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Climate control, bodywork and interior

Problems with the air conditioning: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 83 faults with the air conditioning in 81 cars. The most important by severity and frequency: air conditioning compressor stator wiring fault (Citroën Berlingo III and Peugeot Rifter), overheating of the climate control's auxiliary electric heater (PTC) connector on diesel Sorentos (Kia Sorento III) and short circuit in the air conditioning fan control unit (Porsche Panamera I). At an independent garage, the repair costs from €170 to €1,100 depending on the engine or car.[1][2]

Documented faults
83
11 of high or critical severity
Cars analysed
81
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
81
car generations in our database
Garage repair
€170–€1,100
Depending on engine and car, including VAT

10 sourcesHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Air conditioning

Air conditioning works with a compressor, a condenser in front of the radiator, an evaporator inside the dashboard and a refrigerant gas. The most common faults are gas leaks (especially at the condenser, which is exposed to stones) and compressor failures.

What to do

If the air is getting less and less cold, there is usually a leak: recharging without repairing it only delays the problem. Run the air conditioning for a few minutes from time to time, in winter as well, to lubricate the compressor and the seals. A damp smell means it is time to clean the evaporator and change the cabin filter.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the air conditioning. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the air conditioning by car

Faults documented on specific cars, which occur with any engine. From most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonCitroën Berlingo IIIAir conditioning compressor stator wiring faultTwo successive recalls, in 2023 and 2024, cover Berlingo IIIs built between 2021 and 2024 in which the air conditioning compressor stator wiring can fail and even switch the engine off while driving; a reliability survey also documents a genuine compressor failure at 30,200 km.Appears at around 30,200 km
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: CommonPeugeot RifterAir conditioning compressor stator wiring faultTwo successive recalls, in 2023 and 2024, cover Rifters built between 2021 and 2024 in which the air conditioning compressor stator wiring can develop a current fault and even switch the engine off while driving; owner reports also document genuine compressor failures.
  3. 3Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Sorento IIIOverheating of the climate control's auxiliary electric heater (PTC) connector on diesel SorentosYes: Kia recalled diesel Sorentos built between May 2014 and February 2020 (campaign 221026) because the connector of the auxiliary electric heater (PTC) can become damaged and overheat, with a risk of fire. The connector is inspected and, if damaged, the heater is replaced along with its wiring.
  4. 4Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche Panamera IShort circuit in the air conditioning fan control unitYes: the 2019 recall AKA7 covers Panamera cars built between July 2009 and September 2016 because the air conditioning fan control unit can short circuit, with a risk of fire. It is inspected and, if necessary, replaced; in the UK it affected 4,506 cars.
  5. 5Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche Panamera IMoisture in the air conditioning auxiliary pump control unitYes: the 2023 recall APA1 covers Panamera cars built between July 2015 and November 2021 (the last units of the 970 series and the following generation) because moisture can damage the air conditioning auxiliary pump control unit and cause a short circuit with a risk of fire. The pump is replaced with a better-sealed one.
  6. 6Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche Panamera IICorrosion of the auxiliary air conditioning pump control unitPorsche recalled Panameras built from 2017 to 2021 because moisture can corrode the control unit of the auxiliary air conditioning pump and cause a fire, even with the car parked. The pump is replaced with one with better sealing.Repair: €0
  7. 7High severityFrequency: OccasionalLand Rover Range Rover VelarAir intake flap linkage on the climate control detached: windows fog upYes: a 2018 campaign covers Velar built between 12 April and 17 November 2017 because the linkages of the climate control air intake flap may come loose, and the system then fails to demist the windows. The repair is a software update and replacement of the actuator arm.
  8. 8High severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GLE V167Air conditioning drain hoses incorrectly fitted: water entering the cabinMercedes recalled the GLE (and GLS) over incorrectly fitted air conditioning drain hoses, which can come loose and let condensation water into the cabin, with a risk of electrical corrosion and fire. The 2023 campaign covers 171,463 vehicles worldwide.
