Class Action Investigation
Lemberg Law is investigating complaints regarding faulty audio system and speaker problems relating to various Honda Odyssey, Passport, and Pilot models manufactured from 2018 to 2022. Vehicle owners are reporting popping or cracking noises from their speakers and sometimes a total lack of sound from the audio system.
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There are serious problems with Honda audio systems that occur in Odyssey, Passport, and Pilot models. Honda acknowledges that certain vehicles have communication issues that cause popping or crackling from the speakers. They also recognize problems that result in no sound coming from the audio system. And they identify network loss messages and display issues.
Honda supplies information publicly, in the form of dealer messages, service news articles, various technical service bulletins (TSBs), and owner notification letters. These are all referenced as manufacturer communications in the various vehicle categories on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
As NHTSA points out, vehicle manufacturers must, by law, provide them with all communications that they issue to dealerships.
Some communications refer to only one model vehicle, while others reference two or three. But the symptoms and probable causes given are essentially the same. They commonly blame a loose connection in the MOST bus network.
As a result of all these issues, American Honda has extended the warranty for certain 2018-20 Odyssey, 2019-20 Passport, and 2019-20 Pilot vehicles.
A dealer message issued on February 18, 2021, states: “This warranty extension covers communication issues in the MOST bus network where the vehicle may have popping or crackling (sound) from the speakers, no sound from the audio system, a Network Loss message, or display issues.”
There are countless complaints on the NHTSA website about audio sound problems experienced by Honda owners of various models and years. The primary issues involve speakers that make popping or crackling noises, and sound systems that don’t work or simply shut down.
Honda has been aware of these issues since at least March 2019 when it sent out a ServiceNews Article referenced in an NHTSA campaign, ID Number 10155369. This asks dealers if they are “hearing a popping or crackling from the speakers” of:
They warn, “This may be due to a connection issue in the MOST bus network, which can be identified by the unique red and green connectors at each component of the infotainment system.”
According to NHTSA ID Number 10201442, a more recent Job Aid bulletin, sent out in September 2021, updates information on the MOST business network failures that cause communication issues. It also supplies troubleshooting information for common problems they have identified. NHTSA 10201442 also states that the problem affects 3 Honda models and a total of 5 years:
Despite all the paperwork, including TSBs, the issues have been recurring for more than 4 years. With this in mind, we’re going to look more closely at complaints and reports that relate to the three problem models.
These are just a handful of the many complaints made by Honda Odyssey owners. They all say the problems recur, which is a possible sign of a lemon.
“The infotainment system has been a problem since about day 30 of owning the car. It will cut out, say check tuner, the speakers crackle. Originally this was attributed to the auto on/off feature, but now the whole system shuts down.”
“After driving (the) vehicle for 2½ minutes, (the) entertainment system, rear entertainment screen, and parking sensors stop working. The speakers make loud popping sounds that will not go away even when you try to power off (the) radio/entertainment system. Turning the vehicle off was the only way to stop the sound.
“Once restarted, everything would work for 2½ minutes and the same thing would happen. The speakers popping were very loud and distracting. Screen with (the) backup camera and parking sensors stopped working, making the vehicle not drivable.”
“Frequent loud crackling noises come from the speakers followed by a network connection lost error message on the screen. And then the screen will go black and eventually the system will reboot. This will happen repeatedly while driving and does not depend on the state of use of the infotainment system (It can be off and still happen).”
“While driving on interstates and local roads, the onboard ‘infotainment’ system continually emits loud popping, crackling sound (sounds like things hitting the windshield), resulting in distraction and confusion while driving.”
“The ‘infotainment’ system turned off stating ‘network connection lost.’ The speakers then started making a VERY loud crackling sound that could not be controlled with the volume button. It was very distracting to the driver – (it) sounded like rocks hitting the windshield. When the infotainment system was off, the blindspot monitor and backup camera stopped functioning. This has happened several times.”
The first notifications to dealerships early in 2019 told of “popping or crackling” from the speakers of Odyssey vehicles. By mid-July 2020, notifications said: “no sound from the audio system,” as well as “network loss message and/or display issues.”
