1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

AC compressor replacement, OEM or aftermarket?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Mrlupin, Jun 21, 2025.

  1. Jun 21, 2025 at 6:45 AM
    #1
    Mrlupin

    Mrlupin [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2024
    Member:
    #444550
    Messages:
    31
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 White Tacoma TRD Offroad Access Cab
    Soundproofed, Entune 2 Android auto mod, new speakers and amp
    Good Day gents,

    As the title states when choosing an air conditioner compressor replacement for the Tacoma do you go for OEM or do you choose an aftermarket brand?

    What have your results been?

    Many threads have the OEM compressor failing on relatively young trucks so I am wondering what most people are using.

    I am seing the Four seasons units and the UAC units at Rockauto or I can order in from Toyota for a premium. Is it worth it?


    I'm hearing a grinding noise as soon as i engage the AC so either the clutch or compressor have failed.

    Thanks
     
  2. Jun 21, 2025 at 7:05 AM
    #2
    t0p_d0g

    t0p_d0g 私はタコマが大好きです

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2023
    Member:
    #422653
    Messages:
    1,675
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD SPORT 4X4 DCSB CSM, 2004 TRD OR DCSB IRP
    It does seem like I”m reading about a lot of OEM compressor failures. So I don’t think you have anything to lose by going with an aftermarket.

    I usually always recommend OEM but in this case I’m unsure.
     
    Chew likes this.
  3. Jun 21, 2025 at 7:07 AM
    #3
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2022
    Member:
    #394355
    Messages:
    4,540
    Gender:
    Male
    Plano, TX
    Vehicle:
    2021 MGM TRD On-Road DCSB MT
    RC60F Transmission ADD delete with FJ full-time tube FJ Metal Clutch Pedal OEM Mexico-Spec Condenser Fan 265/70R16 Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 OEM 1-Piece Lug Nuts Custom Built Switch Panel for all Electrical Accessories Rigid Amber Pro D-SS Ditch Lights Rigid 30" SAE High Beam Driving Light Bar Rigid SR-Q Pro Back-Up Light Kit (Recessed) VLEDS Tail Conversion VLEDS Foot Well Light Kit KC HiLites Cyclone V2 Under Hood Lights Operable (Switched) Clutch Safety Bypass
    I don’t know, but with how easily the OEM fails, I’d be worried that the aftermarket fail even more often. Kind of a sucky choice to make. It sure feels like we didn’t have failures near this often before the switch to the new refrigerant.
     
    Chew and t0p_d0g like this.
  4. Jun 21, 2025 at 8:58 AM
    #4
    LongDukDong

    LongDukDong Oh sexy girlfriend

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2025
    Member:
    #469533
    Messages:
    66
    Gender:
    Male
    Eastern Seaboard
    Vehicle:
    2022 TRD OR
    UAC has a pretty good reputation. Four Seasons, not so much - especially with their remans. I prefer Nissens or Denso but I've had good luck with UAC in other applications.
     
  5. Jun 21, 2025 at 11:03 AM
    #5
    rtzx9r

    rtzx9r Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2016
    Member:
    #174071
    Messages:
    1,873
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bueller
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Sport
    LS1 swap with nitros.
    I did oem here. They aren’t that much $$ worth skimping on.
     
  6. Jun 21, 2025 at 11:06 AM
    #6
    b_r_o

    b_r_o Gnar doggy

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2016
    Member:
    #202672
    Messages:
    14,374
    First Name:
    Alex
    WA
    Vehicle:
    2015 DCLB
    Ive had plenty of good luck with aftermarket. Denso, Delphi, they all make a good product

    The only thing to consider is they don't equip them with a good lock sensor (that plastic magnetic pickup sensor on the side) so keep the oem one from your current compressor and swap it over. Its easy
     
    t0p_d0g likes this.
  7. Jun 23, 2025 at 7:30 AM
    #7
    Mrlupin

    Mrlupin [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2024
    Member:
    #444550
    Messages:
    31
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 White Tacoma TRD Offroad Access Cab
    Soundproofed, Entune 2 Android auto mod, new speakers and amp
    Went with Toyota OEM parts. Too much randomness with the other brands and the price difference isn't much when you order from Toyota oarts online. The dealership wanted 630$ cad for the compressor, online from Toyota its 457$.
     
    Chew and b_r_o like this.
  8. Jun 23, 2025 at 10:31 AM
    #8
    HisDad

    HisDad Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2015
    Member:
    #152127
    Messages:
    2,518
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas at last
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cement Tacoma SR5 Double Cab
    Is this a 3rd Gen thing? I've owned lot of Toyotas both new and used and never had an issue with the AC on any of them.
     
  9. Jun 23, 2025 at 12:04 PM
    #9
    Chew

    Chew Not so well known user

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2019
    Member:
    #285575
    Messages:
    8,405
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chewy
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    19 TRD OR
    Amazon dog poo bed mat mod
    far from market research, but it seems like there have been several threads just this summer on A/C's failing,,, more than I can remember in the past, but with the 3rd gen aging/mile'ng on and a couple of million made, I am not sure what constitutes as an actual problem or flaw.
     
    IrishRed and t0p_d0g like this.
  10. Jun 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
    #10
    HisDad

    HisDad Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2015
    Member:
    #152127
    Messages:
    2,518
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas at last
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cement Tacoma SR5 Double Cab
    Well, I haven't had an expensive repair on my '19 Tacoma in several months. ;)

    Actually the last one was probably in the fall. Rear axle bearing failed and that needed to be replaced. Long story, but it's wasn't a part issue with Toyota. I am due for at least front brakes at my next oil change, but that's just routine maintenance.

    Hopefully my AC will hang together. Boards like this can make problems appear to be more widespread than they actually are.



     
    Chew[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Jun 23, 2025 at 7:15 PM
    #11
    joeburntorange2016

    joeburntorange2016 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2021
    Member:
    #359465
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 burnt sport
    well good luck guys i had to replace compressor and condenser went to dealer have had good luck with this dealer befor but this time they made up for the past 3days later and 3,000 dollars later and iam cool but sore ouch what the hell is happening! I know i got it good but have had problems on other cars getting ac work. Well lets hear it what a dope i am
     
  12. Jun 23, 2025 at 7:27 PM
    #12
    Chew

    Chew Not so well known user

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2019
    Member:
    #285575
    Messages:
    8,405
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chewy
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    19 TRD OR
    Amazon dog poo bed mat mod
    most definitely! No one posts up saying their AC is working good today.
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2025
  13. Jun 24, 2025 at 7:22 PM
    #13
    itsnotatoy

    itsnotatoy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2018
    Member:
    #268585
    Messages:
    358
    Gender:
    Male
    NW Valley AZ
    Vehicle:
    2023 Tacoma DCSB ICE CAP TRD Sport Premium & Tech Pkg
    My AC is working good today. :rofl:
     

Products Discussed in

To Top