Soaring summer temperatures add to car ownership woes as aircon repair costs rise

Data analysis of warranty claims highlights a 55% year-on-year price increase

Posted on Jul 23, 2025

Key Findings:

 Rising Claims Frequency: Overall air conditioning claims have seen a significant increase. From January to July 2025, MotorEasy recorded a 25% rise in claims compared to the same period in 2024.

• Escalating Repair Costs: The average cost per air conditioning claim has jumped by 55%, from £322.54 in January-July 2024 to £501.02 in January-July 2025.
• Common Culprits:
  • Condenser Replacement: The most common warranty claim, accounting for 54% of all MotorEasy air conditioning claims over the last 18 months, with an average claim cost of £317.72.
  • Compressor Replacement: An average claim for a compressor replacement stands at £357.96.
  • Re-gassing: Air conditioning re-gassing has an average claim cost of £87.62.
  • Thermostat: While not exclusively an air conditioning component, thermostat and water pump claims have also seen a 20% increase in average cost per claim, rising to £348.96 in January-July 2025.

MotorEasy Data (June 2022 – July 2025)

Motor warranty claims analysis by leading vehicle ownership and management solution, MotorEasy, has uncovered a notable increase in both warranty claims related to vehicle air conditioning systems and their costs. Alarmingly, the cost of repairs to EV air conditioning systems are, in some instances, coming in thousands of pounds more than their ICE equivalent models.^*

The rise in claims is predominantly attributed to changing climate patterns, which are proving to impact vehicle maintenance and longevity, whilst ongoing spare parts shortages in the UK are fuelling escalating costs.

Recent heatwaves have led to a spike in claims for Air Conditioning repairs, according to MotorEasy's latest data, as CEO of Intelligent Motoring, Duncan McClure Fisher, explains: “We've observed a clear trend: as temperatures rise, so do the demands on a vehicle's air conditioning system, leading to an increase in failures. Record-breaking temperatures, combined with the UK's high humidity, create the perfect conditions for condensation and moisture retention in the engine bay. This, coupled with the ever-present road debris, salt, and grime – exacerbated by the parlous condition of UK roads – leads to a corrosive film building up on the AC condenser surface. This accelerates wear and tear, causing longevity and performance to falter.”

MotorEasy's analysis further reveals a seasonal pattern, with 59% of air conditioning claims in 2025 (Jan-July) occurring since May. Similarly, in 2024, 52% of claims were made between May and August, indicating that over half of all air conditioning claims typically occur during the warmer months.

While many standard vehicle warranties may not cover air conditioning issues, MotorEasy prides itself on offering comprehensive protection that includes these vital components. With air conditioning problems being one of the many items covered by a MotorEasy warranty, drivers can gain peace of mind knowing they are protected against unexpected repair bills. The average MotorEasy policy, including air conditioning cover, is around £30 per month, offering exceptional value and comprehensive protection.

"Preventative maintenance is always key, but unforeseen issues can still arise," adds Duncan McClure Fisher. "Having a robust warranty that covers critical components like the AC system is more important than ever, especially with the increasing stresses placed on vehicles by extreme weather conditions."

^*Example ICE vs EV - Peugeot 208 (ICE) 2022 1.2 Pure tech GT, Total £644.41 including VAT vs Peugeot 208 (EV) 2022 50kwh GT, Total £3,673.56 including VAT. Price difference £3,029.15 Difference