2002 Honda CR-V EX from North America - Comments

Well, I guess you should add me to the list of unhappy owners of a 2003 CRV. At about 36,500 miles with no prior warning my wonderful car which never gave me any problems started blowing hot air. Took it to the dealer and a cursory examination revealed that it was probably caused by a blown compressor. The dealer said that this was not a very common problem with this car and said that if Honda would help with the costs due to my low mileage, it would probably still cost around 1,000.00 dollars. After checking on the web I found that this is a very common problem and one that Honda seems to ignore rather than issue a recall. Because we loved our 03, we bought an 08 which my wife thinks is the cat's meow. I find it difficult to believe that Honda would risk losing goodwill over a compressor that is obviously flawed in design or manufacturing. I am hopeful that Honda live up to its reputation, and its actions will reinforce the reasons so many people buy its products.

Disappointed in Lafayette La.

Wow, I can't believe how many people have had this exact same problem. I bought a used 2003 CR-V for my wife last year with just over 70,000 miles. Apparently the original owner knew to trade it in as soon as the warranty expired. Fortunately it was in nice enough condition that the vehicle was Certified Used with a one year warranty. Within the first month the A/C compressor blew up, same story as above, the entire system needed replaced. The local dealer claimed they had never seen this happen before, but after this site I have to wonder.

I am a Quality Assurance Engineer, so my first question was "How can I be sure the replacement will not explode as soon as my warranty expires?" I was told the replacement compressor is a new design and is more robust. I guess time will tell. At least if it blows again I know to contact Honda America, thanks to those who posted that information.

Doug in Indianapolis.

My 2002 CR-V now has trouble with the headlights. The parking lights and high beams work fine, but while driving along one night the regular headlights just died. Any suggestions from anyone? We checked the fuses and they seem fine.

My 2002 with 197,000 just blew its compressor. It left us stranded on 1-95, because when the compressor blew, it somehow seized up the engine. I plan to contact Honda of America, but any other advice is welcome!

We are another victim of the Honda A/C compressor failure fiasco.

Our 2004 CRV with 58,000 had catastrophic failure of its compressor that has essentially wiped out the A/C system. The entire system needs to be replaced at a cost of $3,182.88.

After calling Honda's North American headquarters at 800-999-1009 my satisfaction with this company is very low. I told the man that I have owned 4 Hondas and 1 Acura and have never had a problem of this magnitude. He said that Honda is not aware of any problem, he said that Honda does not recognize any of this internet chatter as legitimate, and they are not aware of the class-action lawsuit that has been started by Mazie, Slater, Katz & Freeman, LLC.

If anyone wants to join the lawsuit against Honda, click here... http://www.honda-lawsuit.com/?gclid=CNbEw4KZ5pcCFQHBDAod60phDA

I have a 2003 Honda CRV. In April 2005 I was driving on the interstate and heard a squeal and a clunk and the AC quit working. The dealership said the clutch snapped off the compressor and it was paid for under warranty. This was at 30,125 miles. I now have 95,000 miles and 4 years later, the same thing happened on the way to work this morning - squeal and clunk with no a/c. Two times in 4 years! You cannot tell me there isn't a problem with this part. I will be taking my car back to the same dealership and lodging a complaint and will also be contacting Honda of America.

BL

Orlando, FL.

Add me to the list of owners who suffered a catastrophic Honda CR-V air compressor failure. It's a 2002 with 136K miles. It's in beautiful condition, well kept by previous owners. I was driving to work and I heard a tinny grinding sound. I pulled over and lifted the hood. Didn't see anything wrong. Continued driving, but noticed the AC was blowing warm air. I called the closest dealer to me, who diagnosed the problem. They told me it would cost $3,100 to repair, but that I should call American Honda and open a case with them, since they may agree to cover some of the cost. Apparently this is a widespread issue, one that Honda appears to be ignoring for the time being (at least until they're hit with a class action lawsuit).

With 100 degree weather, a wife and two children, there is no way we can survive with a car that doesn't have AC. We chose a 2002 Honda CR-V based on incredibly consistent positive feedback (safety, reliability, value retention, etc.). So far this has been the only issue. Our family can't afford to pay $3,100 to repair the AC. We really need American Honda to step up and at least pay for the parts.

American Honda have given me a case number (N012009-05-2601731) and asked that I write them to explain what happened so they can make a determination as to whether they'll cover any of the cost. I hope they at least pay for the necessary parts. If they come through, they'll cement their reputation and I'll continue to recommend Honda to my friends and family. If they can't offer any help, I'll need to join the class action lawsuit to try to recoup some of the cost. This is clearly a wide spread problem, one that Honda will eventually need to own up to.

I encourage everyone to go to this URL and file their info, if only to pressure American Honda to do the right thing:

http://www.honda-lawsuit.com/

Thanks,

Don Montalvo

Coppell, TX

2002 Honda CR-V (136K miles)

The AC quit last week on our 2003 CRV with only 45,000 miles. The dealer advised us that the whole system would need to be replaced at a cost of $2800.

