About this problem
An air conditioning system cools the cabin by pumping refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser at the front of the car and an evaporator behind the dashboard. If any part leaks, the refrigerant slowly escapes and the air turns warm. Condensers are exposed to stones and road salt, and a weak compressor or a leaking evaporator can also be to blame. A recharge without finding the leak usually only helps for a few weeks.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Honda Civic since 2012, 1,230 (19.7%) describe air conditioning not cooling, making it the most reported problem we track on the Civic. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2018 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 228. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 20,000 and 72,000 miles. 86 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. One recall is related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
The most common complaint is simple: the air conditioning on the Civic starts blowing warm air, often within the first few years. Many owners say a dealer found a leaking condenser, and some had it replaced more than once. Complaints peak in the 2016 to 2018 model years.
How it gets fixed
The usual repair is replacing the leaking condenser and recharging the system. Some carmakers extended warranty coverage on condensers for certain years, so ask a dealer to check the VIN before paying.
Typical cost: A condenser replacement usually runs $600 to $1,200; a compressor is more, often $1,200 to $2,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Me an my boyfriend almost got into an accident when the engine of our vehicle stopped working in the middle of the highway. Luckily we were able to pull over at the last second when the engine actually stopped."
2016 Honda Civic, 18,000 miles
"2020 I haven't used the car much do to covid-19. Maybe 1000 miles. February 2021 I noticed the cold air conditioning doesn't work properly. Seems that the air only blows. I just discovered today that Honda seems to have issues with AC condensers."
2017 Honda Civic, 40,000 miles
"The air conditioning unit does not workin my 2018 Honda Civic has a leaky condenser."
2018 Honda Civic, 47,500 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RD
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Honda has sent dealers 94 bulletins that mention this problem on the Civic. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
American Honda is extending the warranty on the A/C condenser to 10 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles.
Today, May 28, 2021, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2018-2020 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Civic, 2017-2021 Civic Hatch, 2017-2021 Civic Type R, 2018-2021 Clarity PHEV, and 2019-2021 Insigh...
Owner Notification Letter - On some 2016-21 Civic models, the A/C condenser may leak refrigerant.
Owner Notification Letter - On some 2017-21 Civic Type R models, the A/C condenser may leak refrigerant.
Due to a new North America regulation which introduces a new refrigerant and oil requirement the compressor shaft seal may leak.
We've noticed an unprecedented demand for A/C compressors which at times has created a backorder situation.
Before you buy a Civic
- Run the air conditioning on max for ten minutes on the test drive and feel that it stays cold.
- Ask for repair records showing a condenser or compressor replacement, and on which date.
- Look through the front grille at the condenser for oily spots or damage.
Questions
Which Honda Civic years have air conditioning not cooling?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2018 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 228 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 42,000 miles, and half reported it between 20,000 and 72,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A condenser replacement usually runs $600 to $1,200; a compressor is more, often $1,200 to $2,000.