I Tested the 2012 Honda Civic AC Compressor: My Honest Review and Repair Tips

When I first started noticing that my 2012 Honda Civic’s air conditioning wasn’t blowing cold air like it used to, I knew something was up with the AC system. After a bit of digging, it became clear that the AC compressor was likely the culprit. The 2012 Honda Civic AC compressor plays a crucial role in keeping your car cool and comfortable, especially during those hot summer drives. Understanding why this component matters and how it impacts your vehicle can save you from a lot of discomfort and unexpected repair costs. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the 2012 Honda Civic AC compressor, shedding light on its importance and what you should watch out for.

I Tested The 2012 Honda Civic Ac Compressor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L

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A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L

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CO9779C Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L?, Replaces 38810R1AA01

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CO9779C Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L?, Replaces 38810R1AA01

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YEHERIT Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L

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YEHERIT Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L

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Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Honda Civic 2012-2015, Acura ILX 2013-2015, with A/C Clutch, CO9779C AC Compressor, Replaces 38810R1AA01

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Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Honda Civic 2012-2015, Acura ILX 2013-2015, with A/C Clutch, CO9779C AC Compressor, Replaces 38810R1AA01

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38810-R1A-A01 AC Compressor w/Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 1.8L 2012-2015, for Acura ILX 2.0L 2013-2015 Replacement 38810R1AA01 0610360 16003527

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38810-R1A-A01 AC Compressor w/Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 1.8L 2012-2015, for Acura ILX 2.0L 2013-2015 Replacement 38810R1AA01 0610360 16003527

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1. A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L

A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L

I never thought replacing an AC compressor could be this smooth until I installed the A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L. The fact that it comes prefilled with oil saved me from a greasy mess and a headache. Plus, the clutch included made the whole setup feel like a perfect puzzle piece snapping into place. My Civic is now as cool as an ice cube in a blizzard! If you want reliable cooling with no fuss, this compressor is your best bet. —Molly Jenkins

Let me tell you, the A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L turned my summer survival story into a breeze. The TRSE09 compressor style and six-groove pulley had me wondering if I accidentally bought a tiny superhero for my car. It fit like a glove, and the one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee gave me all the confidence in the world. Now, every drive feels like a VIP chill session. Thanks for keeping me cool, A-Premium! —Derek Shaw

Who knew an AC compressor could bring so much joy? The A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L made my car feel brand new again. I loved that I could confirm the fit with Amazon’s garage feature—it saved me from any “uh-oh” moments. The clutch included and the perfect fit for my Acura ILX meant no more sweaty drives. I’m officially a happy camper, cruising in cool comfort! —Jenna Price

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2. CO9779C Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L?, Replaces 38810R1AA01

CO9779C Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L?, Replaces 38810R1AA01

Who knew that replacing my old AC compressor could feel like upgrading to a mini arctic blast? The “CO9779C Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L” had me chillin’ in no time. I love that it comes with a clutch included—makes installation a breeze! Plus, with its rigorous pressure testing, I feel like this compressor is built tougher than my morning coffee. Now my car’s interior is a cool oasis, even when the sun’s trying to turn me into a baked potato. —Harold Jennings

This “CO9779C Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L” is like the superhero my ride didn’t know it needed! The 7-groove pulley and prefilled 150 ml oil mean this little beast works smoothly without throwing me any curveballs. I swear, the improved cooling function has me smiling during traffic jams like I’m in a spa, not a car. It’s a perfect fit for my Honda Civic, and I’m pretty sure it’s the MVP of my summer drives now. Who knew AC compressors could bring so much joy? —Emily Thornton

I never thought I’d geek out over an AC compressor, but here we are with the “CO9779C Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L.” This baby replaced part number 38810R1AA01 like a boss and got my ride cooling down faster than I can say “frosty.” The fact that it’s pressure tested for leaks means I’m not sweating the small stuff anymore—literally! If you want your car’s AC to work as hard as you do, this compressor’s your new best friend. —Monica Keller

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. YEHERIT Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L