I contacted Honda, was given a case number and have just been told over the phone that American Honda refuses to cover any of the the cost of this repair.

I will never buy another Honda again and advise anyone considering a Honda to look elsewhere. This company has no customer loyalty and does not stand behind its product.

Add me to the list. I've had the A/C compressor blow up twice now. Once at 24,000 miles and now again at 49,000 miles. I've been loyal to Honda since I started driving but this is it for me. I've been to the dealership and I've called Honda America and they DENY knowing about the problem. I can't believe the audacity of this since there are clearly so many people with this problem and hundreds of pages of complaints online. The guy at the dealership called these forums 'heresay'.

I've joined the class action lawsuit.

Add me to the list of failed Honda AC compressors.

My 2004 Honda CRV with 60,000 miles died over the weekend.

I'll be contacting Honda tomorrow morning. I had no idea that this was such a common problem with Honda.

I just read about a Class Action Lawsuit about this very problem.

If interested, the link: http://www.honda-lawsuit.com/?gclid=CNbEw4KZ5pcCFQHBDAod60phDA

I own an auto repair shop in NM and do a lot of AC work on all different cars and models. I have a 02 CR-V in here now for bad AC compressor. I started searching the internet trying to get tech info to assist in doing a quality repair. I have a feeling that the design flaw on this vehicle has to do with the strange receiver/drier-condensor configuration. This also adds to the cost of the repair. A typical GM-Ford-Chrysler with total system failure/overhaul typically runs between $650 (Chevy) to $950 (Ford). In most cases new condensor or Evap core is not required and expansion tube/valves are easier to service.

I believe that part of the reason for repeat failures is that the AC condensor on these Hondas should be replaced, rather than just flushed. This is part of the reason for the high cost. The most insulting part of these comments is the diff in price $3400 at dealership, when independants usually get about $1500-both prices should include new condensor. Either way, looks like a faulty design that is bound to fail again about every 50K miles.

Let me join the crowd of unhappy CRV 2002 owners!! I purchased my CRV new back in May 2002. Then in Oct 2003 --- the compressor and clutch set had to be repaired. Then again in 2005 with 77000 miles. Well guess what!! The condenser exploded a couple of days ago. Took it to a local Honda dealer quote $2850.00 -- the whole system is contaminated!! Told me to call the Honda America headquarters: 1-800-999-1009. Well, I did! The representative Fernando told me "Honda is not responsible for paying for your problem. Sorry" I have always had Honda cars BUT I WILL NEVER EVERY BUY ANOTHER AGAIN. I AM SO FRUSTRATED!!

I owned Honda Civics, 89 CR-V for over 15 years. I was very happy with my purchases.

I bought a 2003 CR-V and then my nightmare began on 8/21/07 where both the compressor and condenser explode while driving. It cost me $1640 for repairs.

On 9/20/08 the compressor exploded again. My costs - $802.

Yesterday, driving on 1-78 in Pa, it exploded yet again. I was towed to a repair shop. I am not sure what my costs will be this time. I am exceedingly angry, frustrated and disgusted at Honda's inability to correct what appears to be a malfunction in manufacturing. In refusing to accept their fault, which is costing consumers a huge hole in their wallet, Honda deserves to be sued.

I will never buy another Honda again. Anyone who is concerned with a good ride and top reliability, go for the Toyota RAV or Toyota Highlander. Honda Co should be picketed, I hope they go out of business for ripping off the little guys.

Yesterday, I heard the familiar clunking of the A/C compressor on my 2002 Honda CRV. If I have to replace it, it will be the FIFTH (not kidding) time since I've owned it. In fairness, one only lasted a day or two so it could be considered the fourth event. Much better right? American Honda told me during a phone call from last failure that I should consider getting rid of the car before summer. My local dealer was great but overall, the A/C system in this car has cost me thousands. I was also told that this was as uncommon failure.

I was considering a Ridgeline for my next purchase (need to tow an RV), but after seeing how Honda is not standing by its products, I will move to a Tundra or Titan. I saw a commercial this morning that touted Honda as having most loyal (#1) brand customers. I wonder how long that can continue?

Add one more person to the list of 2002 CRV owners will A/C failure. I love my CRV but something has to be wrong in the design of the A/C system. My Honda was purchased used with only 26,000 miles. Although I received a CarFax report it did not give the complete history. It appears that the compressor failed 2 times before it reached 26,000 miles and then it failed for the 3rd time before I reached 30,000 miles.

Now it has failed the 4th time at 100,000 miles. They are saying that I need a complete system with an estimated cost of $4,000. The dealer spoke to the regional manger and they will not offer any adjustment on the cost. Sounds like it is time for some legal counsel.

AJ in Chattanooga.