How much is a Honda Civic AC compressor?

Prices for a Honda Civic AC compressor vary by model year and supplier. The compressor itself typically costs about $200–700, with labor and refrigerant bringing the total to roughly $500–1,200, depending on generation and whether you choose OEM Honda Genuine parts, aftermarket units, or a remanufactured option.

This article explains current pricing realities for the Civic's AC compressor, how different generations (such as 8th through 11th) influence price, and what to expect in terms of parts and labor when you need a replacement. It also covers how to shop for the right part and get a fair quote from local shops.

What affects the price

Several factors determine the final price for a Civic AC compressor. The main drivers are listed below:

• Model year and generation compatibility (8th, 9th, 10th, 11th generation, engine type)


• OEM Honda Genuine vs aftermarket replacement parts


• New versus remanufactured (rebuilt) units


• Compressor type (standard vs variable displacement or other design variations; clutch-equipped vs non-clutch models)


• Warranty terms and what they cover


• Region, supplier, shipping, and availability

In practice, the exact price depends on your car’s generation, the part source, and whether you’re buying new, OEM, or remanufactured. Check current listings for your Civic’s year to lock in a precise figure.

Price ranges by replacement option

Prices vary by replacement option; the ranges below reflect typical costs for the compressor unit itself (not including labor or refrigerant recharge).

• OEM Honda Genuine new: typically $350–$700


• Aftermarket new: typically $180–$400


• Remanufactured/rebuilt: typically $150–$350

Regardless of option, labor, refrigerant, and any ancillary parts can add to the total cost. Installed prices often fall in the broad range of $500–$1,200, depending on the shop and region.

Labor and total cost considerations

Replacing an AC compressor is a moderate repair that usually requires several hours of labor, and costs vary with location and shop rate. In addition to the compressor, you may need refrigerant recharge, new seals or O-rings, and possibly other components if they show wear.

• Typical labor time: about 2–5 hours, depending on access and whether related components are replaced


• Labor rates: region-dependent, commonly ranging from $80–$150+ per hour


• Refrigerant: cost varies by type (R-134a vs R-1234yf) and quantity; expect a material charge in the tens to low hundreds of dollars


• Potential add-ons: receiver/drier, condenser, orifice tube, and other cooling-system parts if they’re failing

To get an accurate total, obtain a full quote that includes parts, labor, refrigerant, and any required ancillary components.

How to shop for the right compressor

When shopping for a Civic AC compressor, follow a structured approach to ensure compatibility and fair pricing. Use the checklist below as a guide:

• Confirm your Civic's exact model year and engine type to ensure the correct compressor is used


• Decide between OEM Honda Genuine versus aftermarket and whether you want a new or remanufactured unit


• Ask for a complete replacement kit price (compressor, clutch, seals, O-rings) and a labor quote


• Check warranty coverage and terms for the chosen part


• Consider inspecting or replacing related components (condenser, receiver/drier, orifice tube) if they show wear or leaks


• Get quotes from multiple shops to compare installed price and turnaround time

With careful comparison, you can balance reliability and cost while ensuring your Civic’s AC system performs properly again.

Summary

Honda Civic AC compressor prices vary widely based on generation, part type, and supplier. Expect the compressor unit itself to run roughly $180–$700, with total installed costs typically between $500 and $1,200 once labor and refrigerant are included. OEM parts tend to be at the higher end, while aftermarket and remanufactured options offer cost savings. Always verify compatibility with your specific Civic year and engine, and obtain multiple quotes that include parts, labor, and refrigerant to make a well-informed decision.

How do I know if my AC compressor is bad on my Honda Civic?

Noises such as chattering, squealing, whirring or rattling indicate something is wrong with the air conditioner. It may be the compressor, so if you hear these sounds from your Honda Civic you should bring it in to get the air conditioning system looked at.

Is it worth fixing an AC compressor in a car?

Whether replacing a car's AC compressor is worth it depends on the car's overall value, how long you plan to keep it, and the cost of the repair versus the cost of a new car. It is often worth it if the car is reliable and you plan to keep it for many more years, as it can restore a comfortable driving experience. However, it may not be worth it if the car is old and has other major issues, especially if the repair cost is high relative to the car's value. 
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a failing AC compressor and its replacement cost: 58scar PROblemsYouTube · Nov 9, 2023
Factors to consider
For replacement

• Vehicle longevity: If you plan to keep the car for several more years, replacing the compressor is a good investment to ensure continued comfort and reliability. 
• Car's condition: If the car is otherwise in good condition with no other major mechanical issues, a new AC compressor can extend its useful life. 
• Regional necessity: If you live in a hot climate, a working AC is a high priority and can make replacing the compressor a worthwhile investment. 
• Warranty: If the compressor is still under the manufacturer's warranty, replacement is free and a no-brainer. 

