AC blowing warm air in my 2020 Accord - Common issue?

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Paul Z. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:47 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T

My 2020 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T, with around 45k miles, has suddenly stopped blowing cold air. It just pushes out warm, ambient air, even when the AC is set to its lowest temperature and fan speed is high. This happened pretty abruptly.

I checked the cabin air filter, and it seems okay. I'm hoping it's not a major compressor failure, as I've heard those can be expensive. Is this a known issue with this generation of Accords?

What are the first things I should check, or is it straight to the shop? Any specific recalls or TSBs related to Accord AC systems?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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It's frustrating when your AC stops working, especially in a relatively new car like your 2020 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T. While not a universal recall, AC issues, particularly with the condenser, have been a notable concern for some Honda models in recent years.

Here are the common culprits and what to do:

  1. Refrigerant Leak: The most frequent cause of warm AC is a low refrigerant level due to a leak. This often points to the AC condenser, which is prone to damage from road debris due to its front-mounted location. Honda issued an extended warranty for the AC condenser on certain 2016-2021 Civic and CR-V models, and while the Accord wasn't explicitly included in the same program, the issue can still occur.
  2. AC Compressor Failure: The compressor is the heart of the AC system. If it fails, it won't circulate refrigerant. You might hear a grinding noise or no engagement of the compressor clutch when the AC is on.
  3. Compressor Clutch Issue: Sometimes the compressor itself is fine, but the clutch that engages it fails to activate.
  4. Electrical Issues: A blown fuse or a faulty relay can prevent the AC system from turning on.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: Given the abrupt nature and your car's mileage, it's best to have a professional diagnose it. An AC system requires specialized tools to properly evacuate, leak test, and recharge. They can pinpoint the exact leak location or component failure.
  • Mention TSBs/Extended Warranties: When you take it in, specifically ask if there are any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty programs related to the AC condenser or compressor for your 2020 Accord. While not a recall, Honda has shown some goodwill on these issues for similar models.