NHTSA Complaint #11534287 — 2008 HONDA CR-V

A/C compressor in 2007-2011 Honda CR-V has a known defect in the A/C compressor clutch. The clutch component of the compressor includes the pulley which turns the compressor motor. When the clutch fails, the compressor motor seizes up and stops the pulley from turning. The pulley on the compressor is driven by one serpentine belt on a tensioner which turns the alternator, the power steering motor, the crankshaft, the water pump, and the A/C compressor. When the A/C compressor seizes up, the belt will snap in two every time because the A/C pulley will not turn. The car will not be operable unless the A/C compressor is replaced. To replace the A/C compressor, the refrigerant must be vacuumed out, the condenser and desiccant replaced, the compressor replaced, the system recharged, and a new belt put on. This costs about $2500 at Honda or at another shop around $1700. Honda refused to fix the clutch when I took my car in after discovering the A/C was not working. I have replaced the compressor in this vehicle twice already, and now it needs a third replacement. It is a safety issue because the belt will break while driving causing power steering to go out, possibly causing a crash, the battery will not charge, leaving you stranded, the water pump will not function causing your engine to overheat, and possibly causing a blown head gasket or worse. This situation has occurred twice already but I’m reporting the latest one.