8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,740
Average Mileage:
115,750 miles
Total Complaints:
43 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace air conditioner (29 reports)
  2. not sure (10 reports)
  3. traded in vehicle (2 reports)
  4. replace ac fans (1 reports)
  5. replace condenser (1 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Aug 092011

CR-V LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

AC started blowing hot air and AC compressor was cycling wildly. Took it to a local AC shop, they had to replace BOTH fans of the AC compressor which had burned out.

- Boyan B., Portland, OR, US

problem #22

Jun 102011

CR-V LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 151,000 miles

This is the third time we've had to replace the air conditioner on my 02 CRV, at $600, 800, & 800 a pop, and with different mechanics. There have been so many complaints by other CRV owners about this problem that Honda definitely knows about CRV A/C but will not act responsibly about it. At this added cost the Honda seems a bad investment. Honda's attitude reveals a greedy corporate character that I do not want to deal with. I will no longer buy new from Honda, though I may buy used models with a good track record. . The older Accords, for example, seem to have a much better reliability record than the newer ones. For new, there seem to be other corporations with better attitudes out there. Back to Consumer Reports!

- Jeff C., El Paso, TX, US

problem #21

Apr 222011

CR-V

  • Automatic transmission
  • 137,459 miles

Apparently this is an issue with the 2002 Honday CRV. Had I known this I would have never purchased this vehicle. This is by far the most expensive vehicle repair I have ever had. In researching problems with this particular 2002 the AC/heater problem is by far the biggest. I am thinking that the company must have known about this defect in the system and failed to address it. I have always heard good things about the Honda company, but am having doubts now. I don't think I will ever own another Honda.

- pegjac, Villisca, IA, US

problem #20

Dec 312010

CR-V EX 2.4L 4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 112,000 miles

It seems like everyone has problems with honda's crv ac system.

On new years, last night, i heard that familiar groaning and pause in the engine as the ac compressor was seizing up. mind you, this will be the 3RD TIME THE AC HAS BLOWN. the first was 2 yrs ago when at under 90k mileage, the ac (according to my mechanic) imploded and "fragmented" metal throughout the system.

replaced that to the tune of $2000. went away for a year on assignment and didn't drive car at all. until summer 2010. when, ac stopped again! and it had just been replaced. so mechanic "covered" parts, but still cost me another $400.

so god only knows now if im in for another $2000 repair i cant afford and unwarranteed.

HONDA HAS AN ISSUE HERE, AND REALLY NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT. or believe me, it will be my last honda purchase. or honda recommendation. ive been buying hondas for years. never kept one this long, however. and cant get any satisfaction on this issue.

PLUS, this thanksgiving the HEATER CORE went, leaking transmission fluid on my front carpet at the feet level...but that is another issue to report

- Lena H., Shaker Hts, OH, US

problem #19

Jul 212010

CR-V EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

My AC worked great until I took my car on vacation in Panama City Beach FL, 8 hrs away from home!!! It just died. Dealer wanted $2000 + if it was compressor problem, with $100 diagnostic fee that I would not get back if I chose not to get it fixed. I drove home with the windows down and did not part with my Ben Franklin...In my new hometown, the local ac guru only asked for $765.00. I'm still driving with the windows down.

- Julie T., Walhalla, SC, US

problem #18

Sep 092010

CR-V

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

Bought the CR-V used with 20,000 miles on it. Purchased an extended warranty for $800 and they had to fix the AC to the tune of $1200 within a year (on them thank goodness). Four years later (last Thursday).......AC destroyed itself internally and similar to what I've read on this site, it throws metal particals into the dryer as well so replacement cost to me (no more warranty) is $1472.00. I live in Miami. There is no choice but to fix it. Not cool. Pun intended.

- Jane J., Miami, FL, US

problem #17

Apr 252010

CR-V LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

AC stop working. The AC compressor was previously replace twice. One under factory warranty and out of pocket. Little research shows Honda design flaws. Does not know if it worth to repair since last compressor only lasted 30.000 mi.

