To enhance the reliability of a newly designed reciprocating compressor applied in a domesticcompressor, accelerated life tests were developed using new definitions of the sample size and the B1 life index.In 1st accelerated life testing, the compressor was locked due to the fracture of the suction reed valve. Thefailure modes and mechanisms of the suction reed valve in the accelerated tests were found to be similar tothat of the failed product in the field. The root cause of the failure was the overlap between the suction reedvalve and the valve plate in the suction port. The missing parameters in the design phase were modified byexpanding the trespan size, introducing tumbling process, changing the material and thickness for the valve,introducing a ball peening and brushing process for the valve plate. In 2nd accelerated life testing, thecompressor was locked due to the interference between the crank shaft and thrust washer. The corrective planwas to heat treat the crank shaft. The B1 life of the compressor improved from 1.5 to 12.9 years.