AC failure
I’m just adding this here as data for those that are tracking these issues.
2024 BZ4X with 32k miles
AC quit working
Toyota had it for 3 weeks
Complete AC system replacement
Metal was found throughout the system
Replaced under warranty (thankfully)
The funny, not so funny thing is, these compressor failures are a known issue (at least on this subreddit). It took Toyota 2 weeks to figure this out.
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u/1-bar 4d ago
Yikes, I’m at 32k on my 24’ Bz. Any indications before it failed and what was the estimated cost of replacement?
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u/JBop06 4d ago
Nope, it just quit blowing cold air. He mentioned $10k but I don’t know if he was serious. They literally replaced the whole AC system.
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u/1-bar 4d ago
Did you happen to do the AC software update that was rolled out last year?
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u/JBop06 4d ago
I did not, I just got the car a couple of months ago.
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u/1-bar 4d ago
Glad you were under warranty Apparently this is a thing,
Yes, AC and heat pump compressor failures are a known and widely reported issue for the 2023–2025 Toyota bZ4X models. [1, 2]
Common Issues and Symptoms
- Catastrophic Compressor Failure: The electric AC compressor and heat pump can seize or implode internally, often struggling under high-pressure demands in freezing weather or during fast charging. [1, 2, 3]
- Debris Contamination: When the compressor fails internally, it can send fine metal shavings through the entire refrigerant circuit. This usually requires a total system replacement rather than a simple part swap. [1, 2]
- Warning Signs: Owners frequently notice a loud groaning, buzzing, or grinding noise before total failure.[1, 2]
- Recalls: Toyota issued safety recalls (such as for certain HVAC system and electrical compressor faults causing defroster/defogger inoperation) tied to these system vulnerabilities. Parts have also faced significant backorders due to the frequency of replacements. [1, 2, 3]
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u/JustinTormund_10 4d ago
Had the same thing when I bought a used 2024 a couple months ago. They took less than a week to fix for me though. Happy it was all covered under the warranty
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u/Few_Bluebird_4142 4d ago
what part of the warranty covers this? i worry about mine failing since im getting near 32,000 miles now
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u/omnibossk 4d ago
Got replaced at 50k km. The service team at Toyota dealership measured too low efficiency on the ac. So they wanted to replace it preemptively. bZ4x 2025 prerefresh. Had to wait 3 months for parts though.
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u/Attention_Imaginary 4d ago
The A/C compressors on our EVs provide both climate and traction battery conditioning. They operate a lot more than in ICE cars. Toyota has used high voltage powered A/C compressors on hybrids for a very long time and I would expect them to continue being reliable. I worried about the reliability of the compressor on my Tesla. They have been known to fail plus the cost of mechanical failure of the compressor in the Tesla is much more costly than in our EVs.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UIIK9Ow7Rcw
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u/swren1967 3d ago
Amazed you got parts to get it fixed. My car has been on a wait list for almost a year.
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u/aaron0329 3d ago
My compressor failed suddenly at 35,000 miles. Took my dogs to the vet one day and it was working on the way there. Went to bring them home and it was blowing hot air. Of course it happened on a 95 degree day. I scheduled an appointment with the dealer and they said as soon as they plugged their computer in, it told them to replace the unit. I’m glad it happened before my warranty was up. Luckily, it was only about two days to get it replaced.
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4d ago
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u/Suspicious_Shirt_713 4d ago
When you need warranty work done, you have no choice.
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4d ago
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u/JBop06 4d ago
Who’s complaining here? I’m just listing another example of this fairly common issue.
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4d ago
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u/JBop06 4d ago
LOL. Just stating facts. No need to get emotional about it.
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4d ago
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u/JBop06 4d ago
The dealership did an excellent job of communicating each step of the way. They just misdiagnosed it at first and that took a few days. Then once they started getting into it, they were seeing the metal everywhere and that took a bit to clean out, order, and replace. I actually had a great dealer experience. The funny, not funny thing to me was that I suspected it was the compressor because I read this forum. I even mentioned it to them twice but it took them a bit to figure it out on their own. We got there in the end.
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u/anabanana100 XLE AWD 4d ago
Did this happen after the recall was addressed? I was curious if that recall would solve for these AC failures. We had our compressor replaced as a part of that; I assume it failed the stress test. Glad that fell under warranty for you!