My son just bought a 2012 civic hybrid with only 44k miles on it. We just found out the ac compressor needs replaced (noticeable knocking)! This seems absurd that a car with such few miles needs this replaced already. Is this is a 'thing' with civic hybrids?

Also, why does it cost so much? We just got a quote for 2k! The mechanic said it's because he can't find a non oem part for this model and even suggested we try to find a used one, like a junk yard or something.

I don't understand why this would be going out already.