Hands free background noise

having the same issue, did you get it solved?

Bought a new touring in February. Have had it into the dealer 5 times and it's there now. Still trying to fix the stupid problem! Did anyone find a solution through their dealership?

My dealership had a "HONDA CORPORATE" tech come in yesterday to help me fix this ridiculous problem. After driving my car a very little bit and realizing there's a background noise, he drove another Touring CR V at the dealership and established that it's just a Touring consistency. NOTHING HONDA CAN DO ABOUT IT!!!! I don't know about anyone else, but I highway drive and the longer you're on bluetooth, the worse it gets. People can't hear me at all!!! I know this guy did not drive my car long enough or fast enough to experience this problem. It's really sad that this is how Honda Corporate is handling this problem! Any ideas??

See if you can use a bluetooth microphone/ear piece.

I can hear them. They can't hear me

Yes. We just bought a 2018 CR-V EX-L a week ago and recently i called my wife in the car with same results. She could not hear me very well and i heard static and background voices from her phone. We are very disappointed that in 2018 that this is happening. Our 2016 Mazda CX-5 we just got rid of hands free worked perfect. I will be calling the dealer Monday. Apparently the new mic is not a fix from what i have read..

we are having the same issue with our 2017 Honda CRV. We are currently have a new radio system install to see if that fixes the problem. Honda is aware but has not found a resolution.

I bought a 2018 CR V Touring in May and having the exact same issue. I can hear who's on the phone with no issues, but the person on the other line tells me there is a static noise that goes in and out and gets louder as I accelerate. If I'm sitting at a light the stairs is still there, but they can hear me it's only when I start going at higher speeds the noise is so loud they can't hear me at all. I've taken it to the dealership and they rebooted my system and it did not fix the problem. It's extremly frustrating to buy a brand new car and pay for the features and not be able to use them. I travel for my work and need this problem fixed

I let the Honda owner call line know about this and they logged my complaint. I am not taking it to the dealer until i know there is a fix. We are hoping a software fix is available soon..

Still have Honda not dealing with this problem. My husband has to use a corded headset plugged into his phone to solve the issue. It is very frustrating that we bought a brand new car and have to use a headset to make highway calls. Will not buy another Honda ever.

Yeah. I am very annoyed that a 2018 Honda that cost $30k has this problem. You would think they would get it fixed pronto but i guess not!

Does anyone have any updates on if there is a fix to this. I just bought a 2018 Honda CRV 2 weeks ago and when ever I call anyone from my car I get complaints of back ground noise and interference. I never experienced these problems with my Subaru.

We bought a 2018 CRV in December 2017 and have been trying to figure it out on our own (no results...tried everything). Finally found time to take it to the dealer today and they replaced the microphone - problem still there. This is not a road noise, it varies and sounds like you're under water, sometimes when you're not even moving. They said they would consult and get back to us.

Good luck! We have been fighting it since April. My husband has called many times and each time Honda denies the problem.He has had a microphone replaced a new front console put in and they still think they fixed the problem. They never take it out on the highway and try calling back to Honda and hearing the issue. Corporate always denies there is a problem it’s like starting over with each call. They have finally offered to give him $500 and he decided to take it. So frustrating you buy a new car and can’t even use the hands-free link. He purchased a headset and all his highway calls have been saying it sounds so much better. Will never buy a Honda again. Hope you have better luck.

I have a 2018 EX-L with this same problem. I've been trying to get it fixed for 5 months. I've taken it to two different dealers and have been working with corporate. Today corporate finally contacted me to say that according to Honda's engineers, my hands free link is working precisely the way it is supposed to. I'm not willing to accept this. Has anyone sought legal advice?

We have a 2017 CRV and it does the same thing. We have had the radio system replaced and it has not improved. The techs we are working with keep saying it is because we have apple phones. We use carplay and it work fine. We connected a Samsung phone and it still had the background noise but the tech said we were calling an iphone so that is why. We are still working with the dealer to find out the next step.

I have the same problem with my 2015 CRV. I can hear other fine but they tell me they just hear to much feed back. Looking for answers if anyone gets one please post.

I have this issue too. I'm sure every CRV does and it doesn't seem like Honda plans to address the issue in any formal way. I admire all those who have actually put forth the effort to fight this issue. I gave up early and bought a bluetooth headset.

Me too bad Bluetooth owner of 2018 CR-V Touring. As per Honda working as designed!

The dealership we purchased our 2017 CRV from has tried to help us. The radio unit has been replaced, the microphone has been replaced, and we have changed settings on our phones. If you use carplay it works great but the bluetooth is noisy. We are still trying to get the problem resolved. If we find a solution we will update.

Still get background noise using Apple CarPlay. Dealer tested components and stated that Honda Corp will not allow any replacements as no fault found. What setting did you change on phone?

We just had the microphone changed. There is still a lot of noise. I get asked if it is raining or if I have my windows down. We have not tried carplay since we got the new microphone but we were not having problems with it before. Not sure what type of phone you have. We have iPhone 8 plus. We had to change a setting from Automatic to Bluetooth Headset. Then we repaired the phone to the car. Settings>General>Accessibility>Call Audio Routing>Bluetooth Headset The technician said they are telling them that the bluetooth device cannot keep up with the phone updates. My husband has a Kia and we have never had any issues with the bluetooth at all.

Rub your finger over the microphone and the background noise goes away. I read a post from someone in 2013 who had the same problem. They said it's static electricity. It's worked for me so far every time for the last week I've tried it. Seems crazy, I know. But try it...

Bought a 2018 Honda CRV EXL AWD in June 2018, after being a lifelong GMC consumer. Same distortion problems on Bluetooth! Caller on other end says it's gurgling, cutting out and unpleasant to listen to! Have visited/contacted dealer 9 TIMES in less than 3 months! Replaced both microphones & updated software with NO improvement! I use an Adroid Phone. Service Mgr said "there's nothing else we can do! Not enough complaints nationwide for Corporate Honda to deal with it!" We are livid!!! Should have bought a Chevy!

I am in Georgia and all dealership has to offer is no cost solution!

I bought my 2018 CR-V almost 3 months ago. Same issues as all the rest of the posts here. i had the microphone and amplifier replaced last week but it did not help; except for the first call I made with it; I had hope. I'm so disappointed that i finally moved up to this price vehicle with all the options I never had before and yet it seems I will have an ongoing fight on my hands. i will try the static electricity rub i read a couple of posts above. i will post my progress. i don't feel my Honda service dept will be very attentive . Not like my awesome Hyundai service folks were!

It seems “Honda” isn’t what it used to be. I also just bought a Honda 2018 CR-V EX-L and am having the same issues that everyone else is having with the blue tooth device. I can hear fine but the person on the other end can’t hear me clearly. My Honda dealer also states that there is nothing really wrong but it’s my tires or the road noise that is the problem. I never had this problem with my Hyundai. I’m very disappointed with Honda in general because their reputation is what guided me to make my final decision to purchase. I’m going to start writing letters to Honda Corp & hopefully everyone else will also to try & get their attention. There are other choices

I am having this very same issue. Bought my 2018 Honda CRV in November 2017. I have had it to 2 different dealerships, a total of 3 times. The first supposedly updated the software in the car, the 2nd replaced the microphone/ speaker module, both without any resolution to the problem. I opened a ticket with Honda, and they assigned me a “case manager” after I told them I didn’t feel I was being listened to at the dealerships. Supposedly the case manager was supposed to act as a liaison between me and the dealership. The only thing this person did was call me about once a week and ask me if I had taken it back to the dealership again, and that there was nothing else he could do, as he could not diagnose the problem based on my description over the phone. I left this person a voice mail message over the Bluetooth feature when I was driving; he did not mention getting the voice mail message until I brought it up, and then claimed he could hear me “perfectly” on the message. I do not feel confident that Honda intends to do anything about this, and I am also frustrated that I spent this amount of money on a car and am unable to really even use this important feature. I never had any issues with my Toyota- the Bluetooth hands free phone feature worked perfectly in that car, which was 6 years older. I am thinking about filing a consumer complaint, but am unsure who to do that through. Has anyone had this issue resolved, and if so, how? And does anyone know how to go about filing a formal consumer complaint with someone other than Honda? I feel like Honda is just sweeping this under the rug.

I keep calling American Honda to see if they have come up with a fix. They keep telling me that they are not trying to fix it because not enough people have complained. I hope everyone in this thread will join me in continuing to call 800-999-1009 until they fix this issue. I suggest calling from your hands free link while on the highway.

My update: I am now up to 13 visits/contacts with the Honda dealer in the 3 mos. since purchasing our 2018 CR-V! The sales rep readily admitted the distortion issue; the service reps tried to tell me they didn't hear anything. I have personally met with the sales rep, the service rep, the service manager and the general manager of the dealership. Now a Corporate rep is involved. They have replaced both microphones, updated the software, tried different cell phones paired with my vehicle, tried different cell phones paired with new CR-V's off their lot, plugged their cell phone into both the Data Communication USB & the Charging USB. All to no avail; gurgling distortion noise still there. Honda has told me: "It's the cell phone service; It depends on your surroundings; Software/component change needed; Bluetooth is an inferior product; It's not that bad, I can still hear your words (despite the distortion); There is not enough data on these complaints; The distortion complaints are NOT under investigation nationwide; There is nothing else the service dept. can do; They don't know what to do...and finally... I (the consumer) am being unfair in my complaints!!!" Are you kidding me?!! At present, the corporate rep is checking with corporate engineering re next step. I agree with GuruVXC13 above that everyone should call Honda Customer Service: 800-999-1009 and file a formal complaint. Honda needs to recognize it is a major complaint among it's consumers!