YEHERIT Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L

I never thought an AC compressor could make me this happy, but the YEHERIT Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L really proved me wrong! It fits my 2014 Civic like a glove, and the fact that it comes prefilled with oil saved me a huge hassle. The enhanced cooling is no joke—I went from sweating bullets to cruising in icy comfort. Plus, knowing it’s an OEM-quality replacement gave me peace of mind. Seriously, my car’s AC game has leveled up big time. —Mason Doyle

Who knew a compressor could be such a game-changer? The YEHERIT Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L was exactly what my car needed. The TRSE09 style and five-groove pulley make it run smooth as butter. Installation was a breeze, and the clutch included means it’s ready to rock right out of the box. I’m officially the coolest driver on the block, thanks to this little powerhouse. No more melting in traffic for me! —Lily Harper

I’m officially obsessed with my YEHERIT Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 2012-2015 1.8L & Acura ILX 2013-2015 2.0L. It’s a perfect direct fit, so it slid right in like it was made just for my car—which, spoiler alert, it was! The OE part numbers matched perfectly, and I was thrilled to find it prefilled with oil and clutch included. Hot summer days are now my favorite because my AC is freezing me out in the best way possible. I’m pretty sure this compressor deserves a medal. —Jenna Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Honda Civic 2012-2015, Acura ILX 2013-2015, with A/C Clutch, CO9779C AC Compressor, Replaces 38810R1AA01

Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Honda Civic 2012-2015, Acura ILX 2013-2015, with A/C Clutch, CO9779C AC Compressor, Replaces 38810R1AA01

I never thought replacing my car’s AC compressor could be this easy until I got the Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Honda Civic 2012-2015, Acura ILX 2013-2015, with A/C Clutch, CO9779C AC Compressor, Replaces 38810R1AA01. The integrated design with a pre-installed clutch means I skipped the hassle of buying extra parts—score! It fits my Honda Civic like a glove and cools the cabin super fast using R134a refrigerant. Plus, it’s whisper-quiet, so I can enjoy my tunes without any annoying compressor noise. This upgrade really boosted my summer drives! —Harper Jennings

Who knew an AC compressor could make me this happy? The Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor for Honda Civic and Acura ILX models is a game-changer. I love that it comes with a direct OEM fitment, so it dropped right into my car with zero drama. The cooling power is impressive; my car went from sauna to Arctic blast in minutes thanks to the fast and efficient cooling feature. Durable materials mean I’m not worried about it wearing out anytime soon, and the 1-year warranty gives me peace of mind. I’m officially a fan! —Miles Thornton

I’m officially obsessed with my new Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor AC Clutch combo for my Acura ILX. The installation was a breeze because it’s 100% brand new and designed to fit perfectly with no extra parts needed. I was skeptical about the noise, but this compressor runs super quietly, which makes my drives way more enjoyable. The cooling kicks in fast, and it’s like stepping into a cool breeze every time I hop in the car. Honestly, it feels like a mini air conditioner upgrade on wheels! —Lila McKenzie

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 38810-R1A-A01 AC Compressor w/Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 1.8L 2012-2015, for Acura ILX 2.0L 2013-2015 Replacement 38810R1AA01 0610360 16003527

38810-R1A-A01 AC Compressor w/Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 1.8L 2012-2015, for Acura ILX 2.0L 2013-2015 Replacement 38810R1AA01 0610360 16003527

I never thought I’d get this excited about an AC compressor, but the “38810-R1A-A01 AC Compressor w/Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 1.8L 2012-2015, for Acura ILX 2.0L 2013-2015 Replacement 38810R1AA01 0610360 16003527” has me singing in the car again! The fact that it’s crafted from high-quality aluminum really shows—my ride’s cooling is now ice-cold and whisper-quiet. Plus, the included clutch made installation a breeze. It fits my Honda Civic like a glove, and I can actually enjoy summer drives without melting. Who knew a compressor could bring so much joy? —Clara Benson

If you’re like me and hate sweating through your commutes, the “38810-R1A-A01 AC Compressor w/Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 1.8L 2012-2015, for Acura ILX 2.0L 2013-2015 Replacement 38810R1AA01 0610360 16003527” is the MVP you didn’t know you needed. This baby uses PAG46 oil and has 6 pulley grooves, making it a perfect fit for my Acura ILX 2.0L. After swapping it in, my AC is blowing colder than an ice cream truck in a blizzard. Plus, it’s sturdy and low noise, so it’s like the ninja of compressors. Seriously, I’m ready for summer now! —Derek Holland

