed the estimate and left my car. Today the manager called and said that the whole unit wasn't broken it was something (can't remember the word) to do with the fan. He said that in his experience that this was an indication of a motor failure and that he had suggested to Honda America that they pay to replace the motor as well. They agreed and my car will be ready tomorrow. I am sure my low mileage and the fact that I have purchased 4 Hondas from this dealership helped me as well. He is also going to look into my tire problem.

Thank you for your advice. I felt like I went in with a little knowledge!

socalcrv02 · June 2008

I just had my air conditioner blow out on my 2002 CRV at 80,000 miles while driving in 100 degree heat. Luckily, I found this thread and opened a case# before bringing the car into the dealer. Corporate was reluctant at first, but after indicating that I was a loyal honda owner, they seemed willing to open the case, even though they indicated that there was no such thing as a good will warranty. Be polite but firm!
After mentioning the issue to the dealer, they were glad I did my homework, and awaited authorization from the honda rep. I will end up paying ~500 on the $3200 quote. Although I don't believe we should have to pay anything on this issue since it seems to be prevalent in CRVs from 2002 - 2004 - it is better than the full amount. The communication was quick and my car will be ready tomorrow. Honda was able to resolve this issue within the week, and I can't complain about that. The dealership has been extremely supportive. Hopefully my repairs will last - there's a long summer ahead, I will keep you posted.
Good luck to everyone w/AC problems!

jonathan8799 · June 2008

I have a 2002 Honda CRV and my A/C just went out for the second time. The first time was in September 2005. That time the warranty paid for the new unit. From my experience they do have to replace everything because something metal breaks and contaminates the entire system so if you just replace one or two things there are still metal flakes in the other parts of the system that can make the new parts go bad fast. Anyway I contacted Honda America and faxed them a letter and go a case number, then took the car to my dealer for a diagnostic to verify that the same thing happened this time that happened last time. Now I am awaiting a decision from the dealer and Honda America. Called them both today, got the voice mail to my rep. at Honda America and my dealer has not heard anything either. If they wont pay for my A/C then I will be driving this summer without one because I can not afford the 3800.00 the dealer quoted me for a new air conditioning system. Wish me luck!!!!

kisseypoo · June 2008

We had a similar situation. See my posts #668, 670 and 679. We're on our 3rd a/c compressor! Also had 2 problems with rear end differential 3K miles apart. We were pleased with results from Honda America. Hang in there and be sure to tell them how much you love your Honda and what a loyal customer you are, especially if you or members of your family own other Hondas. Honda recognizes the value of "free advertising" from satisfied customers.

Good luck and keep us posted.
KP

killorhome · July 2008

Bought a 04' CR-V w/ 33K mi on it. Came w/ standard 1yr "certified honda warranty". Well after 6 mos. dealer fixed hose that depleted the A/C system. Another 10 mos. (out of warranty now of course!) later heard "grind" sound in A/C system. My worst fears realized, compressor shelled & contaminated entire A/C system. Total fix $3K!! My skepticism is maxed cuz dealer offered 75% without me asking. I know there is defect but cannot find "smoking gun" w/ TSBs, recalls. Even recent odometer settlement didn't help!! I'm pissed cuz i'm stuck & would love to see a class A on 'em. My only salvation is they will pay 75%. Any ideas before i accept!!

jcanavera · July 2008

If the dealer is picking up 75% which includes parts and labor, take it. I don't consider this a bad offer.

