The AC compressor on my 2014 Hybrid Civic locked up and I was told by the mechanic that it would cost about $2500 for repairs. BUT then they said the AC compressor locking up could have caused more damage to the rest of the engine- "metal fillings" throughout the system, which would result in more costly repairs.

My friend who is more mechanically inclined than myself says that this claim of more damage to the rest of the car does not sound right to him, because he said that the Hybrid's AC compressor is in a closed system, separate from the rest of the engine, so "metal fillings"causing damage to the rest of the engine seemed highly unlikely.

Can anyone weigh in on who is correct here?