- polonia2, Costa Mesa, CA, US

problem #16

Jul 142010

CR-V LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

There should be a recall since the AC problem seems widespread on 02, 03 and 04 CRVs. I called Honda and they are not offering anything to owners of 02 models other than to "document the problem." Having to replace the AC at such high cost creates a financial hardship for many.

- mochar, Orange, CA, US

problem #15

May 242010

CR-V EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,419 miles

The famous CRV "Black Death". AC compressor grenaded just like hundreds and hundreds of others have.Sent metal particles through the entire AC system requiring replacement of entire AC system. Known problem with 02 through 06 Honda CRV's.

- Drew K., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

problem #14

Jun 012008

CR-V

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

  1. Air conditioner died on the first day of June. Had to replace the entire system due to metal fragments in the lines. I have had a 1998 CRV-ran beautifully-never a problem. The 2002 has been a HOLY nightmare from the beginning.

    2. Interior lights come on whenever they please. I've turned them all off.

    3. Replaced various "O2 sensor" parts 3 times for different charges. First one at 50 miles! 2nd one at around 55000, then again at 75000. Can't seem to get through an inspection cycle without the damn "check engine" light coming on.

    4. Hatch open light is constantly on.

    5. Transmission work recently-$1500.00 (D was flashing)

    6. Driver side window assembly snapped one day. Cost me over $500.00 to replace the metal wire that rolls the window up and down.

    7. Rear driver side window has never worked. Didn't know that because I never roll that window down. When I found out, it was after warranty and the estimate was $500-$800 to replace the power thing.

    8. Rear differential fluid was replaced because of a grinding sound on turning.

    Don't even remember what all to list--these are the sticking points.

- Paula S., Raleigh, NC, US

problem #13

Sep 102009

CR-V EX 4cl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I bought my crv in 2003 and since then I have changed the air conditioner 3 times and if it goes out again they are paying for it. I really shouldn't have paid for it the last time. It has gone out every year now and they said the car just can't handle the heat of AZ. I have never had a cars AC go out that many times and I've lived here my entire life. One time they told me it was because I don't change the air filter and I do ever time! I have always gone to the dealer to fix my car, but after this not anymore.

- sdoyle, Peoria, AZ, US

problem #12

Jun 012009

CR-V EX 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 135,000 miles

Dealer said it would be FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX THE A/C. I told them to go pound sand. An independent mechanic said $1200 for new compressor. Haven't fixed it yet, because the car isn't worth that much and I haven't decided if I'm going to keep it. This Honda sucks.

- seeburg220, Leesburg, VA, US

problem #11

Jul 072009

CR-V LX 2.4L 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,380 miles

The Ac on this car went out at 110,380 miles.The Local Honda Dealer where I purchased the vehicle used wanted $2800.00 to repair it because they said the compressor had actually exploded inside and the complete AC System would have to be replaced, because of bits of metal in the system that probably wouldn't flush out. I haven't had it repaired yet because the dealer said they would contact Honda and see if Honda would be willing to help with some of the cost. I see on here where I'm not alone with this problem, it seems that this has happened a lot and this should have been a recall issue. A local AC Mechanic informed me that he has seen this a lot in Honda's from 2001 to 2004 and it's something that's being caused because the flues in the condenser are too small which restricts freon flow and causes the compressor to have to work too hard and fail prematurely. Honda should have already addressed this in a recall. If Honda doesn't help with the repair I may just buy the parts and repair it myself. I can get the necessary parts online for less than $800.00. And I definitely will not buy another Honda before I thoroughly check for complaints on issues like this.

Update from Aug 19, 2009: Well after much negotiation we worked it out and Honda did pay for some of the repair but it still cost me $1974.76 to get the entire AC System replaced, so I guess I'm good to go for now, but the warranty on the new AC System is only 1 year or 12,000 miles, that stinks in my opinion. I hope the pending class action lawsuit goes thru so all of us who have had to pay these exorbitant fees because of a poorly designed AC System get re-imbursed.

