NHTSA Complaint #11714611 — 2020 HONDA CIVIC

The air conditioning system in my 2020 Honda Civic EX has a refrigerant leak at the evaporator assembly, causing very weak or almost no cooling even when set to the lowest temperature settings. This happens consistently, including in moderate to hot outside temperatures, making the cabin uncomfortably warm during drives as it could get pretty hot in inland southern California. The A/C evaporator assembly is the failed component, and the part remains in the vehicle available for inspection if requested. This issue creates a safety risk because reduced visibility from window fogging in humid or rainy conditions (due to lack of proper dehumidification and cooling) can impair safe driving. In extreme heat, it also increases driver fatigue and distraction from discomfort. The problem was confirmed by a Honda dealership through diagnostic testing, which identified the evaporator leaking refrigerant. They previously repaired a related condenser leak under warranty, but the cooling issue persisted and was later traced to the evaporator. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership (manufacturer-authorized) on multiple occasions for this A/C concern. No specific warning lamps or messages appeared on the dashboard related to the A/C system. This appears to be part of a broader pattern reported by owners of similar 2016-2021 Honda Civics, where condenser failures (sometimes covered by extended warranty) are followed by evaporator leaks, possibly related to the vehicle's use of R-1234yf refrigerant and system pressures. I recently received partial goodwill assistance from the manufacturer toward repair costs, but the issue highlights a recurring defect in the A/C system that affects cooling reliability. This car is driven by my 20 years old daughter as a commuter car to college and she is really suffering. I feel I am putting her at risk and need to get it fixed ASAP at whatever cost.