Honda CR-V Club Forum: problems with AC compressor

It's not extremely common but it certainly happens.

It's more common than you thought.

Please visit http://topix.com and search for Honda crv air conditioner problems. You'd be surprised. I have a '03 crv myself and having the same problem.  

I'm on my third compressor.  Currently 110,000 miles on my '02.  Can't wait for the next "event" .  :>  Was told by a service manager this is unfortunately common to CR-Vs.  Other Honda models are each known for different weaknesses and it's the compressor for CR-V.  Lucky for my wallet at least the first time was under certified warranty with somewhere around 54,000 miles.  Second time the compressor's clutch somehow led to it's demise.  My advice to anyone buying a used CR-V, you might consider purchasing a warranty on it just because A/C repairs are easily quite expensive.

and if you are running on a high rpm you should turn off the a/c because the engine , a.c alternator only has one belt.

professional maintenance may prevent your a/c compressor from locking up. it need frequent maintenance in order to avoid some causes like improper lubrication, incorrect types of refrigerant and low coolant levels

I had my 2006 CRV with 69k miles, was just serviced by the Honda dealer a few weeks ago, including an AC check.  The compressor went out two days ago and the estimate is $3,500.  I never expected this with a Honda  ...so much for thier claims of lowest cost of ownership!

$3500??? Don't tell me you're going to let Honda take care of it.  The part costs about $400.  My mechanic that I have had for years and trust completely is charging a total of $750.  Shop around my friend.

Honda agreed to pay for 80% of the replacement costs.  My out of pocket is $545 and the entire new A/C system will come with a 12,000 miles / 12 month warranty.