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 CR-V since 2012, 1,704 (17.3%) describe air conditioning not cooling, making it the most reported problem we track on the CR-V. The reports cluster on the 2017, 2018 and 2019 model years, and the 2018 drew the most, with 483. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 14,000 and 70,000 miles. 110 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 2 recalls are 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 CR-V 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 2017 to 2019 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
"Car parked at store. Placed 6 yr old child into car to unload cart without fear of parking lot drivers. Trunk open at that point. Child asked for A/C (94f outside - hotter in car). With the remote, I performed "remote start" sequence."
2017 Honda CR-V, 1,500 miles
"The vehicle vibrates very rough when idle in drive gear. Specifically, the issue happens when the vehicle is stationary and in drive gear and all accessories turned off and when the engine temperature has reached its optimum (fully warmed up engine)."
2016 Honda CR-V, 23,600 miles
"December 2022 two weeks after I leased the vehicle from Roush Honda, due to severe cold weather the driver side mirror cracked and I immediately reported to the dealer with photos via email communication."
2023 Honda CR-V
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
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 CR-V vehicles.
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 36 bulletins that mention this problem on the CR-V. 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.
Due to a new North America regulation which introduces a new refrigerant and oil requirement the compressor shaft seal may leak.
Due to a new North America regulation that introduces a new refrigerant and oil requirement, the compressor shaft seal may leak.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Before you buy a CR-V
- 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 CR-V years have air conditioning not cooling?
Complaints are highest for the 2017, 2018, 2019 model years. The 2018 drew the most, with 483 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 35,000 miles, and half reported it between 14,000 and 70,000 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.