Over 1 million Honda Civic sedans have reported a well-documented air conditioning problem. On August 9th, 2019, Honda issued a technical service bulletin (TSB 19-091) addressing faulty air conditioner condensers in these vehicles.Â
It’s worth being precise about what this is: there’s no NHTSA recall covering the Civic A/C condenser issue. Instead, TSB 19-091 extended the warranty on the A/C condenser to 10 years or unlimited miles from your original in-service date, regardless of your vehicle’s original warranty length. That means many 2016-2019 model-year Civics are still inside that extended warranty window right now, and 2020-2021 models have years left on it. Content reviewed: August 2026.
Honda is known for its above-average reliability and is one of the world’s best-selling automobile manufacturers. However, even the most reliable cars can have problems. For Honda Civic models, aside from fuel pump defects, defective air conditioning components are a common issue.
In this article, you will learn which Honda Civic models are affected by this TSB, understand the specific air conditioning problems reported, and find out what steps you need to take if your car is involved. This information will help you ensure your vehicle remains safe and functional.
Background: The Honda Civic A/C Condenser Issue (Not a Recall)
There’s no NHTSA recall here. Honda addressed this through Technical Service Bulletin 19-091 (August 2019), which extended the A/C condenser warranty to 10 years / unlimited miles from your in-service date for affected 2016-2021 Civic models. The condensers in these cars can still develop leaks. The condensers in these cars can develop leaks, leading to a loss of refrigerant. This results in the air conditioning system failing to cool the interior of the car effectively.
Honda issued the technical service bulletin (TSB 19-091) on August 9th, 2019, after receiving numerous complaints from Civic owners. The bulletin outlines the steps dealerships should take to inspect and replace defective condensers. The TSB aims to address this widespread problem and ensure that affected vehicles are repaired at no cost to the owners.
Air conditioning isn’t the only system driving recalls right now — we’ve also covered Nissan’s transmission recall on the Nissan Sentra, another issue Southern California drivers are dealing with.
How to Find Out If Your Honda Civic Is Affected
To find out if your Honda Civic is covered under TSB 19-091, you need to check your vehicle’s identification number (VIN). You can find the VIN on the driver’s side dashboard, near the windshield, or on the driver’s side door frame. Once you have your VIN, visit Honda’s official vehicle lookup tool and enter the number to see if your car is included.
Signs that your Honda Civic might have air conditioning issues include:
- The air conditioning system is not blowing cold air.
- There is a noticeable drop in the cooling performance over time.
- You hear unusual noises when the air conditioning is on.
- There is visible leakage or moisture around the air conditioning components.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to act quickly. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems with your vehicle.
Steps to Take If Your Vehicle Is Affected
If your Honda Civic is covered under TSB 19-091, follow these steps to get it fixed:
Step 1: Contact your local Honda dealership
Call your nearest Honda dealership to confirm your vehicle is affected and schedule a repair appointment. Mention technical service bulletin TSB 19-091 when you call.
Step 2: Prepare for your appointment
Gather any relevant documents, such as your vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and any previous repair records related to the air conditioning system. This information can help the dealership staff understand your vehicle’s history and expedite the repair process.
Step 3: Understand the repair process
During the appointment, the dealership will inspect your vehicle’s air conditioning system, specifically the condenser. If they find it faulty and it’s covered under TSB 19-091 or your vehicle’s warranty, they will typically replace it at no cost to you. The repair should take a few hours, but it may vary depending on the dealership’s schedule and availability of parts.
Step 4: Follow up on repairs
After the repair:
- Monitor your vehicle’s air conditioning performance.
- If you notice any issues, contact the dealership immediately.
- Keep all records of the repair work done, as they can be useful if you encounter further problems or need to file a claim under the lemon law.
Taking these steps ensures that your Honda Civic’s air conditioning system is repaired correctly, helping to maintain your vehicle’s comfort and safety.