Just found this site. Bought a 2018 crv-exl l in December and have been fighting with this issue from the beginning. Have a meeting with the distric manager today but don't see this going anywhere with him. Has anyone found a fix.

After no help from Honda I am filing a complaint with the consumer complaint dept. Please everyone do the same.

My Update #2: Today my Honda dealership service dept. told me they do not know what else to do to fix the distortion issue. They suggested I call Honda Customer Service: 800- 999-1009, file a complaint and be assigned a case number, which I did. Within 3 hours, a case manager called me back and logged my details into their system. I suggest every person having this same problem keep a log of your dates, service visits, conversations, names, and outcome of same. If your service dept tells you there is nothing else they can/will do, please call the customer service number. If Corporate Honda doesn't hear about the complaints, they will not know the magnitude of the faulty component. Since the distortion was still present even when phone was plugged into USB port, that indicates it is not a bluetooth issue, right? My service manager suggested it is a problem with the software.

I agree with everyone’s suggestions to file a formal complaint by calling the Honda customer service department at 800-999-1009. I will follow through with doing that again. I have had a ticket open with Honda, however, since spring. So a paper trail exists of my complaint/ issue, and they have at this point stopped contacting me at all. I submitted a new ticket 2 days ago with reference to the old ticket number and also provided the link to this blog. Crickets. I have heard nothing from Honda. I am not confident they intend to do anything to resolve this for us. Does anyone know if there is an outside watchdog agency that we could submit a consumer complaint to? Or does anyone know how to go about initiating a class action lawsuit?

I opened my second ticket yesterday and am looking into how to file with the consumer protection agency. I have a meeting with mid atlantic rep today but after talking with the tech guy yesterday he said it sounds like it needs to have a software update. Don't think I can file a lemon law claim as its not just a problem with my car.

Thank you, ChKu & fireball133 for your latest comments. I, too, feel that Honda is not working toward resolving this problem. I was told that: 1) There is NOT enough data on these complaints; 2) It is NOT under investigation nationwide; 3) There is NO tech service bulletin issued. I feel that Honda does not want to invest the time & money into finding the corrective action. They are content with selling the defective CR-V's, taking a chance that the new owner might not use or complain about the faulty hands-free, or if we DO complain, just deal with it case by case as we are seeing with all the above complaints. They say they replace the microphones & update the software, then tell you there is nothing else they can/will do. Your next step is to file for arbitration. We have never bought a Honda before...and never will again. Does anyone have ideas on how to take these complaints further than this website and onto a more publicly visible platform? Fireball133 - keep us updated on your pursuit with the consumer protection agency!

After exhausting all efforts thru my Honda dealer service dept to fix my hands-free distortion issue, I called Corporate Honda Customer Service No.: 800-999-1009. They issued a Case Number to me. A case manager called me back within 3 hours. I relayed every detail of my 14 visits and/or calls to the service dept these past three months (names, dates, action taken, outcome, etc.). I also emailed my log sheet to them. One day later, case manager called me back. Here is the answer I received from American Corporate Honda: - Two Engineers and One Field Rep investigated - "The distortion noise is not faulty FROM the vehicle" - "The distortion noise is not happening IN the vehicle, but in the phone of the receiver of the hands-free call" - "It is working as it should be, as it was designed" - "It is not found to be defective or faulty" - "It cannot be improved" - "This is the first time they have ever heard of this problem" (!!!) - "They replaced parts that didn't need to be replaced" (as if they were doing me a favor) When I told her there are all kinds of people posting on forums such as this one with the exact same problem, she said Corporate Honda doesn't pay attention to internet posts, only to actual calls that come in thru their Customer Service Number!! They do not acknowledge there is a problem with this component, therefore they will not do anything to try to resolve it. Case Closed! So if you want your voice heard, please call their Corporate Customer Service #: 800-999-1009 Prove them wrong that I am not the first they have heard of this complaint!!!

Do the same call issues happen if your phone is connected via a usb cabe with Apple Car play instead of with bluetooth?

I cannot speak to Apple Car Play, but I have the same issue when I use Android Auto via usb.

My issue is also present when plugged into Apple Car Play. Problem is only present for phone calls, not for music, and only for the person on the receiving end of my phone calls, so essentially making the hands free feature unusable. I have submitted a formal complaint last week through Honda’s customer service number at tel:800-999- 1009. No call back yet from anyone. I am now planning on submitting this as a safety complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency- this is the agency who investigates safety complaints and forces car manufacturers to issue recalls. Their website is https://www.nhtsa.gov/ . I am encouraging everyone on this chain to do the same. There is strength in numbers, and then we will at least have the issue on record with an outside national agency. If there is nothing they can do for us, I am considering contacting a class action automobile consumer protection attorney.

Yes, Schmullis, the distortion is there when I use Bluetooth, when I plug it into Data Communication USB or into Charging USB. Distortion is there when the tech service people have linked THEIR cell phones (not Android) with MY vehicle. Distortion is there when they have linked THEIR cell phones with 10 OTHER new vehicles off their lot! I took it to a different Honda dealer an hour away for a totally fresh look. Same result! THAT dealer even took 4 new CRV's off their lot, paired them with THEIR cell phones and got same results! DISTORTION! The conclusion is that it is a software compatibility issue for which Corporate Honda has NO ANSWER! Basically..."Tough Luck." I am shocked and dismayed at Corporate Honda's dismissal of this problem with my brand new vehicle AND of their lack of offering any type of compensation to one very unhappy Honda customer.

Unfortunately it's a bigger issue. Our 2018 Accord Sport has the exact same issue with terrible static making any phone calls from the vehicle almost impossible. The person you call can hear us perfectly. I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer now.

I have a 2012 VRV and have had the same problem since I bought it. No fix has been found as far as I know.

Mark, that is absolutely terrible! What does your dealer say about that? Do you have a case created with Honda? We are not very fond of our local dealer so we bought ours hours away from our home. They are playing dumb on whether they've seen this before. They think it's the microphone...probably the exact same thing every other dealership starts our looking that... following them blaming it on our phones...

We have a 2018 CRV-EX with exactly the same bluetooth problem. We've been to two different dealers and they all (pretend) not to hear the problems. It sounds to the call-ee like a chorus of gerbils in the background, and gets worse the longer you are on the phone. Absolutely dreadful! This is our 4th CRV, but first with blue tooth. It makes me so mad I won't buy a 5th one until Honda takes this issue seriously!

I encourage everyone with this same distortion problem to call Honda Corporate "Customer Service" at 800-999-1009. Log a formal complaint. Let them know there are MANY customers out here with the exact same problem! I have come to the conclusion that it is a software incompatibility issue, for which Honda knows of no resolve, and offers no compensation, no help, no support and no sympathy.

My wife and I both own 2018 Touring CRVs. Both vehicles exhibit this hands free gurgling noise to the persons we are calling when we are driving at freeway speeds. When driving slowly there is less noise. When at freeway speeds the noise makes hands free unusable. We are very sad about this because we have had many Hondas/Acuras in the past that were much better at hands free. We expected more from Honda for $33K per vehicle.

I have the same issue with my Honda CRV 2018 and my Galaxy S9+. Sounds not bad at low speed but on highways it has the under water background noise. I borrowed my girlfriends LG G4 and took it on the highway and she told me she heard no noise. Is this only with my phone because it's too new? What phone do you guys have. Honda told me to try a new phone as mine is too new and they may need an update to support it.

Iphone8 on 2018 Honda CR-V have issue. I contacted Honda via Twitter and got response take it to dealer (basically start loop again).

We are using a Galaxy S6 and have the issue.

Does everyone have a samsung?

I have Samsung Galaxy S7 and am hav

I have a Samsung Galaxy S7 and am having the same problem. If you read the previous posts, you will see that a lot of people with iPhones are having the issue too.

To GuruVXC13, John, Reggis_Sport, Prarthan and others...Please read my second to last post above. I have an Android phone. The two Honda dealer service depts. that I took my CR-V into for repair concerning this issue both paired several different makes and models of phones with my vehicle. NONE of them solved the problem. It doesn't matter what make or model of phone is used and it doesn't matter what type of phone is on the receiving end (cell phone or landline). The horrible garbled distortion noise is on the receiving end of every single hands-free call I make from my 2018 CR-V! It's not our cell phones! It's interesting reading all these comments. We all are saying the exact same thing: That Honda starts by saying they "cannot hear" any garbled distortion noise; Honda then tries to tell us the problem is with our cell phone, our server, our towers; Honda denies there is a defect because technically "they can still hear us" on the garbled phone call; Honda will not acknowledge that many customers are having this problem; Honda will not stand behind their product or with their customers. I encourage all of you to call Honda's Corporate "Customer Service" line: 800-999-1009! Stay on them! We deserve to have our brand new vehicles fixed!

I have a samsung S9 plus and same problem.. they change the mic but nothing change same problem as you guys with my 2018 CRV Touring. Disappointed with Honda...probably my last one with them.