From only affecting the 2018 Odyssey, the most recent TSDs and other correspondence describe exactly the same issues for every model year since including 2022. These include NHTSA campaigns with ID Numbers
In addition to continually identifying a connection issue in the MOST bus network, communications state it could also be a harness/wiring issue. A ServiceNews Article sent out to dealerships on May 21, 2019 (NHTSA ID Number 10163187) alerts dealers to a YouTube video and online forums that offer a fix for the audio unit staying on when the ignition is turned off.
“This fix has you run a Hardware Auto Detect from the diagnostic screen. There’s just one problem with this fix: if you run it with the audio unit in this failed state, it causes a No Audio Connection or Radio Unavailable message and a loss of sound! If you get any vehicles in for this issue, find out if your customer tried this fix. If they did, advise them to not run it again.”
There is a link to the most recent September 2021 Job Aid above that relates to all trim levels of Odyssey models from 2018 to 2022. It states: “A typical failure in the MOST Bus Network will cause a no-response condition from the infotainment system with the center display unit going blank. Any component or connection failure within the network can cause this condition. If you see any audio functions or information in the gauge control module, the blank screen may just be a display issue and not a network failure.”
Here are some of the complaints made by Honda Passport owners. They all echo the issues experienced by Odyssey owners.
“While the car is in motion the speakers make a loud crackling and popping noise. The car audio fails with an error message that says ‘radio unavailable’ or ‘network communications lost’. This causes all audio to quit working, along with the backup camera, navigation, and Bluetooth.”
“The infotainment system fails, sometimes reboots. Cracking and popping precede it usually – sounds as if it’s coming from speakers. The complete infotainment LCD fails – goes black.”
While most of the Odyssey TSBs and other documents also relate to Passport and Pilot models, this TSB is specifically for the 2021 Passport and Pilot.
Nevertheless, the symptoms are the same. “There is a popping or crackling from the speakers or no sound from the audio system. You may also see a Network Loss message and/or display issues.” Similarly, the possible cause is cited as “a loose connection in the MOST bus network.”
Here is a link to another TSB for only the 2019-2021 Passport and Pilot models. This includes reference to the warranty extension. There were several others, but again, the symptoms and probable causes are the same.
Like the Odyssey, the first notification about popping and crackling from the speakers was via NHTSA ID Number 10155369 issued on March 19, 2019.
Here are some of the complaints made by Honda Pilot owners. It appears that some parts needed to fix the problem are on back-order, which seems to be delaying repairs.
“Having crackling noise coming from the front dash of my car which interferes with the radio and the screen of my radio. Seems to be the electrical problem but if it’s shutting down the radio it’s possible that it could totally shut down my car while driving. It has become a safety issue.”
“Our 2019 Honda Pilot has been making static-like popcorn popping sounds for some time. My wife went into labor and we were rushing to the hospital in the pouring rain driving on the highway, and the popping sound started again and all the electronics shut down. I was unable to see the speed, navigation, etc. and it felt quite dangerous. We took the car in for a service and we were told that a reset had been performed and all the electronics should function normally.
“Just this past Friday, I was driving my daughter in the car after the issue was supposedly fixed, and the popping started again. I asked her to video the sounds, and moments later she got a second video of all the electronics shutting down again. Very frightening.”
“The infotainment system makes a popping/crackling sound. The dash display and infotainment display flicker on and off at times. This condition impedes the use of user-controls and feedback systems.
“The vehicle went in for service on October 15, 2021, to have a technical service bulletin update implemented. The vehicle started exhibiting the issue again on February 9, 2022, in a much more extreme and severe way. It went back for service on February 15, 2022, to have the original work ‘inspected’. The dealer said everything was fine and did nothing.
“Honda has implemented a couple of Technical Service Bulletins, but no permanent fix has been implemented. The dealer mentioned that they apply this TSB to approximately 2 Pilots per day.”