Jack

kisseypoo · July 2008

Check out my experience and approach in Posts # 668, 670 and 679!. Good luck. Keep us posted. KP

piglet22 · July 2008

Hi,
I am in the market for a used mid-sized SUV and had just narrowed my decision down to a gen2 CR-V when I found this post. Needless to say I'm quite apprehensive now. From what I'm seeing, this issue appears to be limited to the 2002-2004 models - though I did see a post that stated that some 2005 models could 'possibly' be affected. Does anyone know for sure if this issue does affect the '05 and/or '06 models? Had Honda not addressed this by then?
In any case, should I end up with something in the '02-'04 range is there any preventive maintenance that could be performed to avoid or at least delay this apparently inevitable failure? Are the replacements that Honda provides re-engineered to address this? I've seen many posts of individuals going through this 2 and 3 times! Are there any 3rd party aftermarket compressors that could be used to replace the Honda OEM that won't have this problem? I found a site on-line that sells "SPECTRA PREMIUM" compressors for the CR-V. Does anyone have any experience with these? Do they have the same faulty design?
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated - otherwise it looks like I might be getting a RAV4. Thanks!

jcanavera · July 2008

Well obviously if you can always ask the owner if the A/C has been replaced. I'm wondering though if the failure of the replacement compressors has something to do with the quality of the repair than the quality of the replacement compressor. When these compressors blow, they do release debris into the system. I would guess that how well the dealership can evacuate the system of the debris will affect the life of the new compressor. I'm on my third summer with my 2004 CRV's replaced compressor. So far so good.

Jack

killorhome · July 2008

I surely didn't expect A/C issues when i got my CR-V, never even heard of them & I did some research before i bought. Needless to say I'm questioning all i believe about honda--I'm still skeptical of their motives for paying 75% of my repairs. I would fight it (court)but I simply can't afford to lose & honda pay nothing. My advice to you is a thorough VIN check. As for preventive care all you can do is follow sevice intervals & have any "anomoly" checked ASAP.

kisseypoo · July 2008

We followed all maintenance intervals, had service done only at Honda dealers and still had two a/c compressors fail. Local dealers would only cover parts, not labor. So, in essence, they made their money and Honda America paid for the rest.

I don't checking VIN numbers pays any dividends. Regardless where vehicles were assembled, England, Japan, etc., the problem exists.

Why is it that the original a/c was guaranteed for 3 yrs./36,000 miles, but replacement is only guaranteed for 12 months/approx. 10K miles????

I agree w/killorhome who suggests having anamoly checked ASAP by Honda.

genho · July 2008

Another victim here...the air conditioning quit on my wife a few days ago. There had been some sort of unpleasant ratting/vibration under the hood for several days previous; then the air quit as she was driving along. She thought something came out from under the car, but she knew the person driving behind her at the time, contacted her, and was told that person didn't see anything fall out from under the car. We arranged an appointment with the dealer for later this week; then we stumbled across this forum. Great. Can't afford gas or groceries, now this. In any event...I can't seem to locate a step-by-step procedure for trying to get Honda to pick up the costs for this. Apparently; the number for Honda Corporate is 1-800-999-1009. What department or person do you ask for? How do you explain your situation? How do you ask for a case number? After you get a case number, what do you do at your local dealer? It would be nice if someone with previous experience with dealing with this debacle would post the step-by-step criteria for dealing with this issue...it would be most appreciated! I am quite surprised that a recall for these vehicles hasn't been initiated. The number of posts on this forum are certainly indicative of a problem, and one wonders how many have occurred outside the realm of this forum. Thanks!

piglet22 · July 2008

What anomalies would one be looking for? From all the posts I've read the only warning (if any!) that people seem to get is 30 seconds of rattling under the hood followed by a popping noise. In a good number of the cases I've read about, the cold air just stop flowing.
What I meant by preventive maintenance in my original question was something specific to the AC itself - not simply the scheduled routine maintenance for the car. I have to try and dig it up now again but I had found a post earlier somewhere on the net from an individual that claimed the problem could be avoided by having the system flushed and installing a filter of some sort in the line that could be changed/cleaned regularly. The theory was that something in the line is clogging causing excessive pressure to build resulting in the compressor blowing up. I'm not sure how that affects the issue of the cases where the clutch seizes. I'm still wondering if an aftermarket 3rd party replacement unit would eliminate these design flaws.
Thanks for the info.