  9. 9High severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Sprinter 907Overheating of the heater and air conditioning fan fuseCampaign KBA 012571 (Safety Gate A12/00865/23) warns that the design of the cabin fan fuse can overheat when the fan is run continuously at maximum, with a risk of fire. It affects Sprinters built between March 2017 and November 2020.
  10. 10Medium severityFrequency: CommonCitroën C4 Picasso IIAir conditioning leaks and failuresThe C4 Picasso II's air conditioning fairly often develops gas leaks and condenser failures, according to the specialist press, which lists it among the model's persistent problems.
  11. 11Medium severityFrequency: CommonMazda CX-3The air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively oftenIt is one of the most repeated non-engine faults among CX-3 owners: the air conditioning gradually loses its cooling because of a gas leak in the condenser, in some cases with less than a year or only a few thousand kilometres of use.Appears at around 17,000 km
  12. 12Medium severityFrequency: CommonOpel Omega BAir-conditioning refrigerant loss in early Opel Omega BsYes: AUTO BILD tests indicate that the air conditioning of the older Omega Bs frequently lost refrigerant gas; the February 2002 test places the problem in cars made before late 1995. Air-conditioning repairs can be very expensive depending on the fault.
  13. 13Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 IIPremature air conditioning compressor failureThe air conditioning compressor motor on the C3 II can fail from around 45,000 km, with cases of total failure at around 100,000 km; fiches-auto.fr puts the repair cost at around €1,000 in France.Repair (garage): €900–€1,100Appears at around 45,000 km
  14. 14Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Jumpy IIIFaulty air conditioning compressor that can cut the drivetrain of the ë-JumpyYes, on the electric version: Citroën included the ë-Jumpy and ë-Spacetourer in a 2023 recall for a faulty air conditioning compressor that can cause the drivetrain to disconnect. The fix is to load modified software into the control unit.
  15. 15Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalDacia Sandero IIAir-conditioning compressor failureThe Sandero II's air-conditioning compressor can fail and spread metal debris throughout the circuit, which means cleaning it or replacing several components as well as the compressor itself.
  16. 16Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Galaxy IIIAir conditioning compressor pulley with electromagnetic clutch coming offAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, a late-2018 campaign covers Galaxies built between September 2014 and April 2018 because the electromagnetic clutch of the air conditioning compressor can come loose and fall onto the road.
  17. 17Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic XRefrigerant leak from the air conditioning condenserA source that collects owner testimonials ranks the air conditioning condenser among the least durable parts of the Civic X: it cracks or loses its seal over time and lets the refrigerant gas escape, so the air stops cooling.
  18. 18Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Niro IEvaporator leaks and air conditioning compressor faultsSome Niro owners have had to replace the air conditioning evaporator or compressor because of leaks in the refrigerant circuit, with the resulting loss of cooling; one documented case appeared at 135,000 km.
  19. 19Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLexus UXUX 300e electric compressor and heating fault: no heating or demistingIn September 2025 Safety Gate listed a recall of the 2021-2022 Lexus UX 300e: the electric compressor can fail and put the climate control into a safety mode that suspends the heating and reduces demisting, with a risk of the windscreen misting up or freezing in cold weather.
  20. 20Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda 2 IIMazda 2 (DJ) air conditioning condenser leaks and evaporator failuresAccording to owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the Mazda 2 from 2015 onwards has cases of condenser leaks, a faulty evaporator or a compressor losing gas pressure (4 cases among 65 reports).
  21. 21Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMINI Cooper R56Air conditioning leaks from the condenser and pipesThe air conditioning stops cooling over time on some Cooper R56s because of leaks in the condenser or rubbing of the aluminium pipes in the circuit, which end up losing the refrigerant gas.
  22. 22Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan Juke IAir conditioning that stops cooling after only a few kilometresFiches-auto.fr records two cases of the Juke I where the air conditioning stopped working very early: one at 13,000 km (1.5 dCi) and another at 15,000 km (1.6 117 hp), in which the Nissan dealer quoted €1,088 for the repair.Appears at around 13,000 km
  23. 23Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan X-Trail IIIRefrigerant leaks and worn air conditioning compressorYes: several sources describe refrigerant leaks, worn air conditioning compressors and a badly positioned sensor in the X-Trail's climate control system; a study by OCU also places Nissan among the brands with the most air conditioning faults in its European sample.