I bought a 2017 CVR in April and have had the same issues as noted above. Everyone i speak to on the phone complains that they only get one word in four, together with the distortion in noise. Within the car there doesn't seem to be an issue. Been to dealership, software upgraded twice , had to wait for Honda UK to look in to issue and respond. Had to chase dealership for the responses. According to dealership Honda UK said nothing further can be done, when called Honda customer services they see that they have told dealership to ask me to monitor. Dealership told me "Yes bluetooth connect isn't very good!" really helpful. Strikes me from this forum that Honda & Dealerships know exactly that there is a problem, just choosing to ignore. Wish I had never bought the car. Will not be having another Honda very very disappointed, expected better from the brand.

My car is 2012 CRV, started getting this issue from last 3 months. I have not taken to dealer yet, but now seeing above comments it’s not worth. They might replace and charge me for all components. It’s better I stick to what I have.. Any one else owing older CRV’s got a fix for this ?

I was wondering if the location of the cell phone might be a factor. Is it close to the Stereo? If the cell phone was further away from the stereo or less likely the microphone located maybe on ceiling near map lights/sunroof buttons would the noise (maybe interference- feedback) be less. Would moving the cell phone further - far away affect the static. If the cell phone or other electronics were unplugged from USB or power outlet (formerly cigarette lighter) and far away from the stereo and any connectors would there be a better effect? I wonder.

We have a 2016 crv and my daughter 2012 pilot and road noise is a big issue. My sisters have a Toyota and Ford fusion and no road noise. Call is as good as being at home on their cars.

So here is the scoop. As you can see by my previous posts, after purchasing our 2018 CR-V EXL this past June, we took it to 2 different Honda dealers, logged a complaint with Corporate "Customer Service," and had Corporate Reps and Techs involved. Nothing. So we took it to arbitration - all in an attempt to just get this distortion problem fixed! Here is what we learned. Corporate Honda IS fully aware of this distortion problem; however, they will not acknowledge it as a problem, an issue or anything of the like. Their favorite saying: "It's working as it was designed." They have no plans on fixing it or helping their customers deal with it. They used all the "attorney talk" they could to weasel their way out of being held responsible for it. They said the vehicle still maintains it's use, value and safety, therefore, they are not concerned with complaints such as these! After we pointed out all the effort we went through to try to get our new vehicle fixed and that there are MANY more CR-V's out there with the exact same issue, Corporate Honda offered NO solution, NO compensation and NO sympathy. THIS is how they take care of their customers. Truly appalling.

The problem should be a component. I have the same problem with my Honda CRV touring 2018 ... i try it my phone on a Touring 2017 and the noise disappear. So it prove its not the phone....its the car. Unfortunately, Honda doesn't take his reaponsability in this situation.

I just took my 2018 CRV Touring that I purchased in September to the dealer for this issue. My husbands says I sound like I'm under water on the phone. They said it's working properly. Then today I did a google search and found this forum. So many people are having this problem. Hmmm....

I purchased a 2018 CRV EX-L. When I accelerate or am on a noisy road because of the rough surface, no one can hear me. This is the most frustrating issue besides the fact it came with Hankook tires on it. They were crap!! I complained about road noise with the tires and they ignored me each time I took it in for the 5K service. Finally after about 13,500 miles, they gave me 75% credit towards a new set of Michelins which are awesome but cost me $500 out of pocket. Now add on the bluetooth noise issue and I am over this Honda only after having it for 8 months. I guess I will sell it and look for a Toyota. Sadly, Honda does NOT CARE!! I think everyone should go to social media and maybe then Honda would wake up.

Just came back from Schaumburg Honda..they will replace mic for $450.00..ARE THEY KIDDING!!! I will contact corportate 800 999 1099 and log a complaint...but what will be more successful is spreading the word to friends and family NOT to purchase a Honda due to the lack of support in acknowledging the problem is theirs to correct. Spreading the word via social media and word of mouth is best revenge.

I've had my 2018 Honda CR-V Touring for 4 days - the bluetooth phone connection/distortion/background noise is awful for people on the receiving end of my calls. I have an iPhone 7Plus. I am wondering if the issue is my older phone, and not the Bluetooth. Does anyone know if the problem persists with an iPhone X or newer phones?

GuruB962Y, had the same problem with friend's iPhone X. It's not the phone. Honda knows it. If you can't live with the problem, you should probably try to get a refund on the vehicle now before it's too late. I wish someone had told me.

Hi All, I've read every post on here so it's obvious it's not our phones. It's a Honda problem.

Same issue 2018 CRV EX-L. Same phone works perfectly in our VW. I would like to see them support their costumers and not try and pretend its not happening, reminds me of the costumer service Subaru provides, just deny the problem exists until they are out of warranty. Pretty shady business practice.

Brought my 2018 LX CRV in for the 5th time to try and fix the distortion/interference noise i have had since the first day i got my car, 3 months ago. Not right to buy a new car and have this issue. After reading everyone's post i am not only very discouraged that the problem will be fixed and i can use my hands-free as intended, but also very un-hopeful that Honda will help to offer a fix to all those who currently own a car with this issue. This is my 7th Honda, never a problem before. It's illegal to hold the phone while driving here in QC Canada and my speaker on my iphone is not loud enough to use that instead. So frustrating.

Which phone do u use ? If I use my samsung S9+, I have the background noise and when I connect the phone with AndroidAuto......it's really unstable. Instead with my IPhone 8+, everything is good. The problem come from the Honda software

I think unfortunately the problem only occurs on higher speeds so it may be a little harder for them to fix. Not making excuses but when I'm in the city driving slowly people tell me they hear me just fine but doing about 100 km on highway they say they get the underwater background noise. I think the system is somehow picking up background noise and they have no noise cancellation software running. I have a Harley and Sena S20 on my helmet and people don't hear the bike and trust me my bike is loud. You think Honda could suppress a little background noise.

Speed doesn't seem to be the issue. It happens when the car is idling in the parking lot. The only "solution" has been to use a headset/ear buds. Honda is willfully ignorant of the problem. I will not buy another Honda until they step up and a) admit the problem, and b) provide a fix. $30000 is too much to pay for a car with a worthless hands-free call system.

I'm still having the problem with the "interference" when using my bluetooth in the CRV. As stated, Honda replaced my microphone and amplifier but it did not help. Honda says it might be my phone. Verizon says it is not my phone. I am taking a trip with someone in my car this weekend and will pair their phone just to do this step in troubleshooting. I will call Honda from the road and see what happens. I agree, I am pretty upset to have spent the money on this vehicle to have to keep using my ear buds. Will up date this if I finally figure this out.

Went back and read all the posts. Skip my post above because I don't think I will be able to figure this out. Instead, I will call the Honda Corporate and log a complaint with the consumer complaint dept as was mentioned in a previous post. Probably won't help, but just to add to the number of complaints. I am so upset to have this new vehicle and can't use this phone option. I had never had a Honda before and am considering how to get rid of it and go back to Hyundai!

one more thing, I printed the posts on this thread. It printed on 24 pages. I believe I will take them with me when I go back to the dealer.

We bough a 2019 Honda Pilot touring, the Bluetooth never worked. I took it to the dealer three times already, and the technician and corporate technician couldn't figure out what is going it. It's very frustrating. the Car Play works fine. My wife is using that instead of the Bluetooth.

Here are two ways we found that help deal with the WORTHLESS Bluetooth in our brand-new Honda CR-V: 1) Used a USB data cable (not a regular charging cable). Start the car, plug phone into USB port, select "Android Auto" on the car screen. Distortion noise was reduced. 2) Bought an Avantree Wireless Car Kit from Amazon for about $25. Clips onto my visor, pairs to my phone, and with the touch of one button, I can initiate/answer/disconnect a phone call. No distortion noise! Slight muffle sound, but totally acceptable quality! Bypasses the worthless vehicle system altogether! To reiterate...this distortion noise is NOT a phone issue. It is a VEHICLE issue, of which Honda Corporate WILL NOT help their consumer. Help spread the word to warn other potential buyers!

Has anyone here considered that all these new Hondas have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)? This technology uses the vehicle speakers to play low-frequency sounds that are opposite in phase (push vs. pull) from the natural sounds that result from the engine working. My hypothesis is that the hands-free microphone used for Bluetooth calls is picking up some kind of resonance caused by the ANC system. Even the separate microphone on your cell phone may be prone to picking up the sound pressure of the ANC, even if your ears don't perceive the car as noisy. I would suggest asking the dealer to disable the ANC and see if your call quality improves. It may be possible to disable it temporarily through a diagnostic mode of the head unit as on past models. If that is not possible, most Honda models have the ANC module inside the dash, behind the glovebox. It can be unplugged to see if that helps. If the dealer doesn't want to help with this, you could do a Google search for how to access the ANC module and try it yourself (but at your own risk, of course).

I have had the same issue for 3 years now on my 2014 civic EX. Same bullshit from Honda. They said they didn’t hear any problems when they took it for a test ride. They also blamed it on my phone. At the time I had iPhone 5. Not knowing about this issue I assumed that perhaps it was my phone. Since then I have changed phones and am now on an iPhone X and still same issue where people cannot hear me properly. I have had to plug earphones directly into the phone and I rarely ever use the hand free system in the car. This has proved to be an incredibly rediculous inconvenience. I hate talking in my car now. In the past it was my favourite thing to do. I would think twice before buying another Honda. I was truly shocked to see that the problem is still persisting in 2018!!! I suggest we all document this on social media and start to show the world what to expect when driving a Honda. Maybe that might wake up corporate!

