[Emilitico]

I have a 2016 Pilot Touring that is giving me a perplexing problem. After having the audio system turned on for a few minutes (regardless of whether the car engine is on or off), I start hearing static noise - faintly at first, then it builds louder and louder until it overcomes whatever I was listening to. It happens whether I am listing to radio, iPod, Bluetooth, or phone. Doesn't matter whether I am listening to music, podcast, or audiobook. The static is in front and rear, left and right. It gets so loud that finally there is no way to hear anything else.
Now here's the weirdest part: The only thing NOT affected is the navigation system "voice" - so if I'm going somewhere using the navigation GPS system, the voice that comes on to tell me to turn or go straight is not affected by the static - I can hear "her" voice perfectly fine coming through the "center channel" speaker.
I have tried turning off the A/C, but doesn't affect the static problem.
But why is the Nav system the only thing not having the problem? I am wondering if the Nav system has a different amplifier.

 

[AmyLou]

I have a 2016 Pilot Touring that is giving me a perplexing problem. After having the audio system turned on for a few minutes (regardless of whether the car engine is on or off), I start hearing static noise - faintly at first, then it builds louder and louder until it overcomes whatever I was listening to. It happens whether I am listing to radio, iPod, Bluetooth, or phone. Doesn't matter whether I am listening to music, podcast, or audiobook. The static is in front and rear, left and right. It gets so loud that finally there is no way to hear anything else.
Now here's the weirdest part: The only thing NOT affected is the navigation system "voice" - so if I'm going somewhere using the navigation GPS system, the voice that comes on to tell me to turn or go straight is not affected by the static - I can hear "her" voice perfectly fine coming through the "center channel" speaker.
I have tried turning off the A/C, but doesn't affect the static problem.
But why is the Nav system the only thing not having the problem? I am wondering if the Nav system has a different amplifier.

 

[AmyLou]

Hello, did you find a solution. I’m having the same problem with my 2016 Pilot Elite. We’re you able to fix this?
Thanks for any insight. I’m dreading what a dealership is going to charge me to fix this (if they even can fix it).

 

[Osama]

I have the same problem with my 2016 pilot.
How did you fix it ?

 

[JohnT]

I have the same problem with my 2016 pilot.
How did you fix it ?

Same with mine too. Been going on for about 2 months now.

 

[Honda 2016]

I have a 2016 Pilot Touring that is giving me a perplexing problem. After having the audio system turned on for a few minutes (regardless of whether the car engine is on or off), I start hearing static noise - faintly at first, then it builds louder and louder until it overcomes whatever I was listening to. It happens whether I am listing to radio, iPod, Bluetooth, or phone. Doesn't matter whether I am listening to music, podcast, or audiobook. The static is in front and rear, left and right. It gets so loud that finally there is no way to hear anything else.
Now here's the weirdest part: The only thing NOT affected is the navigation system "voice" - so if I'm going somewhere using the navigation GPS system, the voice that comes on to tell me to turn or go straight is not affected by the static - I can hear "her" voice perfectly fine coming through the "center channel" speaker.
I have tried turning off the A/C, but doesn't affect the static problem.
But why is the Nav system the only thing not having the problem? I am wondering if the Nav system has a different amplifier.

I have the same problem

 

[JohnT]

Here is some news for you folks experiencing this problem. My issue was diagnosed as a problem with the fan in the head unit. It was not getting cooled properly. Heat was building and causing the distortion. This would happen after about 10-15 minutes depending on the heat of the day. I tested this hypothesis by playing with the AC system in the car recently when the outside temp was low enough to have some control in the car. My tests confirmed the diagnosis. Unfortunately I will need to replace the unit. Looking online to find the most cost effective unit that carries a warranty. The part number for this is 39540TG7A41.

 

[sballard]

Here is some news for you folks experiencing this problem. My issue was diagnosed as a problem with the fan in the head unit. It was not getting cooled properly. Heat was building and causing the distortion. This would happen after about 10-15 minutes depending on the heat of the day. I tested this hypothesis by playing with the AC system in the car recently when the outside temp was low enough to have some control in the car. My tests confirmed the diagnosis. Unfortunately I will need to replace the unit. Looking online to find the most cost effective unit that carries a warranty. The part number for this is 39540TG7A41.

did you get the part and did it fix it ? I am having the same problem.

