8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,860
Average Mileage:
81,950 miles
Total Complaints:
23 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. negotiate with Honda Consumer Affairs to cover the repair (7 reports)
  2. not sure (6 reports)
  3. replace the compressor (4 reports)
  4. replaced compressor, condensor, and expansion valve (4 reports)
  5. replace compressor (1 reports)
  6. replaced compressor, clutch, coil, evap core, cond.core and (1 reports)
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problem #23

May 012018

CR-V EX-L 2.4L, 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,500 miles

I love my 2004 Honda CR-V for so many reasons but the a/c going out has been quite the inconvenience. The heater does still work and I use that, but I was told that the a/c compressor blew and sent shrapnel into the entire system so I would have to replace the entire thing. I have not done this. I still own and drive my Honda and hope to do so for many more years but it is undeniable that not having a working a/c is a pain in the butt. I drive with my windows down so road noise is a constant. As you can guess, it gets hot. When it rains and it's hot, it's a double whammy because the windows are up (warm inside) and the vents are open (a little humid inside).

- merryweather, Cornelius, US

problem #22

Apr 012013

CR-V LX 2.4L L4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Love my CR-V and expected it to last because of it's reputation. Once it hits a certain mileage things go downhill pretty quick. I did all scheduled maintenance also.

- Mary O., Warrensburg, MO, US

problem #21

May 272014

CR-V ES 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,500 miles

I am not sure how this is costing because I am in the middle of having it fixed (plus a rental car). I took it to my neighborhood mechanic who is honest. I didn't take it to Honda because my car is out of warranty and I didn't think/didn't know what it was. Should I try to get Honda Consumer to pay for this even though I didn't use Honda to repair, given that this is a known issue? Has there been a class action lawsuit and if so is it over?

- shzg, Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #20

Apr 012014

CR-V EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

The compressor imploded and caused hot air mess through entire AC system with pieces of metals. Local Honda dealer / service center (largest in SFL) let me know $4000 to fix ($2700 for parts). They are all aware of the 2004 CRV AC issue, have seen it "Many times", of course they want to sell me a new car instead of fixing.

What bothered me most, I just bought our family car recently from Honda. I just wish I knew this was coming (I didn't even know such AC issues existed...class action for $40M in 2012!), because I would have stayed away from Honda and gone to their direct competitive brand. I think Japanese cars are rock bottom, don't believe in the myth.

As for the damaged car, pending repair fund.

- titotito, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, US

problem #19

Jun 282011

CR-V LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,655 miles

The total cost was 2908.43 but I paid 1925.61. The dealership deducted 1454.26

as factory warranty. This climate was so bad in 2011 that it was a real problem.

I paid for a rental car as well. I did not expect something so basic to

go wrong so soon.

Update from Aug 28, 2012: If the price was really 2908- then I thank the dealership for helping me with this. But if it is a defect

that shouldn't have happened so soon, I think Honda should reimburse me for the expense

- snancyj, Austin, TX, US

problem #18

Jun 172012

CR-V EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Please cover this problem. I have always taken proper care of this car. The only reason this happened was the fault of the manufacturer. This is a very expensive problem. One that I cannot afford. Stand behind your product and replace the parts.

- Cindy K., Colchester, VT, US

problem #17

Aug 042011

CR-V EX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

The fix is 3 grand. Honda is aware of this problem and refuses to do anything about it. All one needs to do is read the web blogs and you will see how many owners have had this experience with thier CRVs. This flies in the face of what is considered to be a company that prides itself on quality. Honda needs to man up and take responsiblity for this problem they know it exist and they are turning their back on thousands of people who put their trust in Honda. Honda shoud initiate a recall on all airconditioners in 2003 and 2004 Honda CRVs. I owned a 1989 Accord with 160000 miles and a honda civic with 178000 miles and I never had a probleM with the air conditioners. This is not right and as far as I am concerned this is corporate fraud. This will probably deter me from ever buying another Honda again. I do not like dealing with people or companies I cannot trust. Goodbye Honda nice knowing you.

- Colin B., Pittsburgh, PA, US

problem #16

Sep 212011

CR-V LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

Someone told me Honda's were reliable. I used to ride Honda motorcycles until the sales person in Salina KS was so rude I switched to another brand. So I still thought the cars were good.

THEN my wife told me the AC stopped working.

I can fix almost anything on a car EXCEPT ac.

Off to the shop the little Honda went.

Shop Mechanic: "Yep, another compressor shredded inside.". These CRVs are known for that.

So I could flush everything and have them install a new compressor and take a chance that the old one did not send chunks of crap throughout the AC system for $ 750 bucks.

Or, I can replace everything for $2000.

$750 and will not buy another Honda was the option.

