6th Aug 2009, 11:13

Yesterday, I heard the familiar clunking of the A/C compressor on my 2002 Honda CRV. If I have to replace it, it will be the FIFTH (not kidding) time since I've owned it. In fairness, one only lasted a day or two so it could be considered the fourth event. Much better right? American Honda told me during a phone call from last failure that I should consider getting rid of the car before summer. My local dealer was great but overall, the A/C system in this car has cost me thousands. I was also told that this was as uncommon failure.

I was considering a Ridgeline for my next purchase (need to tow an RV), but after seeing how Honda is not standing by its products, I will move to a Tundra or Titan. I saw a commercial this morning that touted Honda as having most loyal (#1) brand customers. I wonder how long that can continue?

12th Aug 2009, 17:09

Add one more person to the list of 2002 CRV owners will A/C failure. I love my CRV but something has to be wrong in the design of the A/C system. My Honda was purchased used with only 26,000 miles. Although I received a CarFax report it did not give the complete history. It appears that the compressor failed 2 times before it reached 26,000 miles and then it failed for the 3rd time before I reached 30,000 miles.

Now it has failed the 4th time at 100,000 miles. They are saying that I need a complete system with an estimated cost of $4,000. The dealer spoke to the regional manger and they will not offer any adjustment on the cost. Sounds like it is time for some legal counsel.

AJ in Chattanooga.

16th Aug 2009, 14:45

I purchased my 2002 CRV in September 2002. I have taken back to the dealer for regular maintenance every 5K. In July 2006 at 55,000 miles - The A/C compressor needed replaced. Fortunately at purchase I had bought an extended warranty. I left Myrtle Beach August 1st 2009 to come home and guess what - the A/C stopped blowing cool air. Took it to the dealer in Fredericksburg Virginia. The compressor needs replaced as well as things related to the compressor for a total of $2500.00. Service advisor was not aware of CRV's having any AC compressor problems. I'm glad I found this thread. Will update everyone as this progresses.

Kevin in Virginia.

19th Aug 2009, 17:03

I bought a used, 2002 Honda CR-V in 2004. In 2007, at around 70,000 miles, the air compressor went out as I was driving on the highway, and the car did a couple of weird jerks. I guess it almost stalled out? I was quoted with nearly $2000 to replace air compressor. Did some online research, found out about this common problem with CR-Vs, and contacted Honda of America armed with the information that this was a flaw in the vehicle that was often covered by them (Honda of America). They agreed to pay for about 1/2 of the cost of repairs, (I think they paid for the parts and I had to pay for the labor). The employee at the dealership told me I was lucky.

Well it is now 2009, I'm at about 120,000 miles (I read from the mechanic's post that this seems to happen every 50,000 miles), and my air conditioner is started to not blow as cold any more. I'm HOPING this is not the compressor but rather the need for a freon charge to my A/C system, but still, I don't expect to have to charge my system since I service my car so regularly, only use the A/C for 4 months out of the year, and OWN A HONDA. This makes me really sad because I've tried to convince my husband since owning the car that buying Honda was the way to go in terms of vehicle reliability, but my car is in the shop with expensive repairs quite often. Our 1984 Saab 900 was much more reliable than this Honda CR-V. I've sent my information to the class action lawsuit website, and would love to recoup some of my losses.

20th Aug 2009, 02:08

Just one more unfortunate consumer here. My wife and I switched from an SR5 Truck and Corolla wagon a few years ago to an Odyssey and CRV. My CRV with 67k miles blew the compressor a few weeks back. A local shop flushed the system, replaced compressor, expansion valve, and accumulator for $1500 (no condenser.) Things are still not right.

I don't know why I didn't Google this before tonight, but it's sad to hear how Honda customers are getting shafted on this. With no reason for optimism, like many of you, I'm going to migrate back to Toyota.

A good friend 2 days ago asked about my car, planning to buy a CRV. At that time I thought my compressor disaster was an unlucky fluke, and was overall positive. I just emailed him to set him straight before his big purchase. Honda may be underestimating the impact of work-of-mouth, especially if this problem recurs every. It will dog them for years to come as repairs threaten to match the value of the car.

21st Aug 2009, 11:37

2002 CRV bought used 2 years ago. Now it has 78000 miles on it and the AC compressor locked up. I took it apart and it is made of aluminum. The steel bearings look new, but the AL fins broke in half.. Bad design. Should have been made of more durable metal. I replaced myself with 349.00 comp. and 25.00 for the dryer and filter. Bad news is the one I put in is the same design. From what I read I need to trade before the next 50000 miles. Oh well, it is blowing cold air now.

22nd Aug 2009, 13:00

I'm from the Philippines and my compressor failed on 50k (5 years). It was a busted clutch disc on the comp. Indeed a bad design on the A/C design and hopefully they've fixed this in the later models because I really love this car so much. Now, I have to deal with the busted shocks. Oh boy!

./chas.

5th Sep 2009, 14:23

We replaced our air conditioner on our 2002 CR-V in 2007 the FIRST time and thought it was just a freak occurrence. Having owned Hondas for over 12 years now, and this being our second CR-V, we were sure this was just one of those things... until the air conditioner blew out again in the desert outside Las Vegas in 120 degree heat this past summer. We have just replaced it a second time at a discounted $1000.00 since we have a family member who is a mechanic.

After having read the comments on this site, we are ready to ditch the thing and look around at Toyota or Hyundai. To be fair, I will check with Honda first and see if they stand by this product. However, since I haven't had any information regarding a recall on this car, I get the feeling I shouldn't be too optimistic. After reading all these comments, I'm surprised there hasn't been a class action proposed. Lawyers must not drive CR-Vs!