  24. 24Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 308 IIAir conditioning condenser leakIf the 308 II's air conditioning stops blowing cold, the most commonly cited cause is a leak in the condenser, which has to be replaced; the specialist press puts the repair at around €900.Repair (garage): €900
  25. 25Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 5008 IIClimate control computer failure and air conditioning faultsReports from Peugeot 5008 II owners describe the air conditioning being out of service and, in one case at 45,000 km, a failure of the climate control computer (control unit) that requires diagnosis or replacement.
  26. 26Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Koleos IAir conditioning compressor and evaporator failureAccording to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, 13 owners cite air conditioning faults on the Koleos I: a compressor that failed at 80,000 km and, in one case, an evaporator replaced for 1,350 euros. There is no official recall.
  27. 27Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda RoomsterAir conditioning circuit leaks and compressor and fan faults5 reports on fiches-auto.fr cite a burst air conditioning hose, leaks, replaced compressors, heater fans failing above 140,000 km and a gradual loss of cooling from a condenser leak.
  28. 28Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota ProAce IIAir conditioning compressor: loose bracket and pulley that can breakToyota recalled 2016-2017 Proace vehicles because the bracket securing the air conditioning compressor to the engine might be badly tightened and break, letting the compressor come loose, and in 2019 over a compressor pulley that could break and damage other parts.
  29. 29Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Golf VIINoise or failure of the air conditioning compressor and the heatingSome Golf VII models show a high-pitched air conditioning compressor noise when it switches on, dampness in the front passenger footwell, or a heater that does not warm up because of a broken thermostat, blocked hoses or air in the circuit. No manufacturer has acknowledged a pattern with an official campaign.
  30. 30Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Passat B6Faults with the compressor and flap motors of the air conditioningYes: fiches-auto.fr documents 8 cases of air conditioning compressor failure at a cited cost of around €1,000, and gebrauchtwagenberater.de attributes other air conditioning faults to a defective flap motor (servo motor).Repair (garage): €1,000
  31. 31Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S40 IHeater fan and demisting failure caused by the climate control diode on the 2001 Volvo S40A diode in the climate control system of S40 and V40 models built in 2001 lacked sufficient durability, and its failure could stop the fan and leave demisting and defrosting inoperative. The British campaign R/2001/074 adds a wiring harness with a diode for the fan.
  32. 32Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V40 IClimate control diode failure that leaves the demisting fan inoperativeVolvo recalled the 2001 V40 and S40 because a diode in the climate control system might not be durable enough and could leave the fan inoperative, so windscreen demisting and defrosting would fail. It was corrected with an additional harness with a diode (DVSA R/2001/074).
  33. 33Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC90 IIWater getting into the cabin through a faulty air-conditioning drain hoseIn 2016 cars, a faulty air-conditioning drain hose can let water into the cabin and soak the carpet in the front and rear footwells. Volvo fixed it through a recall that reached around 11,000 cars in Germany.Repair: €0
  34. 34High severityFrequency: RareLand Rover Range Rover IVAir-conditioning fan earth cable poorly specified with fire riskIn 2015 4,860 Range Rovers built between October 2014 and February 2015 were recalled for inspection, because the earth cable of the air-conditioning blower fan in the dashboard harness could overheat and melt its insulation, with a burning smell and, if ignored, a risk of fire. The cable was replaced.
  35. 35High severityFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz Clase B W247Blocked air conditioning drain hose letting water into the cabinYes: the air conditioning condensation drain hose can become blocked and let in water that corrodes or short-circuits the cabin electronics; it affects B-Class cars built between 26 August and 10 October 2019.
  36. 36Low severityFrequency: CommonCitroën Xsara PicassoPuncturing of the air conditioning condenser radiator by stone chipsThe Xsara Picasso's air conditioning condenser radiator, mounted in a low, exposed position at the front, is punctured fairly easily by stones and gravel thrown up from the road, with gas leaks documented even on cars with low mileage.Repair (garage): €170–€300