- weldlizard1@yahoo.com, Chapman, KS, US

problem #15

Jan 172011

CR-V EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,682 miles

This is another common problem with Honda CRV's. I thought Hondas were supposed to be commendable and run many miles without problems. So much for the Honda myth!

- Bill Z., Leander, TX, US

problem #14

Sep 122011

CR-V EX

  • 75,000 miles

This is the second honda I've owned. I loved the car but,honda should take care of this problem if they ever want me to buy another one of their cars. Remember honda, a satisfied customer tells ten other people, an unsatisfied customer tells one hundred.

- Joe M., Bohemia, NY, US

problem #13

Sep 012009

CR-V LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Honda Motor Company would not stand behind their vehicle even though numerous complaints had been lodged regarding the same problem. The dealer recommended replacement of all AC components and soft lines to the tune of a $2500 repair with no assistance from the company. So disappointed in how this was handled.

- Sara S., Atlanta, GA, US

problem #12

Aug 242010

CR-V EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,700 miles

Honda engineers and technicians say that the CRV is built like a tank and that there are not that many problems. This one was major. Had the dealer repair it since I though they were the best qualified. Now that I look back I would have thought that they would know if the Manufacturer had any warranties left on this problem but I should have known better

- Ian T., Amherst, OH, US

problem #11

Jun 102011

CR-V LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

Honda says my CR-V needs a whole new a/c system - $3900 - and guess what - they are willing to pay for half. They are evil geniuses - hoping to get another $2000 out of me (I've already paid $1700 in previous A/C repairs) and they come off as so helpful?

I would have been better off if my CR-V was one of the ones that caught fire after the first oil change.

Adios, Honda

- James M., Moonachie, NJ, US

problem #10

Apr 302011

CR-V EX Vtec

  • Manual transmission
  • 57,650 miles

A/C Unit imploded, damaged all the components, no warning beforehand but A/ C was sucking up quite a lot of gas so maybe that was a warning sign. Just happened one day while I was driving in the city on a hot day, just heard a loud gritting/banging noise coming from the hood and by the time I was wondering what was happening the noise stopped and hot air was blowing from the AC vent. Had it checked it, thought maybe it could get by Freon but no the whole system has to me replaced. Very very costly from the estimates and wonder if I will even get it fixed this year considering the cost of gas right now. May buy the parts and have a friend look into it for me.

- Julian M., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #9

Apr 092011

CR-V LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

Honda America has been completely awful. they say the car is no longer covered under warranty and no recall has been issued so they're not at fault. The compressor EXPLODED. It is not a case of normal wear and tear. They are clearly at fault and I am livid. I bought my Honda because of their great rep. Now I'm finding out that this is a recurring problem with the CRV. There should be a recall. I'm telling everyone I know about this. I'm shocked they aren't trying to amend their error.

- Jennifer G., Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #8

May 132011

CR-V

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

my compressor went out on the ac- replacement 1560.00. I can't believe after reading others complaints about the same thing that Honda has not done something to fix this. Seems 2004 is not the only year.

- Vickie K., Zionsville, IN, US

problem #7

May 142010

CR-V LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

Honda should have a recall for this sh*t! Never buying a honda again.

- Hermon T., Landover Hills, MD, US

problem #6

May 032010

CR-V LX 4 Cy

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

I had my whole a/c system replaced in 2006 at 46,000 miles due to the a/c compressor combustion. It was covered by Honda at the time and I only had to pay $50. I'm now at 120,000mi and my a/c compressor combusted AGAIN and I'm currently working with American Honda to get this repaired with little to no cost to me again. We'll see how this goes. At this rate, there is NO WAY I'm every buying another Honda.

- Elizabeth E., San Antonio, TX, US

problem #5

Jun 162010

CR-V LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Compressor seized up/sheared off compressor clutch shaft.contaminated hoses/tubing .Needs flush /new compressor/clutch/coil for A/C.

- John B., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #4

Jul 012008

CR-V LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

When the a/c first went out, I had no idea what was wrong with the car except for the weird vacuum sound I heard and the a/c suddenly blowing warm air. My husband researched it online. To his surprise he found out that it was a common problem that Honda was aware of. We called corporate office and took it to the dealership where he bought it at. I don't remember all the details, but Honda either payed for the parts and we the labor OR we payed for the parts and Honda the labor. Either way, it was still expensive (like $500???) for a reputable Honda with only 40-50,000 miles.

Anyways, my husband is a die hard Honda fan along with the rest of his family. We traded it in the next year for a 2003 Odyssey. Hopefully the transmission won't go. I don't think Honda is getting enough flack for it's failures.

- Cheryl P., Titusville, FL, US

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