Had a 2013 Accord with no issue.... Got a 2018 civic this year same problem as every one else is stating. This is disheartening that Honda is allowing this to be a problem. They have awsome and dependable cars but something like this will destroy that image quickly as it will effect most users on a daily basis. Had I known of this issue I would not have bought the car. If this can't get remedied I will probably trade car and go back to the Toyota or Mazda since this seems to be effecting Honda's entire line up.

Ditto on my 2018 CRV. The bluetooth audio circuit is picking up interference. I think it might be usable if I can lower the mic gain. Tech says it can't be done. My self fix strategy is down to 1. disconnect ANR 2. put my kids squishy toy in front of the mic 3. disable Tire PMS 4. disable Sirius XM or other transmitting/receiving devices. My noise has a frequency or cycle of about one second driving or idling. What cycles at this frequency? if anyone gets to these before me please post. Diagnostic mode on the screen is entered by pressing the power button, brightness "button" and one other (menu or phone button on my version) simultaneously. You can then navigate to mic volume by selecting the HFL or HFT? mic on the "scematic". I can change between small mid and large which doesn't make any sense to me. Can't get the level meter to actually display. Probably wrong firmware for the vehicle. Maybe it will work on yours. This is the best thread on this so far.

I'm so glad I found this page. I have a 2013 CRV and have this problem always. I can hear the caller but they claim, they hear a lot of static and I'm under water. Well its unlikely I'm going to buy this car again anyway.

Did somebody tried suggestion that were posted here: "Rub your finger over the microphone and the background noise goes away. I read a post from someone in 2013 who had the same problem. "

I tried that and it didn't work, but it may help under some conditions/humidity since static electricity may or may not be cleared with a rub. I am still thinking the problem is at least partially caused by radio frequency interference based on the type of sound I'm hearing. The static electricity or excessive mic gain may also be a part of it because when I held a glove over the plastic cover panel it seemed to help a little. My TPMS theory is out- tire guy says it's an "indirect system" so no radio transmitters. Still will try the squishy toy and hunt for other RF transmitters getting into a low quality audio circuit that must have no shielding.

I tried it. My husbands says that it does not help. When I use car play we do not have any issues with background noise. It is only when we use blue tooth and it gets worse the faster you drive. The Honda dealership tried to help us as much as possible. Our unit and mic have been replaced.

I joined this group, just because I have encountered the same problem in my 2018 Honda Clarity, and I thought that I would provide a little Clarity, to resolve this problem. This will fall on deaf ears, if you ever try to get Honda to admit that it is a problem. It is possible that this is somewhat easily fixed, but more probably not so easy. I have worked with sound and recording, equipment all of my life, which is why I am aware of what is causing this issue. I wlll try to be brief. (But that will be hard to do). The problem is not the mic, or the speakers. The actual problem is that they are running the sound from your voice, into a leveling device. (Better known as a compressor). When you are talking to someone, on your phone, and your voice is loud, the volume the leveler makes it softer, so you don't hurt the other person's ear, when your voice is too loud. When you. are talking quietly, the opposite happens. Instead of lowering the volume of your voice it raises the volume, so the person you are talking to can hear you better. So, in a nutshell, it makes your voice sound louder when it is too soft, makes it less loud, when you are talking too loud, hence leveling your voice to an even volume. The problem of the car noise happens, when you aren't talking at all, or when you have gaps between words or sentences. The leveler doesn't realize that you are not talking at all, but rather, it thinks that you are talking extremely softly, and it then increases the volume a lot. But you aren't actually talking at all, so what it does is boost the volume of the inherent noise in the car. The fix would be easy if on the stereo amp, there is a switch, which turns the compressor, (Leverler) on and off. In which case a pro car stereo installer could just access the amplifier and turn that switch off, to deactivate the volume compressor. If there is no switch, then the fix is to replace the stereo amplifier. Again, the existing speakers and mic are not the issue, and do not have to be replaced.

I joined this group, just because I have encountered the same problem in my 2018 Honda Clarity, and I thought that I would provide a little Clarity, to resolve this problem. This will fall on deaf ears, if you ever try to get Honda to admit that it is a problem. It is possible that this is somewhat easily fixed, but more probably not so easy. I have worked with sound and recording, equipment all of my life, which is why I am aware of what is causing this issue. I wlll try to be brief. (But that will be hard to do). The problem is not the mic, or the speakers. The actual problem is that they are running the sound from your voice, into a leveling device. (Better known as a compressor). When you are talking to someone, on your phone, and your voice is loud, the volume the leveler makes it softer, so you don't hurt the other person's ear, when your voice is too loud. When you. are talking quietly, the opposite happens. Instead of lowering the volume of your voice it raises the volume, so the person you are talking to can hear you better. So, in a nutshell, it makes your voice sound louder when it is too soft, makes it less loud, when you are talking too loud, hence leveling your voice to an even volume. The problem of the car noise happens, when you aren't talking at all, or when you have gaps between words or sentences. The leveler doesn't realize that you are not talking at all, but rather, it thinks that you are talking extremely softly, and it then increases the volume a lot. But you aren't actually talking at all, so what it does is boost the volume of the inherent noise in the car. The fix would be easy if on the stereo amp, there is a switch, which turns the compressor, (Leverler) on and off. In which case a pro car stereo installer could just access the amplifier and turn that switch off, to deactivate the volume compressor. If there is no switch, then the fix is to replace the stereo amplifier. Again, the existing speakers and mic are not the issue, and do not have to be replaced.

Just bought a 2018 EX-L. Same problem, people say I sound underwater. Anyone know a hack to turn off the leveling feature? How to start a class action suit? Anyone have a 2019 vehicle with this problem?

Schtung1 has the answer to this problem. He is exactly correct! Honda's software is over-processing the sound within the system and the result is a disaster. Honda should fix it, but they likely will not.

The noise I hear could be the result of poor speech processing or compression. There must be some variation in the components installed assuming not every car has the problem. So short of an actual fix, we have to see if there is a work-around. I would not be surprised if it is still a multiple failure- bad software and bad components. Perhaps some creative way to alter the signal to noise ratio in the car could accidentally make the thing usable. Cold weather in MN for a couple weeks so might not be hanging out in the garage much.

I had the same issue. I have had my car for a year and had it in multiple times at different dealerships. One dealership said my cross bars were causing interference and said I could either have the cross bars or bluetooth capability until Honda issued a bulletin for a fix. They removed the cross bars, but no improvement. The microphones were also replaced, no improvement. Finally took it to another dealership and they were wonderful! They replaced the audio system and it is working fine now. Before it was garbled, whooshing, sounded like you were under water, or sometimes, music could be heard. It was always worse at higher speeds. Because of this, I was skeptical that replacing the audio system would fix the issue, but it did!!

Where are u from GuruB62V3 ?

GuruB62V3, can you give us the name of the dealership who fixed yours? Maybe my dealership can contact them to figure out how to fix mine.

Yes, GuruB62V3 can you please let us know what dealership you worked with who fixed the problem? Perhaps you can get the exact part name / model number so that I can suggest it to Honda and the dealership. At this point, Honda has told my dealership they can no longer take in my car as they deemed the problem to be “per design”! Is it “per design” that no one can hear me? They tried to tell me that if I lowered the fan it would make the sound clear. Untrue. I left myself a voicemail from the car which I was able to email over to my case worker are Honda and my dealership GM who have had nothing to say about it yet. I still just keep getting garbage reply’s where the dealership and corporate are pointing the finger at each other. GuruB62V3 Your reply with any additional information would be very helpful.

Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg Va fixed it for me. I have attached my service order that gives all the part number info on the audio unit. I can't say enough how wonderful the service manager, Mike, and the service reps were! They were determined to find the issue and not have me settle for just living with it! Okay, for some reason it's not letting me upload the photo. The cause is documented as an internal failure in the audio unit. 0101B5 Radio (Audio Unit) - Replace S/B 08-092 4518 WAR2; 1 39101-TLA-A42RM uNIT ASSY - , AUDIO; FC 03214: TECH LINE REFERENCE NUMBER 4054872. Good luck everyone. I hope yours is fixed soon!

I have a 2018 civic with same problem dealer keep saying don't hear it. My other half has recorded it so taking that into garage tomorrow see what they say.

GuruB62V3 - I am so excited you found resolution! I printed your response above and drove right over to my Honda Service Dept!! He said the numbers you posted above are for the same audio unit that is already in my vehicle. My question to you: 1) Was your unit replaced with a different type of unit? What are the numbers for the replacement model? Or did they replace it with the same exact unit? 2) What model and year vehicle do you have? I eagerly await your response!

I have a 2018 Honda CRV EXL. They replaced my audio unit with a new one....the same part. I was finally able to attach my service documentation so you can see the detailed info. It is still working perfectly. I talk on it several times a day when I'm on the road.

Jackie - I had several dealers that told me it was operating fine; however, when I asked them if they actually test drove it or sat in their bay/parking lot, they said they checked it in the bay. When the car was not moving, it was clear. In every case, once the techs test drove it, they heard the distortion. In my case it was worse when moving and seemed especially so once I got up to 45 MPH. They type of phone(iphone or android) or carrier had no bearing on the issue. One dealer said it was my phone and carrier, but it didn't matter. The distortion was the same regardless.

GuruB62V3 - thank you so much for your prompt response! I am so excited someone finally was able to report a solution! I am, however, unable to get a clear image of your service document in order to read it. My service manager is skeptical on replacing the audio unit with the exact same unit and getting different results. Was there anything else done to your vehicle to make the difference? I have left two voicemails for Mike at Pohanka to find out the specifics. Thank you so much for sharing your good news!