  37. 37Low severityFrequency: CommonRenault Laguna IIIAir conditioning compressor failureThe air conditioning compressor is, according to fiches-auto.fr, the most-cited fault on the Laguna III after general noises from the car, with failures documented between 24,000 and 200,000 km.Appears at around 24,000 km
  38. 38Medium severityFrequency: RareAudi A1 IFaults with the compressor, condenser and air conditioning circuitfiches-auto.fr lists 5 cases of air conditioning problems on the A1: compressor replacement at 60,000 km, a condenser failure and persistent whistling that was not fixed after several dealer visits.
  39. 39Medium severityFrequency: RareDS DS 3Air conditioning compressor and pipe failureThe entry records 10 air conditioning mentions on the DS3, with cases of climate control that stopped cooling and required replacing the compressor and all the pipes, and of water dripping inside the cabin.
  40. 40Medium severityFrequency: RareMazda 3 IVThe air conditioning can lose refrigerant and stop coolingA small number of owners describe a progressive loss of cooling in the air conditioning due to a refrigerant leak, with the condenser identified as the source; it is not a problem acknowledged by the manufacturer nor covered by any campaign.
  41. 41Medium severityFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz Clase A W177Badly fitted air-conditioning drain tube, water entering the cabinOn model year 2019 cars, a badly fitted air-conditioning drain tube can let condensation water collect on the cabin floor instead of draining outside.
  42. 42Medium severityFrequency: RareRenault Clio VPremature air conditioning compressor failureSeveral Clio V owners describe the air conditioning ceasing to cool at very low mileage, in some cases with the compressor completely out of service at 19,000 km or after just two months; there are no official campaigns or specialist press to confirm it.
  43. 43Medium severityFrequency: RareVolkswagen Scirocco IIIVolkswagen Scirocco air-conditioning compressor failureThe fiches-auto.fr sheet cites 4 air-conditioning cases, with failed compressors (one at 110,000 km and another with three compressors in 10 years) and a bill of around €1,400.Appears at around 110,000 km
  44. 44Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 5 F10Premature corrosion of the air conditioning condenserAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, there are 5 Series owners who have replaced the air conditioning condenser because of corrosion, for example at around 170,000 km, and the data sheet mentions an official 2016 campaign for early corrosion of this component.Appears at around 170,000 km
  45. 45Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 7 F01Air conditioning condenser leak due to corrosionAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, some 7 Series F01 owners have replaced the air conditioning condenser, for example at 280,000 km, and the data sheet cites three condenser or compressor cases and a March 2016 campaign that affected more than 6,000 vehicles.Appears at around 280,000 km
  46. 46Low severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat SediciRecurring air conditioning faultsAnalyses of the SX4, the Sedici's twin, point to recurring air conditioning problems, and one Sedici owner with 140,000 km reports a repair of around 800 euros in Spain.Repair (garage): €800
  47. 47Low severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Fiesta VAir-conditioning faults: compressor, fan resistor and flapsThe Fiesta V's air conditioning gives trouble fairly often: the compressor, the fan resistor or the air distribution flaps can fail, leaving an air-con that cools poorly or a fan that knocks when it starts.
  48. 48Low severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Mondeo IVWater leaking in through the air conditioning drainOn older Mondeo IV cars, the air conditioning condensate drain can become blocked and make water flow back into the cabin instead of draining outside, soaking the upholstery; fiches-auto.fr and gebrauchtwagenberater.de document this independently.
  49. 49Low severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Mondeo VRecall for faulty air conditioning compressorFord recalled Mondeo V vehicles built between September 2014 and April 2018 for faulty air conditioning compressors that can stop cooling.
  50. 50Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda Jazz IISudden air conditioning failure (relay, magnetic clutch or compressor)According to gebrauchtwagenberater.de, the Jazz II's air conditioning fails frequently and suddenly, almost always because of the relay, the magnetic clutch or the compressor itself; fiches-auto.fr records two compressor cases.
  51. 51Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda Jazz IVAir conditioning that cools poorly due to a leak in the condenserSome Jazz IV owners notice less cold air or a recharge that does not last; a French guide points to the condenser, which sits in front of the radiator and is exposed to stones, and a British guide mentions occasional air conditioning faults. It is a minor fault with no safety risk.