- bolinlamar, Fortson, GA, US

problem #10

Jul 122009

CR-V LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,000 miles

The entire A/C system needed to be replaced. The repair guy told me to sell the car.

- trishnc, Durham, NC, US

problem #9

Aug 012007

CR-V EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

On the hottest day of the year, I heard a pop and the A/C stopped working. I took the car to two different dealers for repair estimates, and both quoted me around $1800. The car had only 87,000 miles. We decided to trade it in for a new CR-V. I was very disappointed because I really enjoyed my 2002 CR-V. It was solidly built and a pleasure to drive. Our new CR-V EX-L is fine, but I wanted to keep the other one a little bit longer.

- Ed S., Lutherville, MD, US

problem #8

Jul 012004

CR-V LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

I had air conditioner fixed at dealer . It went out again a year ago. I had to have it fixed again. My catalytic converter went out twice . My sensors went out . I can only open one door with key. My dome light is out. My cigarette lighter no longer functions . My seat belt on drivers side is hard to go in.

- Nellie W., East Point, GA, US

problem #7

Jul 022007

CR-V

  • Manual transmission
  • 78,000 miles

I have never had a vehicle with an A/C problem. I have had all other problems but who would have thought the A/C would go out. I thought Honda was number 1, guess you can't have everything.

- lilfrosty1, Preston, MD, US

problem #6

Mar 182008

CR-V LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

This car is a real lemon. I am complaining about the A/C, but almost the brake also locked up, battery gone very fast, transmission linkage problem, doom light gone, SRS sensor lite up for no reason, rear door latch light came on for no reason, and windshield chipped easy. Honda doesn't seem to be reliable, and I don't have that kind of problems on Toyota.

- just4u666, St Louis, MO, US

problem #5

Aug 012008

CR-V

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

A small bolt broke off of the compressor. All the parts had to be replaced. Bottom line - a $2 bolt resulted in a $1,400 repair bill.

- Sally S., Swansboro, NC, US

problem #4

Jun 062008

CR-V EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I have a 2002 CRV which I bought used in November of 2005. Never had a prob with my beloved car, that I had wanted for a LONG time, or the AC until the first time I turned it on this summer (First weekend of June). It was working fine for a short time, at one point I noticed an odor, but I shrugged it off to be the cemi that passed me. About 45 minutes later I noticed that the air coming out was no longer cold. When I reached my destination, I had my friends uncle look at it, and he assumed it was the freon, but was unable to add any. After I got back from my VERY HOT weekend, I took it into my mechanic to see what the issue was. He called me that afternoon and said the news wasn't good, and that my compressor and clutch, etc was shot and it would be at least 1200.00 to fix it. He said that he wouldn't know until he tore it apart if I would need a condenser as well. If I do then it would be an additional 200-250. I had NO clue until I saw a post on Consumer Report that this issue is as wide spread as it is! My word!! I didn't opt to fix it at that time- just couldn't justify paying that much for something that doesn't effect the way my car runs~though I am miserable as hot as it has been which is totally effecting me~ not in a good way either LOL

I don't normally take my car to the dealer as it is all the way on the other side of town, and I trust my mechanic 100%. I did call the dealer today and he informed me that I would have to bring my car in so I can be told what I already know about the AC so that it has been looked at by a "certified Honda dealer"-what a total PITA! I already paid 100 bucks, now I have to do it again.

I decided to call corporate after reading so many posts here, http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX?14@@.f0d3fb5/0 and here, http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/honda-cr-v/TU0OKFJGV9V3F3FGL and here, http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_78670.html about SOOO many people having the EXACT same issue.

And was told that I would be notified in 1-3 business days about whatever their "decision" is going to be. (meanwhile I have to take my car down to the dealer) As Honda is dealing with this AC nightmare on a case by case basis and that it depended on the year of the car and how many miles, etc........... I told him that I read many issues where that person�s car was the same age as mine, but with more miles, and that Honda had paid for the entire repair. He didn't really say anything one way or another..........time will tell..................

- lucy03, Kalamazoo, MI, US

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