Your Legal Rights Under Lemon Law
If your Honda Civic’s air conditioning problem persists after repairs, you have rights under the California lemon law. This law protects you when your car has significant defects that the manufacturer cannot fix after several attempts.
If your Honda Civic’s air conditioning problem persists despite repairs, you may need to file a lemon law claim. Follow these steps to ensure your claim is handled correctly:
Gather documentation
Collect all records related to your vehicle’s repairs. This includes repair invoices, receipts, and any communication with the dealership or manufacturer. Detailed documentation strengthens your claim.
Notify the manufacturer
Write a formal letter to Honda explaining the ongoing issue with your air conditioning system. Include copies of your repair records and state that you are seeking a resolution under Lemon Law. Be clear and concise in your communication.
Allow for a final repair attempt
In many cases, the manufacturer has one final opportunity to fix the problem. Make your vehicle available for this repair attempt and keep detailed records of this process.
File your claim
If the issue is not resolved, you can proceed with filing your lemon law claim. You can do this by contacting Lemon Law Assist in California. We ask that you provide us with all your documentation and a detailed account of your situation.
How Lemon Law Assist Can Help
If you’re dealing with persistent air conditioning problems in your Honda Civic, Lemon Law Assist can help you find out where you stand. We connect qualified California drivers with experienced California lemon law attorneys who review your case details and explain your options, including whether the TSB 19-091 extended warranty covers your repair, or whether a lemon law claim may be worth exploring.
There’s no cost to find out if you qualify. Contact us now to learn more about how we can assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warranty on a Honda Civic AC leak?
The warranty coverage for an AC leak in a Honda Civic varies. Generally, Honda provides a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty for new vehicles, which may cover AC issues. However, TSB 19-091 separately extended the A/C condenser warranty to 10 years or unlimited miles from your in-service date, regardless of your standard warranty status. Check with your local Honda dealership for precise information.
Is there a class action lawsuit for a Honda Civic air conditioning problem?
We don’t have confirmation of an active class action lawsuit specifically covering Honda Civic air conditioning problems. Regardless of class action status, an individual California lemon law claim may still be available. Consult with a lemon law attorney to discuss your options.
What is the warranty on a Honda AC recall?
This isn’t a recall, it’s an extended warranty (TSB 19-091) covering the A/C condenser for 10 years or unlimited miles from your original in-service date, regardless of your car’s original warranty length. Unlike a recall, that coverage does have an end date, so it’s worth confirming where your Civic stands. Contact your local Honda dealership to confirm eligibility and schedule your repair.
How do I know if the AC compressor is bad in my Honda Civic?
Signs that your AC compressor might be bad in your Honda Civic include:
- No Cold Air: If the AC is only blowing warm air, it could indicate a compressor issue.
- Strange Noises: Unusual noises, such as grinding or squealing, can signal a failing compressor when the AC is on.
- AC System Leaks: Visible leaks around the AC system components might point to compressor problems.
- AC Clutch Not Moving: The compressor clutch not engaging or spinning can indicate a faulty compressor.
- AC System Shuts Off: If the AC system shuts off intermittently or doesn’t stay on, the compressor could malfunction.
If you notice any of these symptoms, have your vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
How long does a Honda AC last?
The lifespan of a Honda AC system can vary, but generally, it should last between 8 to 12 years with proper maintenance. Factors like usage, climate, and regular servicing can influence its longevity. Routine maintenance and timely repairs can help extend the life of your AC system.
Why did my Honda AC suddenly stop working?
There are several reasons why your Honda AC might suddenly stop working:
- Refrigerant Leak: A common issue that causes the AC to stop cooling.
- Faulty Compressor: The compressor might have failed or become damaged.
- Electrical Issues: Problems with the AC’s electrical system, such as blown fuses or faulty wiring.
- Clogged or Damaged Condenser: Debris or damage to the condenser can prevent the AC from functioning properly.
- Faulty AC Clutch: If the AC clutch isn’t engaging, it can stop the system from working
If your AC stops working suddenly, it’s best to inspect it by a professional to determine the exact cause.