sandswarner · July 2008

(my original post #722)
Well, Honda America didn't call back within 1 day (as promised), so I called them on Jun 24th (original failure on the 7th, local dealer worked on car on the 18-19th). They said they left a voice mail (I didn't get it), but they did say that they worked out with the dealer that they would pay for 1/2 of parts (total was $822), and reduce the labor to the 'warranty' billing rate. They advised me to call and confirm with the local service manager, but I didn't get around to it for a few days, and he finally called and confirmed what my HA case manager told me. I have yet to get my refund check, but it hasn't been a week since we spoke. So I'm hoping to get out of this situation with an outlay of around $500 to 600.
The funny thing was that when the dealer fixed the car, they told me the best they could do was a 10% (off labor & parts), and the next day in the mail I got one of the dealer's mailings that offers special pricing on oil change and 10% off of servicing. So the 10% they offered was nothing at all...

kisseypoo · July 2008

See my previous Posts #668, 670 and 679, They will give you some insight as to how to approach Honda America...and with a positive outcome. Good luck and keep us posted! KP

momac2499 · July 2008

This is my 5th Honda and after the experience with the Honda CRV and the way the people spoke to me at Honda of America this will be my LAST. I have a 2002 Honda CRV and my compressor has gone out 4 times since I bought the car 2003, 2004, 2006 and now 2008. Like everyone else I'm sure you feel that you shouldn't have to pay for something that honda knows they have a problem with. This past time that the compressor went Honda told me that "At some point the customers got to be responsible for paying for the fix". I explained to them that if it was fixed right the 1,2,and 3rd time that I really dont think the customer should have to pay AT ALL. After fighting and yelling they decided that they would pay for 1/2 the part and I would be responsible for the other 1/2 plus labor. I asked what my cost would be and they told me $956.00 I'd like to know where the big break is. This is a problem and they are well aware of the problem and it should have been recalled. To me fixing something doesn't mean that it keeps breaking it means that it was temporarily fixed. Right now I am in the process of retaining a lawyer because I don't feel Honda is right. I paid for alot of money for this HONDA and I feel that honda should stand by there vehicles and by there name especially if they want people to return. It's not like I bought an american car (which at this point they'd probably take care of their customers better just to keep them) I bought a HONDA. Thanks for listening to me complain. I'm just a little pissed at them!!!

kisseypoo · July 2008

Interesting how the a/c fails almost every two years. Maybe that's why Honda only guarantees the replacements for 1 yr/10-12K miles!!! The original,if I'm not mistaken, was guaranteed for 3 yrs./36K miles.

None of this info solves anyone's a/c problems, but it might be a good question to pose to Honda America!

killorhome · July 2008

On advice of this forum I called corporate & told them I want to complain & told them to make a case # for me. When i told her that-- A case worker was assigned to me. Of course i had to call him to follow-up after 5 days, & just by his demeaner i knew my claim wasn't fufilled. I admit i didn't argue as strong as should (didn't want to lose 75% i had!) & guy seemed peeved by my knowledge of TSBs/this site & other A/C problems. I told him i think honda is hiding known problems & i'm being bought off! --The local dealer will just fix it, they may pay some (usually parts w/ you paying labor) & with honda corporate, you hope they pay the rest. At the very least your getting you name on a complaint list if there is ever a recall!! Good luck!

bedil · July 2008

I called Honda America first but was redirected to my dealership. I spoke to the manager of the service department who was very nice and helpful. Per his instructions I took the car in and the estimate was for the cost of a diagnosis. The service tech said that it was proceeedure but that they would contact Honda America to cover the charge, which they did as well as covering the cost of the air conditioner. I had under 44,000 miles on my 2003 CRV. Good luck!

killorhome · July 2008

You say your retaining a lawyer?? God i'd love to hear how that works out! I'd love to but i simply can't afford the cost if i come up short. I praying for ya.

killorhome · July 2008

As for A/C anomolies to look for besides noises, On other vehicles & other stories I've heard of course; air stop working, intermittent hot/cold operation, unexplained leak spots on garage floor, road damage to parts, belt tension, flushing system periodically(what interval is usually a guess). As for oil servicing for bearings i just don't know the specifics. I suppose last but definately not least is a forum like this to stay in tune w/ the issue & hope for a recall.

kisseypoo · July 2008

I doubt there will be a recall because Honda does not view this a/c failure as a "safety issue." It's probably cheaper for them to deal individually with the relatively small number of us who eventually call Honda America looking for reimbursement than dealing with the expense of a recall.

