Over last month our 2019 Honda Civic started blowing warmer air. In researching online, I learned Honda had a couple tech advisories and had extended warranties on a couple parts related to the A/C.

We took the car in to a large Honda dealer in Dallas. In their inspection, they found compressor shaft seal leaking. So initially Honda was going to cover the costs because the ext warranty was for the compressor shaft seal. Lo and behold, got a call an hour later from the Service Assistant. They said that they couldn't cover it because the system was contaminated. When they told me this they explained we had it serviced at some point and added a different Freon. I called BS because that seemed impossible (plus we've not had that type of service done). She tried to backup her stance by saying the car had been in a collision. False - it does have a minor damage report on CarFax, but that's because we had to do some body repair (car went through hail damage in C Stat during the 3/25 storm). But I kept stressing there were no mechanical parts changed or Freon added.

In doing some additional research online, I see there are some other reports on Hondas - similar situation and similar actions by Honda. Seems like a scam, and coming up with reasons to not cover the costs.

Fast forward to today - I met with Service Manager and Forman. We're both starting a case with American Honda. They may try to reduce the charge for parts & repairs; but I doubt they do anything based on others experiences. I'm waiting for the car now and then we'll leave & assess next steps. I don't trust them to do the work and they overcharge. Right now they're estimating ~ $4400 to replace compressor and flush system. In my conversation with manager, he added that this could be a "step"; they could determine the contamination affected the whole system. So to me seems like a setup to do a plethora of repairs and charge an exorbitant amount.

I'll probably take it to a local shop and get their estimate/diagnosis. I might just ask them to recharge system/add Freon. That will buy us a few months. Compressors and labor are expensive. But I'm betting the "contamination", if there is any, is from that leaky, faulty seal.

Sorry - I know TLDR - but very frustrating. Anyone else experience something like this or have any guidance?

Might just need a charge. Local shop. See if there is a slow leak.

The saga continues. I finally got a call back from America Honda. They considered the case closed because their Field Rep had made a goodwill offer to the dealership. So, I now have to followup w the dealer to get that "assistance amount". I've not been able to reach the managers, but finally reached the service advisor by calling their main line & being transferred to their extension. She claimed they didn't know anything about it and would get the details from the Manager.

It's a bunch of Bullshi+. Not sure why they have to play games - it sure doesn't make the customer feel better. I'm confident the assistance amount is low. I'll be taking it to a local shop. Likely will be sending a complaint through BBB. Just a service announcement - there's also several examples on YouTube in the videos and comments about AC issues with this model and how the dealers & company does not warrant their parts. They have a technical bulletin out and extended warranty's on the condenser and compressor shaft seal, but they find ways around not covering that or will only fix so many times.

There's no way in hell that they could detect a "different Freon". Dealerships are FOS anyway, but this is over the top. Tell them to show you proof.

Also, my daughter's Civic had this exact problem. It is common enough that they issued the recall/service bulletin that you referenced. This car uses the new R1234 refrigerant which operates at a higher pressure than the old R134 systems. Honda didn't engineer their parts to withstand these new pressures. I'm not sure that many did.

Also, R134 system fittings do not fit on these new systems. I find it hard to believe that someone with r1234 fittings would use R134.

BBB? Really? No one gives a shot about BBB.

tree91 said:

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Also, my daughter's Civic had this exact problem. It is common enough that they issued the recall/service bulletin that you referenced. This car uses the new R1234 refrigerant which operates at a higher pressure than the old R134 systems. Honda didn't engineer their parts to withstand these new pressures. I'm not sure that many did.

Also, R134 system fittings do not fit on these new systems. I find it hard to believe that someone with r1234 fittings would use R134.

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What did you end up doing in your situation? Did Honda repair and cover it? Or, were there any other parts not covered by the warranty? I'm still getting the runaround between American Honda and the dealership (American Honda is saying their field rep offered goodwill assistance through the dealer, but when talking with the dealer they say they've not been contacted by their field rep.). If there is an offer, In sure it's low. Seems like a game they orchestrate with other customers probably on a daily basis.

Ours failed before the recall was issued so we had to suck it up and pay for it. When the recall was issued, Honda reimbursed us. Honda didn't contest it at all. Your dealer is FOS.

Can you try a different Honda dealer?

Yep that's an option, in fact that's something that American Honda mentioned. But the first place evacuated all the Freon (assumption since it did not blow any cold air when we left outta there; whereas, it was still blowing some cold air before). And guessing there's signs (like dye) where they probably ran through the system. So, I'm thinking it will go much like it did at this other dealer when they see signs of that.

Bring me your car and I'll fix it for nothing compared to that $4,400, I just need to quit my career and be a mechanic at the insane mess I keep hearing about like that.