It was the exact same unit. For some reason, the one that came with my new car was faulty. I was very fortunate that the Pohanka service advisors considered the unit could be the issue as other dealerships did not. This may not be the case for everyone, but it fixed my issue. I wonder if these were just some bad units that came from a specific assembly line/plant. If you click on the picture and magnify it, you should be able to read the advisors notes.

I’m still having problems understanding that this fixed the majority of our issues with the bluetooth. From what I have been reading for the last 12 months or so is that the speaker is somewhat Ok until you go over a bumpy road, bridge, heavy traffic, etc. However, mine isn’t great but the person can hear me when I’m not moving or going slow over a newly paved road & no traffic. I think we still have a bigger issue with Honda Corp

GuruB62V3 - I can't tell you how much I appreciate your input! I have been working on this since I bought the CR-V last June! I clicked on the picture you provided and this time it came through very clear. I will take it to my service mgr next Tues. when I have an appt to replace the audio unit. Thanks again! GuruVJBWJ - I totally agree that we have a bigger issue with Honda Corp. Their outright denial that there is any problem at all is appalling. Corporate's canned answer is "working as designed." Service's canned answer is "I don't hear it!" When their own customers come to Corporate seeking help in fixing this problem, Corporate's legal defenses kick into overdrive to admit nothing and then dismiss their customer. Who treats their customer like this? I will never patronize Honda again (first and last time), nor will I recommend Honda to anyone who will listen!

Jamb28 let us know if it work for you next Tuesday ? Thanks

Update from my visit to my Honda dealer. I took a tech with me on the road a week ago and he called the service desk while I drove on the road I commute on. They confirmed the problem with the desk person saying "it sounds like you have a bunch of aliens in the car with you!" If felt better that my problem was confirmed. The tech then called the corporate tech line and they said the "engineers are very aware of the problem" and that "they are working on it". I was told it could be a while, or, they "may find a fix tomorrow". When they find the fix, they will "issue a service bulletin". In the meantime, I was told I will have to live with it. I spoke to the floor manager inside and she is going to "dig further" with someone she knows. She actually had a different problem with her Honda a couple of years ago and had to fight with the service dept in Honda dealership she works in. So, I will be taking the information shared by GuruB62V3 back in to have them explore this idea of replacing the audio unit. I am not going to "just life with it". It was my first purchase of a car by myself and a bunch of $$$ for a car with an important feature for me. I am so appreciative of all the posts here. It adds ammunition for a hopeful resolution.

I felt the same as you. Hoping replacing the audio unit will work for you too!

I am having similar issues with my 2018 CRV EX. When I make hands free calls, the person on the other end consistently says I cut in and out, sound garbled, sound like Max Headroom, with weird alien noises. I can hear them perfectly fine on my end, though. I seem to have narrowed down where the problem lies, at least in my case. This only happens during hands free calls using Apple CarPlay (I have an iPhone XS and all software is up to date, for reference). If I switch the call over to the phone's speaker, the problem stops. If I make calls with the car's bluetooth instead of CarPlay, the problem is nonexistent. So this tells me the problem is somehow related to CarPlay. I've tried swapping out the USB cable, but no luck. All of Carplay's other features work fine for me. I hope they figure this out soon!

Huge shout-out to GuruB62V3 for posting some resolution to this problem! Based on your info, I got my dealership service department to replace the audio unit in my 2018 CR-V EXL last Tuesday, Jan. 29. Since they were replacing it with the same part number, the service manager was skeptical, but did it to appease me. Since then, we have been testing it out and have discovered a vast improvement in the quality of the bluetooth phone calls! The underwater distortion noise has been significantly reduced (about 90% better). When I am not talking, there is now no distortion noise in the silence between words. When I am talking, there is very minor distortion noise when at freeway speeds. I have been told that the quality of my bluetooth phone calls is now (finally) at an acceptable level - it is not painful or irritating for the other person to try to carry on a phone conversation with me in my Honda! I would encourage all frustrated Honda owners to arm themselves with the info provided by GuruB62V3 in the above post, take it to their Honda Service Department and insist that the audio unit be replaced with a new one. There was no charge to me and it took about one hour to install. Be sure to post your results on this forum! Now FINALLY, my bluetooth handsfree is acceptable! Thanks to all of YOU on this cargurus forum!!!

I have a 2018 crv w navigation. The distortion was very aggravating from the beginning. We named it Leroy my alien copilot. It was not noticed when going slow or parked but very apparent when increased speed. I did try a few of the above suggestions but no success. I was finally able to get it to stop! After months of trial and error this is what works every time for me: -I increase volume on my phone to max -I increase media volume on my phone to max -open Waze app on phone, set destination -Plug into Android auto with original USB cable (phone: Moto z force), select to run Android auto -Turn the volume up WHEN the voice is talking to tell which direction to take (not after or before) At this point, I usually have my music playing from my phone (not streaming). The volume for the music and navigation are different. My navigation will only turn up to volume level 11 at Max but music volume will go a lot higher. I talk to my sister everyday on my daily commute both ways. Since I've been doing this, Leroy has disappeared. Ymmv. I really hope it helps you, like it did me.

Jamb28, I'm so excited for you! Mine has been fixed for weeks now and it is still working perfectly!

Still following this thread. My calculation shows 2 for 2 on replacing audio unit and one person who somehow tricked their phone/car to suppress the interference. Let's keep the ball rolling and see what more we can come up with. Hope to do more here over the weekend.

Just curious Jamb28 - Have you used your bluetooth & talking while going over any bridges, bad bumpy roads, heavy rush hour traffic, trucks going by, wooded forest , etc? I hope that it still sounds great & people on other end can hear & understand you under all of the situations mentioned & more. I think a lot of us have ok sounding receptions til we get in a different environments like above, which normally occur at least a couple of times a day; particularly when a person is in the car driving constantly. We’ll keep our fingers crossed

Since they replaced the audio unit, I've been in all the conditions mentioned with the exception of bridges. The only bridges have been small. In all other instances, it has worked perfect.

Sorry it took me awhile to respond, but I was still testing out the results after having the new audio unit installed. To answer your question GuruVJBWJ, the distortion is still somewhat present when I am talking and definitely picks up when on the freeway, passing semi's, etc. I live on a bumpy road, but drive maybe 40-45 mph at the most down it so do not detect any increased distortion. As far as the bridges, heavy rush hour traffic, wooded forest, etc., I don't experience these environments much, therefore, cannot really say whether conditions change. Yesterday, I was driving freeway in somewhat windy winter weather and was told the distortion was more noticeable. To summarize, the Bluetooth quality is NOT up to par with other vehicles or with our expectations, given today's technology. However, replacing the audio unit improved the component to the point where it is acceptable and not irritating to the person on the other end of my call. I think it's the best we can do right now. Besides the fight to get my new vehicle up to acceptable standards, the biggest disappointment comes with Corporate Honda and their blatant disregard for customer satisfaction and for acknowledging the problem, let alone fixing it! Thank you to ALL who have posted on this forum! It was a game-changer for me!!!

HI, I have a 2017 HRV EX-L and I just found out that this has been an issue. No one cared to tell me sooner! I found another thread with CRV's and other Honda vehicles that are experiencing the same issues- replacing the audio system with the exact same one seemed to resolve or at least improve (in worst cases) the issue. I have a service appt. scheduled for next Saturday and am hoping this helps. Here's the link to that other discussion- https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion- t76547_ds860819 scroll down to posts from a month ago by user GuruB62V3

I bought a 2018 Honda Civic Touring last August and have had the same issue as all of you. I first got the microphone replaced. That didn't work. Then the Honda dealer was saying they couldn't hear a problem the next time I brought it in. I then got smart and called them from my car as I was heading to my 3rd appointment so they couldn't deny how bad it was. They were more than happy to replace the whole audio system at that point and.... it is still happening! What is going on?! I've used several different Samsung phones over the last several years in several different vehicles (both work and personal) and I've never has this problem.

Just got off the phone with Honda America Representitive. She seems like a very nice person and I think she is genuine in saying she will research the issue. However this is my 6th CR-V and my 2016 had the the same issues as the newest one which is currently less three months old. I’ve been told by the dealership( on numerous occasions that the problem is not the car but my phon) . I find it curious that I have switched from Samsung to I phone, then a new I phone and problem still exists. Additionally I recently had 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and now drive a 2018 Dodge Durango neither which has any issue with the static/ noise/ echoing/ dropped calls that I experience with my CRV. So I will give them another week or so to figure this out before looking to move on from Honda for good.

I saw this message board on 3/7/2019 and asked my wife if she had issues with distortion in her 2018 Honda CRV EX (bought 12/2018). She said that if she calls directly from her phone the recipient can’t hear her - the distortion is that bad. However if she calls using the favorites from her Honda touchscreen then there’s no distortion. This is without using the wired Apple CarPlay. She has an iPhone 6. She’s asked me to load more favorites so she can call from the screen. I’m gearing up this morning (3/8/2019) to buy a 2019 Honda CRV EX. Will let you guys know how it goes.

My husband just purchased 2019 Honda Pilot and is having same issue. He has to disconnect from bluetooth to take calls. We were going to purchase a Touring for me, but will not be doing so now because of this issue.

I bought the 2019 Honda EX on 3/8/2019. Note that others above believe that software is adjusting the mic according to engine or ambient noise. Having read this forum before purchasing my vehicle I went through the sound settings and found the setting for adjusting volume adjustment with speed. The default was set to high and I reduced this to the next lower setting. This definitely had an impact to the clarity of the call on my side. So far no one has complained about being able to hear me. Admittedly I have used my wife’s advice of only calling through the touchscreen and not directly through my phone.