  52. 52Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai i30 IAir conditioning that stops workingGebrauchtwagenberater.de says the i30 FD air conditioning fails with some frequency and recommends checking it when buying; fiches-auto.fr records 6 testimonies out of 211.
  53. 53Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLotus Elise S2Leaks in the air conditioning pipesSome Elise S2s with air conditioning, particularly from 2006 and 2007, lose gas through leaking pipes, and evo puts the repair at around £700 in the UK.
  54. 54Low severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase B W246Air conditioning refrigerant not compliant with regulations on a 2013 batchMercedes-Benz recalled B-Class cars built in 2013 to replace an air conditioning refrigerant that did not comply with the regulations in force.
  55. 55Low severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan Micra IIIAir conditioning loses effectivenessThe Micra III's air conditioning can lose effectiveness over time through leaks in the pipes, the condenser or the compressor; a German used-car guide describes it as a recurring problem on this model.
  56. 56Low severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Mokka AMokka A air conditioning that cools poorly or failsGebrauchtwagenberater says the Mokka A's air conditioning often falls short, and fiches-auto.fr cites condenser leaks and faults in the control and the interior fan.
  57. 57Low severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 406Air conditioning compressor and circuitFor the 406, the French source reports loss of cooling, gas leaks with no visible leak, replaced compressors and a leaking evaporator, as well as a blower that works intermittently.Repair: €1,000
  58. 58Low severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Espace IVAir conditioning compressor failureThe Espace IV's air conditioning appears in 17 of 537 testimonials, mainly because of a seized compressor, with costs cited of 900 to 1,500 euros; solenoid valves, the condenser and the fan motor are also mentioned.
  59. 59Low severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Mégane IILeaks and failures of the air-conditioning compressorThe Megane II's air conditioning can lose effectiveness through leaks in the condenser, a fatigued compressor or a faulty pressure switch, as well as a blocked condensation drain.
  60. 60Low severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Twingo IIAir conditioning condenser and circuit failureThe reports cite the air conditioning condenser failing within a few years, for example at 30,000 km, with bills of €670-700 in France. These are isolated cases, not a market price in Spain.
  61. 61Low severityFrequency: OccasionalSeat AronaThe air conditioning compressor can fail and stop coolingA specialist automotive mechanics publication documents faults in the air conditioning compressor (Sanden SD7V16 model) in certain Arona batches: the air stops cooling and the compressor makes a noise when it engages. We have not found an official manufacturer campaign for this fault.Repair (garage): €600–€1,000
  62. 62Low severityFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Octavia IIClimate control system faultsClimate control accounts for 9 of the 248 Octavia II owner responses in the fiches-auto.fr reliability survey, although the source does not detail which component fails in each case.
  63. 63Low severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Golf VThe air conditioning compressor can fail on cars built in 2007According to gebrauchtwagenberater.de, some Golf V cars built in 2007 were fitted with faulty air conditioning compressors that can stop cooling. We have not found a manufacturer campaign or a second source confirming it for other production years.
  64. 64Low severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Golf VClimatronic: noises and air flaps moving out of syncGolf Vs with Climatronic can make a knocking noise from the glovebox, the front passenger footwell or the air vents when the recirculation flap is operated; the manufacturer reprogrammed the control unit software several times up to 2005.
  65. 65Low severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Golf VIAir conditioning system faultsAir conditioning is the second non-engine category with the most complaints from Golf VI owners in a reliability survey (24 of 666 responses), although the source does not detail which component fails in each case.
  66. 66Low severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Tiguan IAir conditioning compressor and circuit failureA French reliability site documents failures of the compressor and other components of the Tiguan I's air conditioning circuit, with reduced effectiveness or no cold air at all.
  67. 67Low severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo C30Volvo C30 air conditioning failure (condenser and compressor)According to the fiches-auto.fr reports, the C30's air conditioning fails in 12 cases, with condenser leaks at higher mileage and early failures in some cases. It is an owner pattern, not a manufacturer campaign.