“I was driving and a LOUD cracking popping noise started coming from the dash. The stereo went dead and the instrument panel went dead. I was startled at the noise and almost lost control of the car. I can’t see my speed or other functions of the car. Honda has no permanent fix for this.”
“Our Pilot is brand new – we started noticing popping and cracking sounds from the dashboard. It is pretty loud. We thought it was possibly the radio but it continues with the radio off. We thought it was the dashboard contracting/expanding but it happens in all weather. It has become increasingly loud and consistent and now any sounds from the stereo, regardless of input, skip and glitch and we turn it off and the popping and cracking sound continues seemingly from the speakers. We took it to the dealership for repair but they said they can’t repair it. This is not acceptable for a new car.”
“Loud popping and crackling noise emitting from speakers. Cannot turn them off, and causes major interruptions in navigation, radio, (and) entertainment. Dealer said Falkra wiring is faulty, but is back-ordered, and could not even give us an estimate of when it would arrive. Essentially told us to suck it up. But it is more than distracting (my daughter actually said it gives her a headache) and I’m worried about larger (safety) issues if the wiring is indeed faulty. What if my other electrical systems malfunction as well?”
The Honda Pilot is included in all the TSDs and other documents issued for the Honda Platform, see above.
Lemberg Law is investigating audio system and recurring speaker problems relating to several Honda Odyssey, Passport, and Pilot models from 2018 to 2022. If you have identified a similar issue, we’d like to encourage you to join our class action investigation. All the information we can glean will help your case and others like yours.
All you have to do right now is fill out our contact form or call us for a free case evaluation. It won’t cost you anything now or later. That’s because the law will make Honda pay the legal fees for your claim if it goes to court.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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My 2020 Pilot Elite is going back in for the third time for the same issue. The crackling and popping of the sound system and then the loss of navigation and audio and the black screen.
Honda Passport 2020! Popping and cracking noise even when speakers are off!
I have a 2021 Honda passport that had 5 miles on it when I bought it, it now had 13,000 miles, the speakers have been popping and cracking from day one, I don’t listen to the radio very often so I haven’t had it checked on, now that I know other people are having the same problem I’m calling the dealer to have them fix it, I’ll let you know the outcome
I have a 2016 Honda Pilot that has started the crackling/popping then just stops playing sound and I have to shut whole system off to get relief from crackling /popping noise. Called service department and they acted like they had never heard of the issue. Very disappointed in Honda.
2021 Honda Pilot gets popping noise and screen goes completely out
I have a 2021 Honda Pilot special edition, bought new. I am also currently having the crackling and popping in my speakers along with the dash screens (speedometer and radio) randomly going black, saying unable to connect, while driving down the road! It will come back on in a few seconds but just as if I just got in my car. My Bluetooth drops calls, the callers complain of a loud crackling heard on the other end. I’ve taken it to the dealership. They are looking into it for me to see if it is under warranty or not.
Recently purchased a Used 2020 Honda Pilot Elite from my local CarMax dealer and have already experienced crackling noise and static. I also have also noticed the volume going up and down without any input from myself and even after ensuring the “road noise adjustment” setting was Off. The static and crackling noise will happen with the radio on or off. It even happened during the test drive but the salesman informed us it was due to the car being around so many other cars on the lot with Bluetooth capabilities and whatnot. I should have maybe taken that as a sign not to get the car or to investigate further. Anyway, I have the car now and am seriously considering trading it back in for something else… unless Honda is willing and able to fix the issue.
2021 Pilot loud crackling popping dancing around the dash and speakers. I get error messages on info center. If engaged in the phone info center, it would drop call or shut down completely. I took it to Honda and they fixed the plugs and said come back if it happens again. It’s been a week and so far it’s been popping free. Time will tell the story of the design and electrical components.
We own a 2019 Honda Pilot and have experienced very loud crackling and popping over the past year. I have experienced the popping lead to a complete shut down of my radio/navigation system many times. It is very frustrating and annoying. Yesterday, when I started my car I had no FM radio right away. I believe that Honda needs to repair this issue free of charge for all owners. I have owned two Honda Pilots and was planning to buy a Honda CRV in the next 3 months but will now be reconsidering after finding this information on my issue.