 

[Roadnavigator]

I have a 2016 Pilot Touring that is giving me a perplexing problem. After having the audio system turned on for a few minutes (regardless of whether the car engine is on or off), I start hearing static noise - faintly at first, then it builds louder and louder until it overcomes whatever I was listening to. It happens whether I am listing to radio, iPod, Bluetooth, or phone. Doesn't matter whether I am listening to music, podcast, or audiobook. The static is in front and rear, left and right. It gets so loud that finally there is no way to hear anything else.
Now here's the weirdest part: The only thing NOT affected is the navigation system "voice" - so if I'm going somewhere using the navigation GPS system, the voice that comes on to tell me to turn or go straight is not affected by the static - I can hear "her" voice perfectly fine coming through the "center channel" speaker.
I have tried turning off the A/C, but doesn't affect the static problem.
But why is the Nav system the only thing not having the problem? I am wondering if the Nav system has a different amplifier.

I am having the exact same problem on my 2016 Touring. The dealership ran diagnostics and determined I needed to replace the radio @$3k. Did you find a solution?

 

[Kevbojackson]

Here is some news for you folks experiencing this problem. My issue was diagnosed as a problem with the fan in the head unit. It was not getting cooled properly. Heat was building and causing the distortion. This would happen after about 10-15 minutes depending on the heat of the day. I tested this hypothesis by playing with the AC system in the car recently when the outside temp was low enough to have some control in the car. My tests confirmed the diagnosis. Unfortunately I will need to replace the unit. Looking online to find the most cost effective unit that carries a warranty. The part number for this is 39540TG7A41.

Very curious if this was ever resolved.
I just bought used recently and I'm getting the same symptoms BUT with additional hot plastic smells once the radio has been on for a few mins.

 

[AmyLou]

Very curious if this was ever resolved.
I just bought used recently and I'm getting the same symptoms BUT with additional hot plastic smells once the radio has been on for a few mins.

Hi John, I am wondering if you were able to get your radio fixed. Everything you described is going on with my Pilot. I’ve been putting this off because of the expense but if it worked for you I’m tempted to go to Honda and share your experience. Thanks!

 

[Pilotturtle]

Posted this on another thread with the same problem:

I have a 2016 Honda Pilot Elite and same problems as described above. I took it to the dealer and they ran diagnostics and said there is nothing wrong. Took it back and showed them the exact problem. They also said the fan to cool the unit wasn’t working and needed a new head unit for 4K. I went online and found a new head unit for 800 dollars and installed it myself. After 20 minutes the same problem persisted. At this point the only thing I can think of is wiring problem or fuse problem. Honda at this point has absolutely no idea what’s wrong with it.

 

[ozamora129]

Please Help me I have the same problem... I changed the fan in the head unit and didnt work. I don't know what to do...

 

[edinelli]

I have same problem in 2016 Touring. after about 5 minutes start with static noise and then no more sounds... only GPS voice sounds.

 

[jules1203]

I have the same problem, get about 30 seconds of sound before static starts then it cuts out completely. When I showed my honda dealership the issue he asked what year the car was (2016 touring) and he said he only knew of that being an issue with the new models. lol, nice right? I opted not to pay the ridiculous diagnostic fee! I just found a video this evening on a fix that hopefully works!

 

[mickbrown98]

My 2016 Elite Pilot is fading out with lots of static after the radio is on for 15 minutes. Does anybody know a solution yet?

 

[aftp302]

Throwing my hat in the ring, 2016 Touring, bought new, problem started around September 2022. Same symptom, fine at start and fades to total static by ~20 minutes of driving. Dealer said they've never seen this problem (they need to come read this thread), and their best guess is replace the headunit. Still waiting on pricing, but also contemplating contacting Honda USA with a list of names from these threads here because we've got at least 20 people with the same issue and that means there are MANY more of us out there that don't come to Piloteers.

 

[donna.barlow41]

Me too. My dealership has no clue what is wrong.

 

[nir360]

I also have the static issue on my 2016 pilot touring, was anyone able to resolve it? Looks like changing the fan or even replacing the head unit doesn't guarantee the fix, what else could it be?