  68. 68Low severityFrequency: RareAudi A6 C7Air conditioning compressor and condenser failureAccording to testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, there are A6 C7 cars with a failed air conditioning compressor or condenser problems, and the air stops cooling. There are few cases.
  69. 69Low severityFrequency: RareAudi TT IAir conditioning gas loss and compressor failureAccording to owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (149 for this model), there are cases of air conditioning with no pressure or no gas and of a compressor that failed at 190,000 km.
  70. 70Low severityFrequency: RareBMW X5 F15Air conditioning compressor and condenser leaks and faults on the X5 F15According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (56 for the 2013-2018 X5), there are two air conditioning compressor or condenser faults, and one case (40d, 205,000 km) with the condenser covered in ice that the official service centre did not resolve.
  71. 71Low severityFrequency: RareFord Galaxy IIAir conditioning compressor and pipe leaks on the GalaxyFour Galaxy II testimonials (mostly 2008-2010) cite compressor or pipe leaks, blocked condensation drains or fan motor failures, including in the third zone.
  72. 72Low severityFrequency: RareFord S-Max II2018 recall for faulty air conditioning compressors and uneven temperature distributionIn November 2018 Ford recalled S-Max vehicles with faulty air conditioning compressors that could stop cooling; fiches-auto.fr adds a case of automatic climate control sending air at inconsistent temperatures from the different vents.
  73. 73Low severityFrequency: RareHonda CR-V IIIAir conditioning compressor and condenser failureAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, 3 of 123 CR-V III owners had air conditioning faults: a failure at 50,000 km and a faulty condenser and compressor within two years.
  74. 74Low severityFrequency: RareHonda CR-V VAir conditioning compressor and climate voice control failureAccording to gebrauchtwagenberater.de, the air conditioning compressor is a recurring fault on the CR-V V: when it fails, the whole system stops cooling. The same source cites a climate voice control that does not respond.
  75. 75Low severityFrequency: RareHyundai Santa Fe IAir conditioning compressor failureThe page cites faults of the air conditioning compressor and the A/C system (2 A/C cases, plus mould in the ducts at around 94,000 km) on the first Santa Fe. It is a small count.
  76. 76Low severityFrequency: RareJaguar XF IFaulty air conditioning compressor pressure control valve: insufficient coolingHELLA documents that, on the Jaguar XF (X250) from model year 2010, insufficient air conditioning cooling can be caused by a faulty pressure control valve on the compressor. It is diagnosed with gauges and repaired by replacing the valve after recovering the refrigerant.
  77. 77Low severityFrequency: RareJaguar XJ X351Faulty air conditioning compressor pressure control valve: insufficient coolingHELLA documents that, on the Jaguar XJ (X351) from model year 2010, insufficient air conditioning cooling can be caused by a faulty pressure control valve on the compressor. It is detected with gauges and repaired by replacing the valve after the refrigerant has been recovered.
  78. 78Low severityFrequency: RareLancia Ypsilon IIOutside temperature display for the air conditioning broken by a cut cable in the Lancia Ypsilon mirrorHella documents that the outside temperature display of the Ypsilon (843, 2003-2011) can fail and disrupt air conditioning control, because the sensor is in the left mirror and the cable running inside it can break. The wiring harness inside the mirror is repaired.
  79. 79Low severityFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz SLK R171SLK air conditioning compressor failureThe SLK R171's air conditioning compressor appears on fiches-auto.fr with 2 cases or more, one at 26,000 km, plus a refrigerant seal on an AMG at 13 years old. It is uncommon, with no known recall.
  80. 80Low severityFrequency: RareOpel AdamAir conditioning faults: hose, compressor and climate controlThe fiches-auto.fr listing includes 3 cases of faulty air conditioning on the Adam: a defective hose with several repairs, an air con fixed under warranty after five visits and a climate control that could not be switched off. This is owner-report data, not a recall.
  81. 81Low severityFrequency: RareSeat Ibiza IIIThe climate control mixing flap motor can fail and throw the temperature offA German reliability report points to the climate control's air mixing flap motor as a weak point of the Ibiza III: when it fails, the air stops coming out at the selected temperature or from the selected vent.
  82. 82Low severityFrequency: RareToyota Avensis T27Air conditioning compressor failure on the AvensisAccording to the reliability page on fiches-auto.fr, some Avensis owners report a failed compressor or air conditioning unit, in two cases on the 2.0 D-4D: at 250,000 km and at 130,000 km. These are isolated cases, with no known official recall.
  83. 83Low severityFrequency: RareVolvo V40 IIBlocked air conditioning drain: damp smell and wet carpetsHaynes attributes the damp smell and wet carpet in the V40 II to a blocked air conditioning drain hose.

