What to know about the lawsuit against Honda CR-V A/C compressors

There is no single, nationwide class-action settlement specifically covering Honda CR-V A/C compressors. Most court actions and the broad relief Honda has provided to date have centered on condenser leaks—not compressor failures—with Honda extending the condenser warranty to 10 years (unlimited miles) for many 2017–2021 CR-Vs. Older CR-Vs (especially 2002–2011) were widely reported to suffer catastrophic compressor failures, but those complaints did not result in a universal, compressor-specific settlement or recall.

How CR-V A/C issues reached the courts

Honda owners have long reported A/C problems in CR-Vs, but the legal outcome differs by component and era. The most consequential litigation and relief involved condenser leaks on late-2010s models, while alleged compressor defects on older CR-Vs generated complaints and some lawsuits without producing a nationwide, compressor-focused settlement.

Condenser-focused litigation and relief (2016–2021 era)

Beginning in the late 2010s, owners of 2017–2021 CR-Vs reported A/C blowing warm air due to refrigerant leaks traced to the condenser. Multiple lawsuits alleged a systemic defect. While one high-profile settlement formally covered 2016–2018 Civic condensers, Honda subsequently issued extended warranty coverage to many CR-Vs through service bulletins and customer programs, treating the condenser as a known weak point.

The typical outcome for CR-V owners has been warranty coverage (up to 10 years/unlimited miles) for condenser-related repairs and, in some cases, reimbursement for prior out-of-pocket condenser fixes. This relief does not automatically extend to compressors unless a dealer can tie secondary damage directly to the covered condenser defect under Honda’s program rules.

Compressor allegations in older CR-Vs (2002–2011 era)

Owners of early- to late-2000s CR-Vs frequently reported compressor failures, sometimes called “black death,” where an internal compressor failure sent metal debris through the A/C system, contaminating lines, the condenser, and the evaporator. These failures were expensive to fix because they often required replacing multiple components and flushing the system.

While complaints and some lawsuits were filed over these compressor failures, they did not culminate in a nationwide recall or a universal class-action settlement specific to CR-V compressors. Remedies typically came via case-by-case goodwill repairs, extended service contracts, or owner-paid repairs, rather than a court-ordered, compressor-focused program.

What people mean by “the lawsuit” against CR-V A/C compressors

Online, “the Honda CR-V A/C compressor lawsuit” is often shorthand for broader A/C litigation and coverage—even when the relief actually concerns condensers. Practically speaking, the only widespread, formal remedy Honda has maintained for CR-V A/C issues is the extended warranty for condenser leaks on many 2017–2021 models. Compressor failures, especially on 2002–2011 CR-Vs, have not been covered by a nationwide settlement.

Models and symptoms typically involved

Owners have reported distinct patterns based on model years and components. The following lists summarize the commonly cited vehicles and symptoms.

• 2017–2021 CR-V: A/C not cold due to condenser refrigerant leaks; symptoms include gradually warming air, hissing, oily/dye residue at condenser, and low refrigerant without obvious impact damage.
• 2002–2011 CR-V: Sudden A/C failure tied to compressor “grenading,” metallic debris in lines, compressor noise or seizure, and the need to replace multiple A/C components.

While these patterns are widely reported, a dealer diagnosis is essential because multiple components can cause similar symptoms, and coverage depends on the verified root cause.

What owners can do now

If your CR-V’s A/C is not cooling, you can take several practical steps to determine eligibility for coverage and the best repair path.

1. Check eligibility for Honda’s condenser extended warranty: Call a Honda dealer with your VIN and ask about condenser coverage applicable to 2017–2021 CR-Vs; reference the A/C condenser warranty extension if needed.
2. Get a documented diagnosis: Ask the dealer to perform a leak test and confirm the failed component (condenser vs. compressor vs. lines/evaporator). Keep the work order and photos.
3. Seek reimbursement if applicable: If you previously paid for a condenser repair on an eligible vehicle, ask the dealer or Honda customer care about reimbursement under the extended coverage or goodwill policies.
4. Escalate strategically: If coverage is denied but you believe the failure is related to the known condenser issue, request review by a Honda case manager, and consider BBB Auto Line or state consumer protection avenues.
5. For older CR-V compressor failures: Ask the dealer about goodwill assistance, especially with low mileage for age or a strong service history, and obtain multiple quotes due to the high cost of full-system remediation.

Documenting diagnostics, costs, and communications generally improves outcomes, whether you pursue warranty coverage, goodwill assistance, or outside dispute resolution.

Where the legal landscape stands as of 2024

As of late 2024, the broad, widely acknowledged remedy for CR-V A/C issues remains Honda’s extended warranty for condenser leaks on many 2017–2021 vehicles. Compressor-specific litigation involving CR-Vs has not produced a nationwide settlement or recall. Individual lawsuits, arbitrations, and goodwill resolutions continue to occur on a case-by-case basis, especially for older vehicles with compressor failures.

Summary

There is no universal, compressor-specific class-action settlement for Honda CR-Vs. The notable legal and warranty relief to date centers on condenser leaks in many 2017–2021 CR-Vs, for which Honda offers extended coverage and, in some cases, reimbursement. Compressor failures—particularly the “black death” seen in 2002–2011 CR-Vs—have not received a nationwide settlement, leaving owners to pursue diagnosis, goodwill assistance, or individual claims based on circumstances and evidence.

What is the warranty on Honda AC compressors?

American Honda is extending the warranty on the A/C compressor shaft seal from the original 3 years to 10 years from the original date of purchase, with no mileage limitation.
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What is the average payout for a class action lawsuit?

The average class action lawsuit payout per person varies widely, typically ranging from $20 to $500, depending on the case. Large settlements, such as those in consumer fraud or antitrust cases, may provide $1,000 or more per claimant.

How much does it cost to replace the AC compressor in a Honda CRV?

The average cost for a Honda CR-V AC Compressor Replacement is between $870 and $1,780 but can vary from car to car.

Is there a recall on Honda CRV air conditioning?

Honda does not have an official recall related to the air conditioning system for the 2022 CR-V, specifically concerning an AC compressor shaft seal leak. However, Honda does have a Service Bulletin concerning the AC blowing warm air or stopping entirely due to a refrigerant leak.