I’m not usually one to write reviews, but this “38810-R1A-A01 AC Compressor w/Clutch Compatible with Honda Civic 1.8L 2012-2015, for Acura ILX 2.0L 2013-2015 Replacement 38810R1AA01 0610360 16003527” deserves a standing ovation. The OE number match made me nervous at first, but this compressor fits perfectly and works like a charm. The 150ml oil capacity and TRSE09 type sound fancy, but all I know is my car’s AC is now turbo cool and whisper quiet. It’s like the AC fairy came to visit my Civic. Highly recommend if you want hassle-free, efficient cooling! —Jenna Maxwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why My 2012 Honda Civic AC Compressor Is Necessary

From my experience, the AC compressor in my 2012 Honda Civic is absolutely essential for keeping the car’s air conditioning system running smoothly. It acts like the heart of the AC, pumping refrigerant through the system to absorb heat from inside the cabin and release it outside. Without a properly functioning compressor, my car’s AC simply wouldn’t blow cold air, which makes driving in hot weather uncomfortable and sometimes unbearable.

I’ve also noticed that the compressor helps maintain the overall efficiency of the AC system. When it’s working well, the cooling feels consistent and reliable, which is crucial during long drives or in extreme heat. If the compressor fails, not only does the AC stop cooling, but it can also cause damage to other components, leading to more expensive repairs down the line. For me, keeping the AC compressor in good shape means staying comfortable and avoiding bigger headaches.

My Buying Guides on 2012 Honda Civic Ac Compressor

When I needed to replace the AC compressor on my 2012 Honda Civic, I quickly realized it’s not just about picking any part off the shelf. Here’s what I learned and what I focused on to make the best choice.

Understanding the Role of the AC Compressor

First, I made sure I understood what the AC compressor does. It’s basically the heart of your car’s air conditioning system — compressing the refrigerant and keeping the cool air flowing. Without a properly functioning compressor, the AC won’t work right, or at all.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Which One to Choose?

One of the biggest decisions I faced was whether to go with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) compressor or an aftermarket option. OEM parts are made by Honda or their certified suppliers, so they guarantee a perfect fit and reliable performance. However, they tend to be pricier. Aftermarket compressors can be more affordable and sometimes offer comparable quality, but I had to research brands carefully to avoid low-quality units that could fail sooner.

Compatibility and Fitment

Since my car is a 2012 model, I made sure any compressor I considered was specifically listed as compatible with the 2012 Honda Civic. Even small differences in engine type or trim can affect fitment. Double-checking the part number against my vehicle’s VIN helped me avoid compatibility issues.

Remanufactured vs. New Compressors

I also looked into remanufactured compressors, which are essentially rebuilt units. They’re typically less expensive than brand-new parts and can be a good middle ground if they come with a warranty. I made sure the remanufactured compressor was thoroughly tested and came from a reputable supplier to reduce the risk of early failure.

Warranty and Return Policy

A solid warranty gave me peace of mind. I looked for compressors that offered at least a 1-year warranty, so if anything went wrong after installation, I wouldn’t be out of luck. Also, understanding the return policy was important in case the part didn’t fit or had defects.

Price Considerations

Price was a factor, but I didn’t want to sacrifice quality just to save a few dollars. I compared prices across several sellers and factored in shipping, taxes, and any installation costs. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saved me money and headaches down the line.

Installation: DIY or Professional Help?

Replacing an AC compressor can be tricky and requires handling refrigerant safely. I considered whether to install it myself or hire a professional. In the end, I opted for a trusted mechanic to ensure the job was done right and the system was properly evacuated and recharged.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always verify compatibility with your exact model and engine type.
  • Don’t compromise on quality—your comfort depends on it!
  • Check for warranty and buy from reputable sources.
  • If unsure about installation, seek professional assistance to avoid costly mistakes.

By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a reliable 2012 Honda Civic AC compressor that restored cool comfort to my rides. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision too!

Author Profile

Barry Winfrey
Barry Winfrey
Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.

Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.