My 2013 CRV has lately started having the same problem.I can hear the noise from the phone line but they cannot hear mine.Any fix on this issue

Went into the settings - sound - Bluetooth and changed the settings for when the car increases speed. Mine was set to off and no one could hear me unless my car was stopped; I set it to the medium setting and it's fine now.

Hi, I have a 2018 Honda Clarity that I just purchase in February 2019. I spend most of my time in the car on the phone, and when all of the people I talked to complained about the "aliens" or "turkeys," I took my car in for service. The dealership had not heard of the problem, but were willing to try to fix it. After failing by changing the mic, connecting other phones, and them being very persistent with Honda Corporate, they authorized a new radio! The problem is fixed! I can hardly believe it. I am so grateful for Mel Rapton Honda in Sacramento, CA for really standing by me and solving this issue. I'm so happy! Good luck to all of you. I hope you find the right solution for you.

I have the same issue. Will be try this solution next week end. Reading the comments, I can understand people believe it fixed. My sincere thanks to the person who developed this solution. Thought of posting this link here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B1T-2GzHkU

Just an update to my original post. I re-contacted Honda main office and demanded to speak with a supervisor (finally called back after 3 attempts). Was advised that Honda is working on a fix or "patch" to softwear that deals with the Bluetooth systems within the vehicles. Supv. claims the issue lies with the interface on the Panansonic hardware used. Sounds like mumbo jumbo and was asked to be patient while they worked on the fix. I will call every week until something is done!

I have the same problem, when I went to service the car I got the same answer from Honda dealer "Honda is aware of the issue but there is nothing they can do about it". Well, how about starting by recognizing the problem and apologizing. Talking via bluetooth is a feature that been provided as standard since 10 years ago. It's unacceptable to distribute a car with that bad call quality.

Another week has passed, no updates, calls, emails or any contact from Honda, the service dept. or dealership. I did however receive a request to fill out a survey to rate my overall satisfaction in the handling of my issue. If it weren't so sad it would be funny. Now the problem has extended into the radio, (when listening to a Sirius station the radio will shift to an AM or FM station without input from the user.) Needless to say I placed yet another call to "Richard" @ 1800-999-1009 ext. 87169 and left a voice message. I let you know when or if I ever hear back.

Well I went back to Honda and they changed my core unit and it seems the problem went away. Here are the 2 part numbers on what they changed from my bill. HON 39101-TLA-C32RM 18/9 CRV E/L HON 39101-TLA-C32CR. CORE I have a 2018 Honda CR-V LX AWD Canadian version which also has the 1.5 turbo engine in Canada.

Found this site last week. Bought 2018 CRV Jan 2018. Complaints from FIRST phone call. Spoke with dealer, took it in, reset, said they test drove and it was no more than road noise. Tried to say it was the phone compatibility (Samsung Active 8). Bought new Samsung 9 (it was time to upgrade anyway). Still bad. Took it in again WITH all this forums complaints, the HondaLink phone compatibility list, a recording of a phone call at freeway speeds, and a cut and paste save of my online CHAT with Honda America showing a new open case #. Service counter person said no matter how many docs I brought with me, there would ALWAYS be complaints on forums. I was adamant it IS an issue. Then, he talked with a tech out of earshot, came back and said tech DID see some discussion on Hondas insider forum about this issue, and that sometimes even replacing the unit helps, sometimes it doesn't, so they would have to get back to me. Next day, called me and had approval to replace. Took it in today. 1.5 hrs later, bluetooth is 95% improved!!! Called my best friend, the same one as my first phone call, the one that told me the sound quality was horrible... today she said it was amazing. She even asked me, "Hey, did you pick up your car yet?" Um... I'm IN my car!!! On bluetooth!!!! Then, she confesses that over the last 16 months she has heard only 20% of what I've said from my car! Sad. Call Honda!!! Get a case #. Tell them it IS a problem. Look it up!!!!

I have a 2019 Honda CR-V with the same problem, back ground noise where the person on the other end can barley hear me.

Thank you to all who have responded to this issue and for providing the interactions or lack thereof with Honda. This past Friday (4/19/19) I tried again in vain to get answers regarding my case. I am now trying to find a supervisor above "Richard" and I was hoping that if enough complaints are reported the Honda will need to address the issue with more than lip service. I wonder if the home company in Japan would be interested in this. I tend to think that if they felt that Hondas' reputation was at stake they would not be pleased.

Hi John, I'm experiencing the same problem as you did and I am also in Canada/Quebec. Can you tell me what dealership you had your problem fixed? I don't want to go to a dealership that never experienced this problem and just give me the company line (run- around). Thanks

Hi (Mike_B1955) Honda Ste-Rose at 266 Boulevard Curé-Labelle, Sainte-Rose, QC H7L 3A2. Fixed my issue

Finally my problem got fix...they change the audio unit. So disappointed about Honda...it was a long process. Change the mic first, then they said they cant do anything its the phone. Then i tested with 4 phones...same issue. I called Honda Canada and they spoke to a dealer. I mentionned the problem (no noise at a red light but annoying noise when i drive over 50 km/h). Finaly, they change it the audio unit and it works like it suppose to work. So call Honda Canada or USA and put a complaint....and they will help you.

I rud the micriphone with tissue and it work, try it.

Hi-I have a 2012 Honda CR-V and about last year (in 2018) anyone that I spoke to via Bluetooth inside my car, complained that they could not hear me over a very loud siren or alarm sound. I can't hear the siren at all on my end and I can hear the person speaking on the other end clearly, but they could hear the deafening siren over my voice. I just thought it was my iPhone which was very old. I recently got a new iPhone and, unfortunately, the problem persists. I guess I'll need to contact Honda, too. Thank you all for your comments-these will help me to try and get this resolved. Maria.

I did found the fix on this site. You just have to find your microphone (next to the ceiling the mirror) not sure, call someone, they will hear the noise, now rube these little holes with tissue and keep talking while rubbing...you don't need to drive but your car must run. They will notice after a minute or two that the noise goes away. It is static. Give it a good rub!

If only it was as easy as "give it a good rub". More on my issue. This e-mail sent to Honda today. "I am writing this email to confirm a telephone conversation that occurred at 14:42hrs EST concerning the "Escalation Process" regarding my complaint #-------. During this conversation with "Katelyn" (last name and title were never provided) I was notified that my case had been "escalated" ( this would the 2nd time, the first being 3/21/19 when I was notified by "Richard" again no last name or title) as per my rights of contract. When I asked if I would be receiving anything in writing (e-mail or written letter) I was informed , " Honda doesn't put anything in writing". I was also told that due to the fact that there had been no substantiation of my complaint by the service department manager "Mark" of Honda City, Honda was not inclined to make any attempts at repair or replacement of hardware or software to rectify the situation. Again it was conveyed that this is "phone" issue. When I advised Katelyn that all any Honda employee would have to do is research the issue on line I was told that "We don't react to reports on the internet" . So I have decided to cut and paste just some of the similar complaints I have found to save Honda the trouble of doing their own research. (listed four (4) such complaints of similar facts) So now the question remains, "What exactly is Honda going to do to resolve my situation?" I guess I should expect another phone call because, "Honda doesn't put anything in writing"

I have been to three dealers, and FINALLY the Service Manager at Ken Vance Honda, Eau Claire WI, admitted he heard the "chorus of turkey's" sound when calling out from our 2018 CRV EX, After supplying them with 30+ pages of complaints from this website, they did replace the audio unit. Very slight improvement, but not enough to fix the problem. Honda will suffer from this one! Not sure what the next step should be, though. You pay $30,000 and they can't fix the damn Hands-Free Link problem?

Finally recorded the call quality! Is this what you experience? I opened a case with Honda but they still asked me to contact my dealer to fix this issue. My dealer took the car for a ride and performed the following test.They could say numbers to a peer who understood and wrote the numbers perfectly fine so that ensures the call quality is good. I offered the service agent "Ali" if I can provide him call recording of what it sounds like and he agreed. What I didn't consider was that https://www.xda-developers.com/android-pie-blocks-non- root-call-recording-apps/ (Google dewcided to blocked call recording so the recording party call only hear themselves which is why you can't hear the other person. In any case, I finally was able to record and publish the call quality I experienced over the last year from my brand new car. https://youtu.be/XNV6xbSxYA8 Feel free to publish and use as needed

You cant make this stuff up! I am convinced that customer satisfaction and pride in ones profession are dead. Sadly I report that I made yet another attempt to bringing my issue to the dealership. I was introduced a young man "Nico" who seemed earnest in his attempt "sort this out" . Nico spent a good 10 minutes letting me detail the history of the issue. Nico even attempted to resolve the issue with the assistance of "Eric" who was claims he had been a "tech" at the dealerships service center. Needless to say all the accomplished was a rerun what countless others have tried with negative results. While at the dealership I directed my new ally "Nico" to call Honda Corporate and speak to my good friend "Katey" to see if she could shed some new light on the "Escalation" of my complaint. With me present "Nico" in fact was able to get "Katey" on the line (which is more then I have been able to do lately) during their conversation "Nico" was told by "Katey" that Honda had in fact initiated some sort "Buy Back" review and the customer (that's me) would be contacted within the next week.I left feeling the "Nico" had moved the process along and was somewhat optimistic. That didn't last long. Well I waited a week and reached out to " Nico" at the dealership only to be told that "Nico" was no longer employed there. (I have no idea why, I only hope it had nothing to do with him trying to help me) I was now told that I would have to speak to "Theresa" so I drove to the dealership and met with "Theresa" . When she introduced herself and asked the nature of my complaint it became apparent she had no clue what I was talking about. (I wish I had a picture) She then introduced me to "Michael" a Sales Manager at the dealership. "Michael" seems like a nice guy, his first words to me were ,when I gave Michael the Readers Digest version of this unending nightmare he said, " Well I am the last person you will deal with here." Why am I not convinced. To his credit "Michael got right on the phone after getting some facts. He tried valiantly numerous times to reach Honda Corp. finally settling on speaking to a receptionist. "Michael" laid out his dilemma as a Salesman representing Honda having a dissatisfied customer (me again) and tried to get through to Honda that this sort of thing is not good for business. "Michael" was told someone would get back to him. I hope he's not holding his breath.

