Is an AC compressor covered under warranty?

AC compressor warranty coverage

If you live in a hot climate and don’t want to run the risk of driving without an air conditioner in the summer heat, you should be protected as long as you have the right kind of warranty.

• Manufacturer (factory) warranty coverage: Your car’s factory bumper-to-bumper warranty will usually cover your AC compressor if you still have coverage. These warranties usually last a minimum of three years or 36,000 miles from when your car was new.
• Extended warranty options: Once the factory warranty expires, you should be able to purchase an extended warranty that can cover your AC compressor, too. However, make sure to do your due diligence and compare warranties carefully. Not all extended warranties cover AC compressors.
• Powertrain warranty limitations: If something goes wrong with your AC compressor, your powertrain warranty probably won’t help. These warranties usually don’t include anything related to your air conditioning, including the compressor.
• Common warranty exclusions: Coverage also depends on the circumstances that led to the AC compressor breaking. For example, if you’re working on your car’s AC system and break the compressor, it likely won’t be covered under warranty. However, if the part is defective from the manufacturing process, it could be covered.

» LEARN: What do car warranties cover?

What types of warranties cover AC compressors?

Most car manufacturers provide a limited warranty on the AC compressor, usually covering defects in materials or workmanship. If you buy a certified pre-owned vehicle, it may come with extended bumper-to-bumper-like coverage, which typically includes the AC system.

Is your AC compressor covered under an extended warranty?

Many companies that offer extended warranties will cover AC compressors. However, exact policies may vary. We recommend you go through your policy line by line to see what it includes before you buy.

The average extended car warranty costs $600 to $1,000 per year.

Anecdotally, Twyla in Texas said that Chaiz covered her AC compressor, and John in Florida said that Zurich delivered “good service and a quick response” on his AC compressor issue. One Endurance customer, Bryant in Arkansas, said getting his AC compressor replaced under warranty was easy. But another Endurance customer, DeWayne in Texas, was disappointed when their claim for a broken AC compressor was denied.

Compare extended warranty AC compressor coverage

Tips to diagnose an AC compressor issue

• Check for warm air: If the AC blows warm instead of cold, it could point to compressor trouble.
• Listen for noises: Clicking, grinding or squealing when the AC runs often means internal compressor problems.
• Look at the compressor clutch: With the engine running and AC on max, see if the compressor pulley engages and spins. If not, there may be an electrical fault or a seized compressor.
• Inspect for leaks or damage: Check for oily residue around AC lines and the compressor body, which can mean refrigerant leaks.
• Use an AC gauge set: Measuring low and high side pressures can confirm if the compressor is failing to build proper pressure.

What to know about filing a warranty claim

To file a car warranty claim, contact your dealership or warranty provider and explain the issue. A rep will schedule an inspection to confirm it’s covered, then handle repairs at an approved shop. Be sure to have your warranty paperwork and maintenance records ready.

Real-world examples

Sometimes, your AC compressor might be covered with certain caveats. One CARCHEX customer, James in Florida, told us: “I thought Carchex was going to be the best one but I was wrong. I took my car to a shop and they told me the AC compressor was out. Carchex wouldn't cover it until I paid the shop to replace the clutch and the AC compressor, when the AC compressor comes with a new clutch. So, they wanted me to spend over $500 and a new clutch, when the whole AC compressor and everything was about $800.”

The compressor clutch should click and spin when the AC is turned on.

Another reviewer, Tom in Washington, D.C., was also disappointed in his coverage. “Finally today, I received a call from their service center saying that CarShield would not cover the compressor because the compressor was still functioning, but would not hold a charge due to a leak or leaks, so basically, no AC,” he wrote in a review. “I called CarShield about this and they said that they did not cover leaks due to failed gaskets on the compressor.”

» RELATED: Car AC repair costs

How much does it cost to fix your AC compressor?

When it comes to items you want to fix on your car, AC compressors should be pretty far down your list. They’re fairly expensive to replace, averaging around $1,500, according to our research.

Average AC compressor replacement costs

Your cost will depend on the type of car you have, with luxury or imported vehicles having pricier repairs than AC compressors on domestic vehicles.