This video explains what an AC compressor does and how it works: 1mMercie J Auto Care, llcYouTube · Jun 3, 2021
Against replacement

• Vehicle age and value: If the car is old, has high mileage, and is not worth much, the high cost of replacing the compressor may not be a good use of money, especially if other major repairs are needed soon. 
• Repair cost: A full AC compressor replacement can be expensive, often costing between $800 and $1,500 or more, depending on the vehicle. 
• Potential for partial repair: In some cases, a full compressor replacement isn't necessary. A mechanic may be able to fix the problem by replacing only the clutch, pulley, or magnet, which is much cheaper than replacing the entire unit. 

This video demonstrates how to check if the AC compressor needs replacement: 1mLance MechanicsYouTube · Sep 2, 2024
Before you decide

• Get a thorough diagnosis: Before committing to a replacement, ensure a mechanic performs a thorough diagnosis. Sometimes, the issue is a less expensive component like the clutch or pulley, and sometimes it's a simple electrical problem. 
• Consider alternative solutions: Some mechanics may suggest replacing the entire AC system, which is also an expensive option. Get a second opinion from another professional before making a final decision. 
• Compare quotes: Get quotes from several different shops, including independent mechanics and dealerships, to compare costs. Dealers are often more expensive, but sometimes their expertise or warranty can be worth the extra cost. 
• Don't drive with a damaged pulley: If the AC compressor pulley is damaged, it's best not to drive the car, as a failing pulley can break the serpentine belt and cause more significant damage. 

Can I still drive my car if the AC compressor is bad?

Yes, you can likely still drive your car if the AC compressor is bad, but it is not recommended for long, especially if the compressor has seized. Driving with a bad compressor is safe only if the pulley and belt are not affected and can spin freely. If the compressor seizes, it can cause the drive belt to snap, which would also disable your power steering and alternator, leading to more serious problems. 
When it's generally safe to drive

• The AC is simply not cooling. 
• The compressor pulley is still spinning freely without any noise or wobbling when the engine is running. 
• There is no unusual noise coming from the compressor area. 

When you should not drive or need immediate repair

• The compressor is making a loud screeching or grinding noise.
• The compressor pulley is wobbling.
• The drive belt looks frayed or is damaged.
• If the compressor pulley seizes, the belt will likely break. 

Risks of driving with a bad compressor

• Power loss: A failing compressor can put extra strain on the engine, potentially causing it to stall. 
• Belt failure: A seized compressor can break the serpentine belt, which also powers the alternator and power steering pump. 
• Engine damage: A broken belt can lead to other issues, including a loss of power steering and the alternator not charging the battery. 

How much to replace a Honda Civic AC compressor?

The cost to replace a Honda Civic AC compressor typically ranges from $750 to over $3,400, depending on the year of the car, the parts used, and the shop's labor rates. A DIY approach could cost between $350 and $650 for parts, but professional installation is recommended to ensure proper system flushing and recharging. 
Cost breakdown and factors

• Shop/dealer costs: Professional replacement costs generally fall between $750 and $1,500, but can be significantly higher, especially for newer models. 
• Dealer price examples:
  • For a 2017 Civic, a dealer quoted around $2,700, and another for a 2020 Civic quoted $3,400 for the compressor and other related parts. 
  • Some older models might have a range around $1,900 to $2,800, according to YourMechanic. 
• DIY costs: Parts alone can range from $350 to $650. 
• Labor: Labor is often the most significant cost, as the part can be difficult to access in the engine bay, and the entire AC system needs to be properly flushed and recharged. 
• Parts: The price of the replacement compressor itself varies based on the vehicle's make and model. Some repairs may not require a full compressor replacement, but a clutch or other component, which can be cheaper. 
• Refrigerant: Newer vehicles use more expensive refrigerants like R1234yf, which can increase the overall cost. 

Recommendations

• Get a professional diagnosis: It's important to have a professional diagnose the problem first. Sometimes a simple fix like replacing the clutch can solve the issue instead of a full compressor replacement. 
• Shop around: Get quotes from several trusted mechanics, not just the dealership, to compare prices.
• Consider DIY vs. professional: If you have experience with car repair, a DIY approach can save money on labor, but you will need to factor in the cost of special tools and the proper disposal of old refrigerant. 
• Verify the repair: Make sure the repair includes flushing the system to remove any debris that could damage a new compressor. Also, confirm that the system is properly evacuated and recharged after the installation.