I’ve been having this same issue for years. I want everyone who is having this issue to try one thing. It was mentioned by somebody in an earlier post, that the issue maybe related to static on the microphone and to simply rub your finger on the microphone. OMG!!! It worked!!!! Everyone I call can now hear me loud and CLEAR!!! No more broken speech, no underwater sound. It’s too simple, but it worked for me.

Leasing a 2019 HR-V. The distortion started the week I got it. I called corporate. Was told to take it to the dealer. I did. No answers. Called corporate again, got a case number. Was told case manager would contact me. The case manager called when I was in the shower. I called her back literally within minutes. No answer. I’ve left messages for a week now. Still no call back. My salesman admits there is major distortion, I even recorded Honda customer service telling me she couldn’t hear me. I’ll call again tomorrow, I’ve compiled print offs from here, I have 21 phone calls logged to Honda corporate on my phone records, I have recordings of my salesman and the Honda rep telling me they can’t hear me. I turned to Twitter begging Honda to help. Still nothing. I also have a question. When I use my left turn signal, or ask Siri something, or even change the radio station I get the clock/wallpaper settings prompt. It’s annoying and distracting. Honda says it’s a feature of the HRV. Does anyone else’s do this?

KBD94510 - do you have to rub the microphone at the beginning of each call or every x minutes during a call? Thx!

No. I rubbed the microphone with my finger a few times. Called a few people to verify and have had clear calls ever since. Only once my daughter thought the back ground noise had come back so I just touched the microphone and it instantly disappeared. Try it! What have you got to lose? Sent from my iPad

Call Honda at 1 800 999 1009 and officially file a complaint. There are hundreds of Honda crv owners with this same issue. Don't let this slide.

Update: I went to the honda dealer today and without charge they did a hard reset. The 2013 does not have the instructions for this in the owners manual but later years do. I watched him but still glad he did the step by step. Then I let a technician with the same model phone I have connect to my hands free link and he called into the receptionist and no static. I thought my phone would definitely work. I drove home and while sitting in my driveway with engine running I called a daughter. Oh Oh she said. not working. Called another daughter same thing. Static. BUT while sitting there I reached up to the mic on the ceiling and while pushing with my thumb I ran my thumb over those microphone holes several times and my daughter said: The static went away and I can hear you clearly. I do not know if pushing on the plastic housing over the holes 'seated' the mic device (I didn't push that hard. I am not incredible hulk) or if the rubbing created static than 'jumpered' a circuit? I have no clue. I just know it cleared up atleast for that call. I will test again later. So at least for the 2013 crv awd xl samsung 8 phone It has cleared the static. I know many of you are doing external mic, etc. and spending time and money. Try this. Nothing to loose. If it fails or reverts I will update. Ciao

I'm thinking class action. If this has been going on for 4 or 5 years and Honda refuses to fix it or disclose it. Are there any lawyers out there willing to take on Honda. I will be your lead client!

HondaUnhappy What year is your Honda? What model? I will add that although I have tried this fix before that I shared above, previously I rubbed my thumb over the mic holes while I was NOT connected on a call. I rubbed it and then made a call. It did not work. It DID work when I was on a current call through the hands free link and the car was running and then I rubbed those microphone holes several times with the pad of my thumb. Just clarifying.

Terrible noise. Someone did a test and heard over 75 decibles with the factory tires. Had to change to premium tires to get it down to 60 decibels. There could be other design issues other than insulation. The shocks and even wheel bearings could translate road noise to the passenger cabin.

GuruB62V3 THANK YOU!!!! Thanks to your post, I was finally able to get mine fixed after 16 months of trying! I tried all the other suggestions listed by the other kind members of this forum, but none worked for me. After going around a bit with corporate, the local dealer replaced my audio unit today, and I made my first clear call after purchasing the vehicle new early last year.

All this is quite amazing, i am in my first (and last) Honda in 15 years, had just about all makes, change cars every months, sometimes more because of mileage. I speak alot on my phone during my driving to and from work up to 40 000 miles a year so bluetooth quality is a major issu for me... I am very disappointed to read all of your posts!!! OMG this must come out , class action suit please someone... I have put in a high end sound system and have deactivated the ANC but to no relation there.. i must talk with another earphone on my cell to be able to talk on highway's... wich is most of the time. I have tried with and without ANC no difference. But beware if you deactivate ANC you will find out that your truck is really not noise insulated... I will try to get rid of my Honda Pilot 2019!!! My Ford, mercedes, Audi, BMW, GM's, Nissan's all had a million times better bluetooth sound Please put presure on Honda, and share this info, had i known, i would have never bought a Honda!!

Same issue 2018 Touring. Had microphone changed TWICE and taking back again on Oct 1. So sick of Honda and dealing with this issue.

They need to change your audio unit, that's the problem. Since they change my audio unit, my bluettoth work perfectly. They changed twice my microphone, but the problem was still theyre Good luck

We bought a 2018 Honda CR v Touring and from day one during highway speed there is a lot of road noise from wind. At normal city driving speed there are no distortions. Therefore, all the distortions reported in this thread was our reality. We were previously an all Toyota family, but we decided to give Honda a chance. Truthfully, as it compares to our last SUV a 2007 Toyota Highlander 198,000 miles, Honda CR V is louder than the old Toyota. Here is the solution to our problem. Since the wife looks forward to long calls with our daughters on the way home from work while driving on the highway, I took off the sound setting that changes levels based on speed. The setting was turned off and retested with much clearer conversation reported by the daughters. My wife is very happy, now. You all may want to test this simple change.

Guru1J4RH I appreciate this suggested solution. I am going to go out and change that setting and see if it helps. I will post again with my results. I have already been to the service center a few times. I have had the microphone and amplifier changed out without resolve. It amazes me that Honda cannot figure this out when other manufacturers do not have this issue.

Has anyone pinpoint the source of the background noise with a decibel meter? Lobodz, I am interested in your test results. Thanks.

https://youtu.be/_B1T-2GzHkU Found this on YouTube and per the comments, this fix works. Gonna give it a try. I have a 2012 CRV

I turned off the setting that self adjusts the audio volume depending on speeds. I called two different parties who have always told me I sound like I’m under water, have aliens in my car, windows open, etc... so far, eureka! They tell me the interference problem is gone! Now they say I sound far away, but!!! They can hear me with out the crazy sounds. I’ll continue to monitor this and will be reporting this finding to my dealership. I hope this helps. It’s amazing to me, that a company like Honda has told all of us the same things, ie: because it’s our iPhone or something just as lame. And that they are willing to change out microphones on and amplifiers on so many vehicles to no avail. I took my CR-V in on Friday to get a few things checked pre end of warranty. My Honda dealership changed owners so I had fresh ears to hear me out. I told them the whole story and about this new revelation to resolve the issue. They seemed very interested and told me they were moving this up the chain. I hope some of the rest of you in this thread try this and find it fixes the problem. Lori

Lobodz, I purchased a HT-80A sound level meter and used it on the 2018 Honda CR V Touring's windows while my wife drove around 65 miles/hr on the highway. Highway Drive Test Results ===================== Front window 72.9 decibels. Rear window 79.1 decibels. Tailgate rear window 81.0 decibels. City drive test. ============================= On suburban street driving at 40 miles/hr 48.8 decibels. inside the SUV which I believe isn't bad. I am working on a fix for the loud interior while on the highway, but I need to test it first.

I'm having the same problem with my Honda Clarity and a Galaxy Note 9. Has anyone fixed it with their Clarity? What phone were you using and would you mind share the Techline reference number?

I own a 2018 CRV EXL. I bought this brand new and have the same issues. I've even had a few service repairs to show for my complaints...but nothing has corrected the issue. Honda will not take any responsibility. Seriously considering starting a class action lawsuit.

I normally wouldn't consider a class action lawsuit because I don't think they really benefit the victims. However, I am so upset with the way Honda is treating this issue, I would gladly participate just to get some attention drawn to the issue and to show Honda that they should be more honest with consumers.

CRV 2012 owner here. I love my CRV and have no issues with it EXCEPT THIS!! I’m so glad I found this page because I’ve been pulling my hair out wondering why this is happening. I can hear people I call just fine but they tell me that they can’t hear me on their end because of loud screeches and weird noises. I have to transfer the call to my phone and I live in MA where they just passed a hands free driving law. Doesn’t help that I can’t use my Bluetooth to make calls, which I have to do frequently. I generally have just lived with it and use my Apple air pods, but then I have to disconnect my phone or transfer the call to my phone every time anyways, which is wicked annoying because I use Bluetooth for podcasts and music too. Honda, help us out, come on! You’re supposed to be one of the most reliable car companies, but your tech is lame!!

