How often should a car's AC compressor need to be replaced?

We have a 2007 Honda CRV with 120,000 miles on it. The AC compressor system just failed. I feel like that's too soon for a 7 year old car. I've had cars for 10-15 years and never had that happen. How often should that happen?

Make sure all other components in the system are working. A stuck expansion valve will drive up compressor high side pressure, and a blocked oil port in the accumulator will prevent oil from properly flowing - both conditions will reduce the life of the compressor. You'll be getting a new expansion valve and accumulator, so that just leaves the condenser fan. If this fan by the radiator is not working properly, then it will make the high side pressure skyrocket while waiting at a red light with a/c on. This is the cause of most premature compressor failures.

There's no "life expectancy" for A/C components per se. Usually the compressor is good for 15-20 years, but it's not unheard of for them to fail much sooner, just like any other part. There's probably an identical Honda to yours that will go its entire life with the original compressor. You may have just been the unlucky person who got the short straw

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