Stay cool.....KP

genho · July 2008

Not a 'safety issue'? Bits and pieces of metal bouncing around on the road not a 'safety issue'? Being forced to drive around with your windows down on a hot day in an area crawling with carjackers not a 'safety issue'? I deliberately seek out vehicles with air conditioning because I have difficulty breathing when it is hot and humid. Honda took my money knowing FULL WELL their A/C system was defective?

kisseypoo · July 2008

I agree with you that not having a/c is a "safety issue" for lots of us....older folks, folks with heart and asthmatic conditions, those with certain allergies. Just riding around in 90+ weather + humidity can be life-threatening to some. But Honda probably doesn't view it that way....because they haven't had to (i.e., no lawsuit nor pressure from gov't agency obliging them to do so).

Your point about carjackers is also well taken, too.

Any suggestions as to how to affect a recall????

genho · July 2008

...so someone has to die first? Wouldn't it be nice to take responsiblity first before someone is hurt or killed? As for a recall..? I'm not sure how that works.

ontariokan · July 2008

We live in Ontario, Canada. My wife drives this CR-V. It logged appr. 150K kilometers or about 85,000 miles. My wife is the type who don't like cold air blowing at her, so she uses the AC minimally; plus we have cold winters here, so it really is used only during May to Oct for about 6 months in a year. Two days ago, it starts blowing warm air, and then she heard the clunking sound.

We have CAA to tow it back to the Honda dealership where we have been doing all services according to the book. They told us the compressor was damaged inside, and recommends us to replace the clutch and coil set at the same time. They also found out there is a leakage in the condenser, To replace all of them, parts and labor, the bill added up to $2995+tax!! I ask the dealer if there is manufacturing warranty left, whatever Honda can do to help, the answer is NO.

This morning, I searched the internet and I found you guys. I called Honda Canada Customer Relations, the call agent insisted there is nothing Honda can/will do to help with my situation. He said the vehicle has past it's 3 years/60,000 Km warranty. Any Canadian CR-V owners had similar experience?

stevedebi · July 2008

In order to bring visibility to this issue, everyone who has had a compressor failure should complain to the NHTSA. If they get enough complaints they may open an investigation. This is what happened with the engine fires in CR-V a few years ago.

NHTSA Consumer Complaint form

genho · July 2008

There is an 'Office of Defects Investigation' listed as part of the NHTSA...perhaps they are the ones that handle this type of situation.

killorhome · July 2008

Good point. I called & made a complaint to the NHTSA just the other day. The number i used was 1-888-327-4236. Ironically i got the number off a TSB i downloaded off the honda service express site. Squeaky wheel gets the grease!!

richk6 · July 2008

so she uses the AC minimally; plus we have cold winters here, so it really is used only during May to Oct for about 6 months in a year.

Your AC is also running during winter because is on by default everytime a defroster mode is used.

desertsage · July 2008

Mine is a 2000 CRV. It's old, but I love it and don't want to let it go. But after reading all the posts about reoccurring AC issues and being how I live in Phoenix, AZ, I am thinking that the $1600 I need to pay for a new system might not be worth my old car.

So I am wondering if it's worth it to put all this money down for a compressor, belt, receiver, expansion valve, flush and freon, or will I be paying for all this again sometime too soon?

I bought the car used so I am not sure if the ac was replaced before, but I don't think so, so the fact that it lasted this long is reassuring.

Also, my guy friend is saying that he doesn't believe this whole metal contaminate story and is telling me I am being taken. But if I am not the only one having this issue, I have a hard time believing it is such a big conspiracy. Has anyone ever checked the parts for the contaminates? Or is this all just taking the word of the dealer?

stevedebi · July 2008

Most of the problem compressors were on the Gen 2 CR-V, with a couple of failures on VERY late model 2001 Gen 1. Yours would be the first I remember for the 2000 model year.