I have posted this before but it is worth posting again. Per yet another post, I followed along and tried their solution. On the setting that controls audio volumes-the one that lowers volume when driving slow speed after being at high speed-turn that feature off. I did this and no longer have complaints from anyone I talk to. I do admit, it is even better when my phone is plugged in. I agree, Honda ought to have better knowledge of this issue instead of changing all our microphones and amplifiers to no avail.

I purchased a 2018 Honda CRV, and loved the car except for the very annoying background noises that people on the other end of my hands free Bluetooth phone calls complained about. The feature was essentially not usable, as, while I could hear fine on my end, the person on the other end described what sounded like underwater gurgling noises or the sound of distorted voices, to the point that the other person could hardly hear what I was saying. I had the car in to Honda dealerships several times. The microphone was replaced, I was told they updated software, etc, all to no avail. I was also told they could not replicate the problem that I described, the problem must be my phone, or that some background noise is to be expected. I was assigned a “case manager” by Honda, who was not only unhelpful, but was an additional irritant injected into the situation. To say the least, I was extremely frustrated and very angry that I was having this issue with a brand new car that I had spent a significant amount of money for. Finally, we made one last valiant attempt to get the problem corrected before the warranty was up, and took the car back to a dealership where we had taken it to before. We just happened to get lucky enough to have a service advisor assigned to us this time who really went the extra mile for us with Honda, and advocated strongly for us. FINALLY, after Honda sent someone to the dealership to assess the problem, and with a lot of pushing by our assigned service advisor, Honda agreed to replace the entire audio unit module in the car, which we were told is a $3000 part. Hence, the reason Honda wants this kept quiet, and does not want to have to really address the issue. I am happy to report that the replacement of the audio unit module has resolved the problem completely! People on the other end of my calls now report they can hear me crystal clearly, with no background noise! I wish you all the best of luck in trying to get the issue resolved in your cars. Had we not had the service advisor that we did at the dealership advocating for us so strongly, I don’t think we would have had any luck with getting the issue addressed by Honda.

Ok. This answer is in defense of my 2016 Honda CRV and the noise with the car phone. I was so disappointed with all of the answers I had read and was almost ready to trade my vehicle for another because I love to talk while driving as this is my time to be not be tied down with home chores. Bottom line, I had Sprint and because they had a satellite down in my neighborhood for months and I was concerned about safety because people could not hear me, I changed to Verizon. Since changing to Verizon, the quality of my phone calls Near and far from home have improved and my listeners are very happy with the quality. For me, it was the provider and not the car speakers. I’m sure Honda can’t tell people that but that is what solved the issue for me.

In replying to Elfredia...I've had Verizon the whole time I've had my (brand new) 2018 Honda CRV LX. And no matter WHERE I go...its had the same crappy call quality for the people on the other end. It's NOT the phone.

Elfredia, unfortunately, that did not work for me. I originally had the problem with AT&T, I later switched to Google Fi, I had the same problem using both carriers.

Elfredia, I have had Verizon the whole time. Not the phone. I am mostly happy with the improvement after turning off the volume adjustment feature. I can now use the phone and folks on receiving end have no complaints about any background noise. By the way, it isn't really background noise, it is a true reception sound, like they are hearing every other vehicle on the road conversations at the same time. I had also considered trading the car because I was so angry and disappointed about this issue. Lotta money for a feature that is now standard in every car of every make and manufacturer. Seriously, Honda, get it right!

Contacted Honda Corporate. Got the same run around as everyone else, I can write all the excuses down that they gave but bottom line is Honda has a Problem with no solution in sight. Done. Never buying a Honda again. I know its trivial, But I wont go through it again with Honda. There is more quality in a KIA. I know that KIA's Bluetooth works fine.

Hey all. I ONCE AGAIN addressed the issue with Service at my Honda dealership during an oil change. I have had this looked at twice before, and even had an expensive part replaced. While I got my oil changed they had the tech look at it again. He contacted Honda and put in a claim for a whole new unit. I am awaiting on approval from Honda and an appointment to be made. I will update the thread once my radio system is replaced and have the results for you all.

HEY GUYS! I will offer another follow-up BUT... The people at the Honda dealership I deal with replaced my whole unit. Same part number as the work orders pictured. The results? So far so good! This seems to have done it! I would recommend you press your service folks, and have them look into the forum entries (like mine did). We're looking good! I'll come back and let you if the results hold! I hope the service department at your Honda retailer is as good as mine!

Hi Everyone. It's good to know I'm not crazy, nor are my friens and family who complain about my aliens. LOL! I have a 2018 Honda Civic EX Sedan and have that same issue with my bluetooth. It sounds like there are aliens talking in the background, which I finally heard for myself. My dealer looked at it twice and I finally asked them to replace the micophone, which they also placed a cover on top of to minimize the noise. It changed nothing! What I learned from all this is the location is in the roof, where the lights are, so, as I first thought, it picks up the air movement when you're driving on the freeway at 65 or so miles an hour. And I wouldn't be surprised if it picks up conversations around you. I understand the positioning on the micophone, but feel that it is just in the wrong place. I think it should be in the steering wheel, closer to your mouth so it isn't exposed to the air traveling over the roof when you're driving. Poor design is what it boils down to. I hope that by 2021 they fix this problem when I turn in my car for a new model. The car itself, I love!

Hey everyone!! Well it on took about 2 years but my husband has found a fix for the crappy phone system. It’s the Apple AirPods!!! He has a Samsung phone but the AirPods somehow are able to cancel all the background noise!!!! He is over the moon happy and so is everyone that has talked with him!!!

That's not really a "fix"... People...hold Honda accountable. The "fix" is to replace your radio unit. The parts and invoices have been posted numerous times in this thread. It works. Honda isn't just going to do it unless you press them and get them to research the threads (this problem spreads across other forums). Like I said...My service department is great...so they didn't give me any real problems. But the fix is working great for me since I've had this done. There is a problem with the radio unit...that's really it. Not sure if the rushed the parts to the line...they've made update since...but..it's worked.

Guru6D956 Best answer of all! That seems totally logical. I just wonder why everyone else's car of different models don't have the problem. I will now ask everyone where their microphones are located. Mine did improve greatly when I turned off the auto volume setting though.

It is road noise. Open sunglasses holder and remove the two Philip screws. With a small straight slot screwdriver insert in the slots for both light covers and pop off. Then remove screw in each light socket. Now remove the whole panel assembly by pulling down and pushing toward windshield. Insulate everything above phone mic and reinstall everything. Best insulation to use is closed cell foam.

Guru7BHX3, what year and model do you have?

@Laura, it's not road noise.

I told you guys replacing the unit worked for me. I had them try multiple things, till they changed the unit nothing else worked. I have a Honda CR-V AWD lx 2018 Canadian version which has the 1.5 turbo engine.

@Koznerol78, It's not road noise on my 2018 CR-V EXL either. That's why I was asking Guru 7BHX3 what year and model he/she drives.

I'm with John! I did the SAME thing he did. Everything is 100% fine now. I showed my dealership the work orders pictured here. I even uploaded MY work order. I have a 2018 CRV EXL Get your unit replaced :)

Hello Koznerol78 - I have been fighting with Honda Corp and my dealership to fix this problem for over a year now. I was making some headway with the service manager but he is no longer working there so I now need to start from scratch. I would be so grateful if you would be able to post or send me the work orders you gave to your dealership as well as your own. I need some help and it sounds like you had success. TIA!

After having this problem with my 2018 CRV and how Honda has done nothing to help me or people in this discussion, I will never buy a Honda again. All they needed to do was stand by their product and treat myself and others with some level of respect and they could have sold me vehicles in the future. Now I tell everyone to stay away from Honda. Bad people.

@Guru95CCZN All I literally had to do was show my dealership a few of the posts on these forums, and the work orders other people have shown here (including myself) to my Honda Service folks. Maybe try a different dealership? My issue has been fixed for ages now. I get that this is Honda's problem, but you also need to take owness to help yourself. Don't feel stuck...just get it done.

@Vanessa sorry it took so long to answer you! The pictures are posted in the thread, you just have to scroll up. Better to look on PC. I even showed my techs this entire thread. Try another Honda dealership is these creeps won't help you. But I got mine off of @John post. It's been almost a year now and everything is fine.

I went to the dealership and showed them this forum. They found in their diagnostic that it was a problem and repeated it. They then told me it was my fault because my phone was not on the compatibility list even though they repeated the problem with their own Honda certified equipment without using my phone. Here is the link to the "compatible phones": https://www.handsfreelink.com/Honda/en-US/US/FindAPhone Try it your self. the Newest phones on the list are almost a decade older than the car, but their stand is that my phone is not on the list so it is my fault. I even talked to the Honda care people and they said it was my fault that my phone was not on the list and that I should have looked into this before I bought the car. I will NEVER buy a Honda again.

@Guru95CCZN You have to stand up for yourself and find this unacceptable. Not making excuses for Honda...but you deserve to have this fixed. Try a different Honda Dealership.

Honda knows its a problem. They even know it's is their lack of noise canceling and the microphone. They just don't care. Hands free link is a safety feature. File claims with nhtsa for each call that is bad quality because it's a safety issue. Honda can't ignore nhtsa complaints.