I have had problems with my 2021 honda pilot. Sound system, hands free device and most recently the transmission died while I was states away from home visiting family. My pilot has been in and out of the shop since I bought it andHonda has done nothing to help.
Pilot 2020. Popping noise thru the speakers. The entire system has stopped 3 different times. Of course that stops the popping but no music, navigation, etc.
Already sent to your legal team but still want to share public because people may find my experience helpful. 2018 Odyssey EX. Popping sound started in 2019/20. Taken to local dealer. Honda had no fix by that time. Local dealer tried many deferent things. Replacing speakers, amplifier, console, etc, one at a time. So it cost me many, many trips to the dealer. Unfortunately, of course, none of those solved the problem until late 2021 they replaced the so-called easy to break loose harness, which took 3 days at the dealership. This fix supposedly worked, for a few months. Then the issue came back gradually and differently: The popping sound is much weaker than before. Just like somebody crackling paper. However, the problem is similar. Once it happens, it cuts on and off the sound system, no Bluetooth phone use, no FM connection, etc, etc. It started very occasionally several months after the harness replacement, then getting worse, worse, and worse, till now it happens >70% of my drives. I suspect the Honda fix did not address the root cause. Anyway, to me it is the same issue. They did not fix it in the first place. However, I contacted Honda and was told the extend 5yr/60k warranty expired. They won’t fix it for me. I don’t think it is fair. They did not do the proper fix until the end of my 4th yr and after a few months it happened again. I think they should cover it honestly.
I have a 2020 Odyssey that’ suddenly has been having audio issues. Crackling sound coming from speakers even when audio is turned off. Audio randomly cuts out with the slightest bump on the road. Display goes black and reads “network connection lost”. Dealer service has failed to fix the issue twice.
2018 Honda Odyssey Elite – cracking and popping infotainment system. Same as described by numerous other posters. Have been to Honda dealer here – they have replaced harnesses and other connections to no avail. thankfully have been covered by warranty.
2022 Honda Pilot having no audio and static when audio playing as described by other users. The crackling has been going on for months but the no audio issue started about three weeks ago occurring 3 times so far.
My 2020 Honda Pilot has had interior popping and cracking sounds since not long after I purchased it in April 2021. I was the first owner and had the warranty so I took it back to the dealership to assess the problem. They told me it was a known sound system/speaker defect and I had to leave the car all day for their tech guy to look at it. When I got my car back they told me they performed an “update” and that should fix the issue. Not long after, it started happening again. I went through this process of not having my vehicle for an entire day, on 3 separate occasions over the past two years, for them to tell me they completed software updates. The last “repair” the tech told me they looked at the wires and none needed to be fixed. I am still having the same issue. It is maddening. Obnoxious, loud, incessant popping and cracking that is impossible to get away from. It has caused me emotional distress and even feelings of rage, many mornings on the way to work and on long trips. I would trade it in at the dealership for another pilot, but I do not want to risk having this happen again. Now my stereo system will not even come on. I feel trapped in my vehicle and Honda does not seem to be concerned with actually fixing it!
I just bought a Certified Used 2020 Honda Pilot last weekend and I heard the crackling yesterday.
2021 Honda Pilot with same issues as others. It is in the shop right now. The crackling and going in and out of audio IS very distracting and frustrating.
New 2022 pilot with same problem. They knew and withheld the information. Someone needs to be held responsible.
I am concerned after reading many of the reviews of customers with newer Hondas with the same issue under the lawsuit that this will be an ongoing issue. All Honda does is replace the defective parts with newer defective parts and that there is no fix for the actual defective part creating the problem… and that this problem can lead to major safety concerns in the future. The Loud popping and crackling has lead to a blank infotainment screen in my 2022 Pilot this time… but from what I’ve read, it comes back and next time it could be other blank screens… no phone use… blank speedometer while driving, etc. This was a $1500 part to replace under warranty… how many times will it be replaced to fix the problem until then I’m held responsible?!?! Let alone, could cause death on the road. This is a new car… awful.
