Can AC compressor fail early in a 2018 Toyota Camry?

I have a Toyota Camry; 2018 model in which i felt the air conditioning issue at idling. By the way my car has run for over 80,000 kms. When i took it to the dealer; they said that the AC compressor is malfunctioning and it has to be replaced. But i don’t believe that compressor can stop working at early mileage. I think the AC compressor solenoid valve is faulty. Looking for your views and advice…

Theoretically it can stop working the second you drive the car off the lot. It would be an uncommon occurrence for sure, but there’s no reason why it couldn’t happen.

2 Likes

Just past your warranty, no need to use your dealer. So, take it to an independent shop, get their option and estimate.

1 Like

You drove 50,000 miles in just over a Year? If those miles were in a hot part of the country it’s entirely possible that you burned out the compressor, although I have never heard of a Camry compressor failing that early.
Since you are out of warranty, I’d go for a rebuild from a reputable A/C specialist shop. Budget $900 or so plus labor.

1 Like

A 2018 could be closing in on 2 years, easily closer to two years than 1 year. When my wife and I were both working we drove over 30,000 miles, each, in 2 different cars. 50,000 miles seems normal to me.

I’m shocked, too! I can already hear those Asian Car Myth A/C compressor angels :innocent: sobbing from above. :wink:
CSA
:palm_tree::sunglasses::palm_tree:

2 Likes

@csa Our 2007 Toyota has gone 60,000 miles and only front brakes and a catalytic converter heat shield have been repaired. The only car I ever owned that had a compressor fail was a 1976 Ford Granada when it had 98,000 miles on it.

if it is under warranty, let the dealership fix it.

If not under warranty, get a second opinion if you don’t trust this shops advice.

What makes you not trust the dealerships diagnoses?

I hear you…

However, comparing modern Asian cars with ancient any kind of cars (including Asian ones) from 31+ years ago is what keeps the myth alive. I believe many people do this subconsciously, not realizing that apples are being compared with oranges.

Your experience with the 07 Toyota is similar to all the GM and Chrysler cars I’ve owned in more recent history, except I’ve not had to repair any shields, just maintenance. My Grand Prix is as old as your Toyota, bought used, no repairs except a new battery and 2 tires immediately upon buying it.
Just saying…
CSA
:palm_tree::sunglasses::palm_tree:

Made your point; A/C compressors seldom fail these days. I did have a rental Ford Taurus in Houston in July that had hot air blowing out of the ducts. Took the car back and was told the compressor was worn and the “juice” low and they gave me another car.

Who knows… The A/C compressor can “seem” to be failing when in reality it is only doing as its being told. More than one way this can manifest… Low refrigerant for any reason… no A/C compressor action. Shorted out coil in the electromag clutch? No A/C or compressor action… Hmmm what else… Oh yea… fuses… the clutch is fused also so…

OK I named 3 ways… I think thats all I got

2 Likes

Could be a faulty solenoid among other things. But it could be a failed compressor too. No way to tell over the internet. If I had that problem and it was out of warranty I’d take the car to an AC specialist shop for an evaluation. They work on AC systems every day, and will have all the expertise, diagnostic equipment, and tooling to figure it out.

The way AC works – rather than simply making cold air – what it actually does is move heat from inside the car outside to the engine compartment, where it is dissipated by the AC condenser and radiator fan. One thing you can do is make sure the radiator fan is spinning when the AC is supposed to be producing cold air. If the radiator fan isn’t working properly, then the AC condenser will overheat, and it won’t be possible for the AC system to produce much cold air. Try that, you might get lucky.

even a dealer can check to see if the compressor is cycling and what pressures are being produced. hi/lo? low pressure? add charge? any change? no? next step.