2024-2025 Honda Civic / CR-V A/C Compressor Seizure

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is actively investigating instances of Honda CR-V A/C compressor seizure and similar issues in certain 2024-2025 Civic and 2025 CR-V models equipped with 1.5L Turbo engines. This initiative, identified as a "Request for Visit: 2024-2025 Civic & CR-V A/C Compressor Seizure (ACTION REQ'D)", aims to gather more information to understand the root cause of this condition. AHM specifically wants to inspect vehicles before any repair attempts are made by dealerships.

Why This Investigation Matters

When an A/C compressor seizes, it can lead to a complete loss of air conditioning function, resulting in discomfort and potentially affecting visibility if the windshield cannot defrost properly. Honda's proactive investigation is crucial for identifying the underlying causes and developing effective solutions for affected vehicles. It is important to note that American Honda requests dealers to not attempt any repairs on qualifying vehicles until AHM has had an opportunity to inspect them.

Symptoms Owners May Notice

Owners of affected vehicles may experience the following symptoms related to the Honda CR-V A/C compressor seizure or similar issues in the Civic:

• A/C blowing warm air: The air conditioning system fails to cool the cabin effectively.
• Windshield that is slow to defrost: The HVAC system struggles to clear condensation from the windshield, impacting visibility.

Technicians diagnosing the issue will typically confirm that the A/C is inoperative due to a seized compressor. This condition is internally identified by Honda with the code "38810".

Qualifying Conditions for Dealer Reporting

Honda has outlined specific criteria for vehicles to qualify for this data collection effort. Dealers are instructed to report vehicles only if they meet all the following requirements:

1. The vehicle must be equipped with a 1.5L Turbo engine.
2. A technician must confirm the A/C system is inoperative due to a seized compressor, indicated by code "38810".
3. The customer may have reported a complaint of a windshield that is slow to defrost.
4. There has been no prior HVAC repair, including A/C refrigerant evacuation or recharge, or replacement of HVAC components.
5. No repair attempts have been made on the vehicle during the current visit.
6. The vehicle has no history of collisions.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

This communication from Honda includes critical instructions for dealers that directly impact owners. Honda explicitly states: "AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind." This means that if your vehicle qualifies, your dealer should not perform any repairs on the A/C system until Honda has completed its inspection. Furthermore, this message is "solely directed to Honda dealership personnel," indicating that owners will not receive direct notification from Honda regarding this data collection effort.

Dealer Reporting Process

If a vehicle meets all the qualifying conditions for the Honda CR-V A/C compressor seizure investigation, Honda's Technical Information & Support (TIS) group requires dealers to contact them immediately. Dealers can email TIS at [email protected] or call 800-880-1072 (Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm PST). TIS will then provide further instructions and arrange for vehicle information collection.

When contacting TIS, dealers must include specific information in their email or have it ready for the phone call. The email title should contain the Model Year (e.g., "2024"), Model Name (e.g., "Accord"), Issue (e.g., "Brake Judder"), and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The email body or call details must include the Dealer Number, the dealer personnel's Name, a Best Phone Number to be Reached, the Current Mileage, confirmation that the vehicle meets all six qualifiers, and the DPTS # (Dealer Parts Tracking System number).

As an incentive for their participation, dealer personnel who successfully identify and report a qualifying vehicle that leads to a successful Dealer Visit/Parts Collection/Info Collection will receive a VISA gift card from AHM.

NHTSA ID: 11016453