I have a 2016 Honda pilot touring that infotainment system started popping/cracking sounds from the speakers this summer and now is still happening but goes to static and no audio after 5 minutes so I have to turn off the audio. Even with it off once in awhile you can still here some popping noises
2020 Honda Odyssey has the same problem described here. Loud crackling noise suddenly happen. Volume knobs can’t control sudden bursts of such noises. Took a day for Honda dealership to check. The phone (Android/Apple) isn’t connecting and audio doesn’t work. Later it starts suddenly and stops working without even touching it. The DVD player had issues sometimes as well. The FM also doesn’t work saying no audio connected not sometimes, 20% of the time it works perfectly fine.
2019 Honda Pilot Touring – front speakers are crackling/popping; bluetooth audio frequently goes out; front display resets often or “no audio connection” occurs; rear entertainment system loses video and audio
2021 Honda Pilot, crackling status sound from speakers with entertainment on or off. Sporadic if any audio will work at or crackling and static like. Often zero audio whatsoever works but that darn cystic crackle is still audible! It’s at the dealer now and they are claiming they need a cable for an audio update to fix it.
Ha ha suuuuure.
Popping noise when I’ve turned on honda pilot 2021. Has happened at least 4 or 5 times.
2019 Honda Pilot front speakers with popping and crackling sounds.
2018 Honda Odyssey EXL. 3 consecutive static noise every 5 seconds from front speakers.
Even if turn off the engine, could still hear the static. Until you open the driver door, when it finally stops.
I have had the same issues described above in my 2020 Pilot. My speakers will crackle loudly and won’t stop until the car is off. Infotainment screen goes in and out, which means I have no backup camera or radio. Currently, the screen has been black since August 1. They ordered a wiring harness and I’m told it will not be in until at least 12/18. I had the vehicle at the dealership today and they “fixed” it (for at least the third time, maybe more). As soon as I drove off the lot, the speakers crackled and then the screen went black. Took it back immediately and they told me there was nothing they could do until the wiring harness came in. I’m also having a separate issue with the idle stop where the car dies when it tries to restart. I now drive with the idle stop function disabled.
My 2019 honda passport has the same crackling / popping sound coming from the windshield area. It start randomly then goes away. I asked the dealership about it and they say they would need to see it doing it to work on it. Unfortunately it is never doing it when near there during business hours. It has recently started then the radio and screen shut off twice in the last week. It comes back on only after the car is shut off and restarted. I am saddened to see that this appears to be a problem that can’t be fixed from what I am reading.
This is happening to Acuras as well. I hope Acura gets added to the lawsuit b/c my 2021 Acura TLX has had this issue on & off since shortly after purchasing it. The dealer repaired the fakhra or whatever was in the first bulletin about a year ago and the issue went away but it has returned & now the dealer won’t do anything until they hear the problem (which of course the issue goes away when I go there). I am dropping the vehicle off to the dealer next week & getting a loaner for them to evaluate.
i have a 2016 Honda Pilot with the same issue – crackling and popping noises with the speakers.
2021 Honda Pilot. Crackling/popping noises from the sound system. It’s something that takes my focus off the road. It’s Really distracting. Highly upset about this!
I have a 2022 Honda pilot… and I’m having real problems… popping noise.. screen Blink off at times and I can hear Static noise at times when I switch gears….
Our 2020 Passport has been serviced for this issue several times. It started up again today 10/08/22 after several months of it being “repaired”.
We have a 2019 Honda Pilot Elite on a four-year lease due to expire in December of this year. The crackling and popping of the speakers just started this month. At first it was very loud and distracting. However, the last two or three times I have driven the car the noises are very sporadic and barely noticeable. I plan on taking it to the dealer tomorrow and was not happy to read that Honda has no fix for the problem. Guess who I won’t lease my next car from?
I have a Honda 2022 Pilot with this problem
2020 honda pilot front speakers are crackling.