Problems with the air conditioning by make

Problems with the air conditioning in your car

2 cars have several documented faults with the air conditioning. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.

Porsche 1
Volkswagen 1

How much it costs to repair a fault with the air conditioning

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

OBD fault codes with the air conditioning

The codes the ECU usually stores when this part fails: what they mean, causes and what to check.

Frequently asked questions

Which cars have problems with the air conditioning?

Among those we have analysed: Citroën Berlingo III (air conditioning compressor stator wiring fault), Peugeot Rifter (air conditioning compressor stator wiring fault), Porsche Panamera I (short circuit in the air conditioning fan control unit), Kia Sorento III (overheating of the climate control's auxiliary electric heater (PTC) connector on diesel Sorentos), Porsche Panamera II (corrosion of the auxiliary air conditioning pump control unit), Land Rover Range Rover Velar (air intake flap linkage on the climate control detached: windows fog up), Mercedes-Benz GLE V167 (air conditioning drain hoses incorrectly fitted: water entering the cabin) and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 907 (overheating of the heater and air conditioning fan fuse). In total, 81 cars with documented faults with the air conditioning.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the air conditioning?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At an independent garage, from €170 to €1,100; at a dealer, from €0 to €1,000, including VAT, based on the 9 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is premature air conditioning compressor failure (Citroën C3 II).

What symptoms does a fault with the air conditioning cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: air conditioning not cooling, water getting into the cabin or boot, engine stalls or cuts out while driving, burning smell, sudden loss of power (limp mode) and gradual loss of power.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité Citroën Xsara Picasso (1999-2010) : pannes et rappelsfiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Citroën C3 II (2009-2016) : pannes et rappelsfiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité Volkswagen Passat (2004-2010): pannes et témoignages de propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité Peugeot 406: pannes et problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in French
  5. Problemas Seat Arona | Fallos y averías más frecuentesTotal Renting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Peugeot 308 : les pannes les plus fréquentes selon les générationsL'Auto-Journal · Motoring press · published 21 August 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiat Sedici: gebraucht kaufen (ventajas, desventajas y opiniones de propietarios)12gebrauchtwagen.de · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
  8. Porsche Panamera Recalls in EU (page 1)Car-Recalls.eu (Safety Gate) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
  9. Porsche Panamera: humedad en la centralita, riesgo de incendio (KBA)Car-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026 · in another language
  10. Volvo XC90 II: Probleme, Krankheiten & Rückrufegebrauchtwagenberater.de · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German