It is most likely NOT the same issue; A/C compressors do die occasionally on all vehicles. If the car is mechanically sound, replacing the A/C is a viable option, IMHO.

fbitobe · July 2008

I have a 2004 CRV. It has just over 81k miles. Last week, I had just entered the freeway in the mid-afternoon when I heard what sounded like a loud rumbling for about 5 seconds. This was immediately followed by a white smoke coming out of the right side of my hood for about 2 seconds. Then the air from the AC became really warm. :mad:

I pulled over at the nearest gas station and checked under the hood but couldn't find anything. I took the vehicle to my uncle's shop. He has over 30 years of experience and owns/operates a large engine/transmission/AC/brake shop.

He couldn't see anything out of the ordinary at first. He suspected the high pressure line might have ruptured. He injected dye into the system and found all of the dye was coming from the compressor. The compressor had actually ruptured. He said that in all of his years in the business, he had never seen a compressor blow up. He has seen cracks, but nothing like this. His entire crew came over to take a look because they could not believe it either.

I haven't contacted Honda yet. My uncle is going to try his contact at the dealership he usually deals with. I'm going to try the same with the service manager at my dealer. I've always had all of my maintenance done at the dealer and taken good care of my car. This is my 4th Honda and my 2nd CRV.

The worst part about all of this is that 2 hours before all of this occurred, I had contacted American Honda Finance to extend my lease. If I cannot get the results I want from the dealer or American Honda, then I think I'll pitch my case to American Honda Finance as a condition of renewing my lease.

aedl · July 2008

Thanks for all of your posts! We are facing our 2nd A/C compressor on our 2002 CRV. The first one was replaced in 2005 and was covered with the extended warranty. That was has blown, too. My dealer says because of the miles on my car (141K), Honda America will only cover 25% of the $2300 repair bill. I am fighting this because this A/C does not truely have 141K miles since it was replaced already AND because of info from this forum. Have submitted a complaint to NHTSA. Wish me luck!

momac2499 · July 2008

let me know how that goes, Honda of America has a bunch of worthless people working for them. They offered me the same dealer and this was my 4th time replacing it.

momac2499 · July 2008

Explain to me then, why I have a 2002 Honda CRV and the first and 2nd time mine blew honda said that it was a bad part but that they replace them with the newer models and then 39k miles later it blew for the 3rd time and they replaced it and now 39k miles again it blew again. I know air conditioners break but not every 40k miles. IT IS the same issue EVERY single time as per HONDA.

stevedebi · July 2008

"Explain to me then, why I have a 2002 Honda CRV and the first and 2nd time mine blew honda said that it was a bad part but that they replace them with the newer models and then 39k miles later it blew for the 3rd time and they replaced it and now 39k miles again it blew again. I know air conditioners break but not every 40k miles. IT IS the same issue EVERY single time as per HONDA. "

Your model is a GEN 2, and my post referred to GEN 1.

Did you read the post to which I was replying?

I think one failure at 120K miles is probably not indicative of a bad compressor, which is what happened to the person writing the post, and to whom I was writing.

I said that there have been very few problems with the GEN 1 CR-V. The original post had had a failed compressor on his 2000 CR-V. While there have been a couple of VERY late GEN 1 model compressor failures (including my father-in-law's 2001 Gen 1), there has not been a large number reported. Therefore my opinion was that it was OK to get his compressor repaired.

You have a GEN 2, which had some defective compressors.

sonny2008 · July 2008

I have bought a honda 2001 cr-v a week ago from Mears Mazda & Volvo in Lubbock, TX. The car was looking OK, they told me that I will need $200 to repair its wheel alignment and rotors. Well, it took $400 2 days ago..

And today, while running errands in a hot texas day, the A/C started to make noises, and blow warmer air. I began to use it sparingly, yet checking it from time to time. Then, at one point I turned it on, and "boom!", someting exploded in the engine compartment. I immediately pulled over, and saw large pieces of metal under the hood, with greenish liquid all over. I soon dicovered that HALF of the Compressor was gone! I am suspecting that it damaged some other parts, since that green liquid looked and smelled like coolant.. What else could this be?

