Loud A/C compressor noise

That sounds like a fan noise. Anything in the way of the radiator fan blades that could be vibrating?

 

This disturbing noise is also on my 2010. Everything seems to be normal but that sound is just annoying

 

I've never opened the hood to listen to the A/C, but from inside the car it's very quiet. I can hear a faint motor-like noise and that's about it.

The noise in your video sounds very much like fan blades hitting something loose like the loose end of a tie-wrap. I'd have a good look at the fan to make sure that there's nothing interfering with it.

 

maybe test drive a new one to see what it sounds like.

 

The noise is normal. The ac is not connected to the engine. It runs by itself with an electrical motor. The motor only comes on when the pump needs to build up pressure. The hotter it is outside and the cooler you set your interior temp, the louder it will sound. Please see "ac buzzing noise" in Priuschat.com for all the details.

 

It won't always make this noise by the way! !

 

what noise?

 

Mine was loud only once last summer. What you have is a fully self contained ac system. It will last much longer because it on runs when you turn on the ac. Read up on it, I think you will be impressed.

 

Only had my car one month when I first heard the noise. We were in a heat wave of 100 plus degree days. Pissed me off at first cause I thought I bought a lemon. First thing I did was go here and type in the issue and Whaa-Laa!! I was saved!!

 

Late to the party here but I noticed the 'A/C buzz' in my daughter's 2012 Prius C when doing some maintenance on the car.

Glad to hear it is 'normal'. BTW - the buzz isn't nearly as noticeable when the hood is down.