What is the lawsuit for Honda Civic AC condenser?

Several consumer lawsuits allege that certain Honda Civic models are saddled with defective air conditioning condensers that fail prematurely, causing refrigerant leaks and expensive repairs.

The legal filings describe condensers that corrode or fail due to design or manufacturing defects, leading to costly replacements and stranded owners. Since litigation is ongoing and model-year specifics can vary by case, this article outlines the nature of the lawsuits, typical allegations, and guidance for Civic owners seeking information or potential relief. It is not legal advice.

What the lawsuits allege

Overview of common claims in these lawsuits and the kinds of relief sought.

• Defective design or manufacturing: Plaintiffs say the AC condenser unit is susceptible to premature failure due to materials, corrosion, or construction that fails under normal driving conditions.


• Recurrent refrigerant leaks and costly repairs: Affected owners report repeated leaks, loss of cooling, and expensive condenser replacement or related AC-system servicing.


• Warranty and remedy limitations: Some suits challenge whether Honda properly covered repairs under warranty or failed to notify owners about the defect in a timely manner.


• Impact on vehicle usability: While not typically a safety recall, plaintiffs argue that AC failure reduces comfort and can create uncomfortable driving conditions in hot climates.

These claims vary by case, but they share a central theme: a perceived defect in the condenser component that undermines reliability and imposes financial burdens on owners.

Which Civic models are affected

In class actions and individual suits, plaintiffs have cited specific model years and configurations, but case-by-case details depend on court filings. Owners should verify whether their vehicle is mentioned in any active litigation or recall database.

• General guidance on model-year ranges: Plaintiffs sometimes name ranges of Civic years, but the exact years differ by lawsuit.


• Regional variations: Cases have been filed across different states, possibly reflecting varying warranty and consumer-protection laws.


• Individual vs class actions: Some suits target individual owners, while others push for class-action status on behalf of all affected Civics in a given region.

Because litigation evolves, owners should consult case dockets or seek legal guidance to determine if their specific Civic is implicated in a suit.

What owners can do if they’re affected

Steps to take if you own a Honda Civic and suspect an AC condenser issue, or want to protect yourself should a suit affect you.

• Check for recalls and service bulletins: Look up NHTSA recall information and Honda service notices for your VIN.


• Document symptoms and repairs: Keep records of refrigerant leaks, AC performance, and any condenser or related component replacements.


• Contact Honda customer service and authorized dealers: Inquire about warranty extensions or goodwill offers; request diagnosis in writing.


• Consider legal consultation: If you suspect your Civic may be part of a class action or if you have incurred unreimbursed repair costs, speak with a lawyer who specializes in consumer or lemon-law matters.

Owner-level action can help preserve rights and ensure that potential remedies are explored if a lawsuit or recall extends to your vehicle.

Where to find current information

Because lawsuits and recalls can move quickly, consult authoritative sources for the latest status.

• Case databases: PACER, CourtListener, and MDL listings for updates on Honda AC condenser cases.


• Consumer protection sites: ClassAction.org and similar outlets often track ongoing class actions and settlements.


• NHTSA and Honda notices: Official recalls, service campaigns, and warranty extensions are posted by the vehicle safety agency and the manufacturer.

Staying informed helps owners determine whether they may be eligible for remedies or involvement in a growing litigation landscape.

Summary

Across lawsuits and consumer notices, the Honda Civic AC condenser issue centers on allegations that certain condenser units fail prematurely, leading to refrigerant leaks and significant repair costs. The landscape includes multiple lawsuits—varying by model year, region, and filing status—and ongoing recalls or warranty actions. Civic owners should monitor official recall databases, document issues, and seek legal guidance if repair costs or safety concerns arise. The situation remains active and subject to change as courts issue rulings and settlements.

What is the class action lawsuit for Honda Civic AC?

As Honda fought a class action involving AC and AC condenser defects in 2015 – 2019 Honda Civic vehicles, it appears that Honda concedes that the AC condensers in those models were not manufactured to specification, thus causing an excessive number of AC failures in Honda Civic vehicles.

How much does it cost to replace the AC condenser in a Honda Civic?

The average cost for a Honda Civic condenser replacement is between $800 and $1,200, but it can range from $450 to over $1,800 depending on the vehicle's year, location, and whether you use a dealership or a private mechanic. The cost includes both parts (typically $65–$125 for the condenser itself, though some can be higher) and labor (which usually takes 3–5 hours). 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: A new AC condenser part can cost anywhere from approximately $65 to $125 or more, depending on the specific model year and brand, according to sources like Advance Auto Parts. 
• Labor: The labor time for a condenser replacement is typically 3 to 5 hours, which can significantly add to the total cost. 
• Total: The total job can range from approximately $450 to $1,200 or higher, depending on the factors below. 

Factors that influence the final cost

• Vehicle year: Newer models may have higher labor costs or use more expensive refrigerant. For example, a 2017 Civic might cost between $623 and $936, while a 2012 Civic might be between $1255 and $1830. 
• Location: Labor rates vary by region, and your location can affect the final price. 
• Repair shop: Dealerships generally charge more for parts and labor than independent mechanics. 
• Additional parts: If other AC components (like the receiver drier) need to be replaced at the same time, the total cost will increase. 

How to get an accurate estimate

• Request quotes: Get estimates from multiple repair shops, including both dealerships and independent mechanics.
• Ask for a detailed breakdown: Ask for a quote that lists parts and labor separately to understand where the costs are coming from.
• Consider the refrigerant: Be sure to ask if the cost includes the refrigerant, as some newer types can be expensive. 

Is there a recall on Honda Civic air conditioning?

There is not an official recall for Honda Civic AC issues, but Honda has issued an extended warranty and technical service bulletins (TSBs) for specific models due to defective AC condensers and compressor shaft seals. The AC condenser may leak due to manufacturing defects, and the compressor shaft seal may degrade because of the newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerant and oil used in these systems. These problems are most common in 2016-2020 Honda Civic models, but the extended warranty may also apply to some later models.
 
This video explains the extended warranty for Honda Civic AC issues: 58sFixbookYouTube · Jul 30, 2025
What to do if you have an AC problem

• Check if your vehicle is covered: Refer to the Auto Fraud Legal Center, Lemon Law Aid, Robert Mobasseri, and JustAnswer for information on specific models and years. You can also contact a Honda dealership to verify if your vehicle is covered under the extended warranty program. 
• Identify the problem: A common issue is a leaking AC condenser, which can cause the AC to stop cooling. Other potential issues include a faulty compressor shaft seal, which may cause leaks or a loss of cooling. 
• Get the repair done: If your vehicle is covered, Honda will replace the defective AC condenser at no cost under the extended warranty. 

Important information

• The extended warranty only applies to vehicles with defective condensers that came from the factory. 
• It does not apply to vehicles with leaking condensers caused by foreign object damage. 
• The extended warranty is for 10 years from the original purchase date with unlimited mileage. 

What is the recall on Honda AC condenser?

Honda does not have a formal recall on the AC condenser but has issued a warranty extension for certain models due to a defect that can cause refrigerant leaks. This extended warranty covers the AC condenser for 10 years from the original purchase date, with unlimited mileage, for vehicles like the 2018-2020 Accord, 2018-2020 Civic, 2017-2021 Civic Hatch, 2017-2021 Civic Type R, 2018-2021 Clarity PHEV, and 2019-2021 Insight. The issue is caused by tiny holes developing in the condenser tube walls, which may be due to manufacturing concerns.
 
Affected vehicles

• 2018–2020 Accord and Accord Hybrid
• 2018–2020 Civic
• 2017–2021 Civic Hatch
• 2017–2021 Civic Type R
• 2018–2021 Clarity PHEV
• 2019–2021 Insight 

What the extended warranty covers

• The AC condenser.
• Leaking refrigerant caused by a manufacturing defect.
• The warranty extension lasts for 10 years from the original date of purchase, with unlimited mileage. 

What is not covered

• Damage caused by foreign objects, such as rock chips.
• A complete AC compressor failure. 

What to do if you have AC issues

1. Contact a Honda dealer .
2. Have the AC condenser inspected: to see if it qualifies for the warranty extension.
3. Inform the dealer: about the AC issue to determine if it is related to the condenser defect.
4. If the issue is confirmed to be a manufacturing defect, the dealer will replace the condenser at no cost.