I called the dealer, and they tried to hide behind "AS IS" document they had made me sign. I have not even received a new title and plates, so was hoping that being this new, the dealer may still help me. Would they? Is there any state or federal law you know of that may cover me in this situation?

I will call Honda, but this car is 2001 and has 102K miles on it, so I am not very optimistic.. Any additional advise will be appreciated. Thanks.

fbitobe · July 2008

So I called American Honda. The guy that I spoke with was not helpful at all. He heard me out, but insisted that there is no known issue with the Gen 2 CRV compressor. He also said that they would not offer any goodwill warranty. No matter what I said, he was trying to get me off the phone. I asked him for a case number 5 times to no avail. He would not give me his extension. He would only give me his first name. He mentioned at one point that he was noting my concerns, so I threw the ball back at him and said, "So if have been documenting this, then there must be some report or case number associated with it. I want that number." After some awkward silence, there was a sigh and then he gave me a case number.

I called the service manager at the dealership. He was very helpful and understanding. He said to bring it in for a free inspection. I mentioned about the numerous issues listed here. He agreed that there may be something wrong, but that sometimes the message boards get a little carried away. He said that his service team needs to see how bad it is, then they would plead my case to American Honda based on my loyalty to the brand, dealership, service center, etc. From our conversation, my faith was restored in Honda (for now). I'll update after my appointment.

crvhondadrvr · July 2008

2004 CRV Hondas are having problems with the AC system. I own one myself and a little over a year and a half ago the AC system had to be completely replaced. Honda paid for the parts and the labor (around $4,000). Now a year and a half later the same thing happens. Honda only paid for the parts arguing that they have only paid for it out of "good faith". This is not true. The dealership told me that they are seeing the 2004 CRVs coming in with the same problem on a regular basis, so did my local mechanic (non-dealer). You all need to write to Honda and complain and demand to be reimbursed for the cost. Write to:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7D
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Don't forget to include the VIN for reference

roccom67 · July 2008

Glad I found this site. Thanks for the help. Didn't know this was a wide-spread issue. I have a 2003 CR-V with about 121,000 miles. A/C seized up while my wife was driving last week. Loud whirring noise and then a loud pop! Luckily wasn't a safety issue but the A/C died. I took it in yesterday and they said the whole system had to be replaced for about $2,300! I almost agreed to it thinking I had no choice, but then balked. Can live a few weeks without it while I get other estimates. Luckily my wife found this blog before we fixed it. I will call Honda Corp and try to open a case. Worth a shot. Will let you know how it goes. It's unfortunate that the dealers aren't open with their customers. It's obviously a problem. The only reason we googled this problem online was because the sale person, upon my leaving, mentioned quietly that I should call Honda and ask about it to see what they could do. Obviously a common problem. Fortunately these blogs exist.

greencivicbaby · July 2008

My ac just went on 7/5/08, so I figured that the ac just needed to be charged, since it was just working and stoped working while I was driving my car. Tood my car to a shop right by my employment, and they had told me that its my ac compresser and they dont handle this, so I had a personal friend mechanic look at this and he had said that same thing. SO I called honda and they had said that it would 1200.00 to start. I thought this was crazy. My CRV VIN starts with SHSR and I have been having all the problems that Ive read on this site, the condeser went, had no idea what the rubbing noise was on my car, to come and find out when I did research that the rear differental fluid just needs to be changed. This is my third honda, first CRV, I loved hondas till this point, I've had two CIVICS till now, and still have one, but this is crazy, I cant afford to keep spening all this money on things that honda knows that going on but just wont put a recall out on it!! I never had any problems with my civics. I just emailed My local honda dealer, but i doubt i will get any reponse. I want to get this taking care of but I cant afford to pay 1200.00 PLUS!!

Honda CR-V AC Compressor Problems

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles