2012 CRV - IPhone Integration doesn't work, Navigation system way too complicated

[mgcrv]

My Wife and I love the new CRV except for the following technology issues:

1) Navigation system is too complicated and slow, particularly for making phone calls.
Basically, it takes at least 3-4 pushes of talk button on steering wheel to do voice dialing. Any notion of improved safety is gone given all the buttons and menus you have to push. I am better off using voice dialing on Iphone with my bluetooth headset.

2) I am also having problems with Iphone 4G and 4S connectivity.
a) Bluetooth connection is not always reliable: You think it is connected and then randomly the phone will reconnect during the drive (i.e., you are told: XYZ phone is now connected). Also, for some reason, when connecting via bluetooth, it will turn Iphone volume down to zero. Once you change volume on phone - everthing works again. The volume control on Iphone is either off/mute or on (regardless of Iphone volume setting).
b) Connection via USB: This is preferred for seeing album artwork and using thumb's up/down for pandora (as mentioned above). Interesting, if you cycle through audio sources (e.g., FM, AM, XM) and back to USB) the connection doesn't work and neither controls on navigation or through Iphone don't work. You basically have to unplug dock connector and reconnect it to make it work. This also happens when you turn the car off and then back on again (i.e., unplug and then reconnect USB connector).

When dealer called Honda tech support on behalf - they told me they were aware of issue and Apple needed to fix it. I was dumbfounded at that response. Considering that Apple sold 37 Million Iphones in Q4 2011 - I don't think the are going to worry about fixing an application issue for Honda. I don't know if I am more disappointed that Iphone integration doesn't work as advertised -or- Honda's response. For now - we are stuck with the problem until Honda fixes it - or - we turn the car back in and buy something else (likely not a Honda).

[Tuktanuk]

I have pretty much the same gripes in a thread I started. As for connection issues. look at your iPhone for those problems. people have been having issues and it is all the iphone there not Honda so they are right in saying that Apple needs to address it. Others here have stated that turning the WiFi off on the iphone seems to lessen the issues. I am Android all the way so I can't help you with apple issues.

[BrandoRex]

I've noticed the voice commands are a bit slow. I haven't had any issues with my Android outside of it not supporting text messages.

The console does have it's own logic to it and takes a bit of time to get used to. I basically sat in my CRV for around an hour and just fiddled with it, drove it around, parked and messed with it more. Once you understand how it thinks, (ie. Cancel is backspace or back in a browser) it comes across fairly good.

My recommendation is to get a USB hard drive for music. Using a portable one that runs on phantom power, will lower your footprint and you won't need power plus you can have all of your music riding around with you (a big jukebox!). It will hold more than your phone will and shouldn't have to wrangle with your phone. Plus, you don't have to unplug and replug in timeserver you get out of the vehicle - just leave it in.

[hans471]

I am using a two year old Samsung phone on mine. It works great! Links right up and everything is good-to-go as soon as I get in the car. Sorry to hear others have problems. Voice dial is perfect on mine.

[Cav]

mine and my wifes iphone drop connection while driving also.

[Tuktanuk]

To all those having issues with the HFL in the CR-V. PLEASE submit a ticket with Honda via this link. It does not matter if the issue is with IOS or Android. The only way it will get addressed is if Honda is flooded with tickets/complaints. I've submitted a few tickets and will continue to do so until they respond like the website claims they will.

[Toast1927]

I have a 2012 EX-L also. We traded in a 2008 EX-L. I would say the Nav "Upgrades" are quite a downgrade. It is almost impossible to input an address while moving. The voice recognition is horrendous and just about impossible to use.

If you do have a route entered and want to add an intermediate waypoint for a food stop it only finds a the next 5-10 possibilities, where as the Gen 3 would search out the next 50-60 miles with dozens of choices.

One suggestion that was given to me was to try to change the software. By that I mean does the software in a UK or Europe CR-V still grey out options while moving? If it does not can we buy the Nav software for the UK or Europe car and install it in the US car?

[Jerry G]

Just took delivery of a new '12 EX-L today. Drives great, looks great, love the car so far, except for the whole nav/bluetooth package. What a bundle of frustration - it comes with a 200+ page "navigation manual"! I've never before bought a car on which I was unable to figure out how to set the radio station presets while driving it home. It's just all way too complicated. Adding insult to injury, neither my own nor my wife's cell phones will "pair" with the "Hands Free Link." They are both older, simple Samsung non-smartphones with bluetooth that, ironically, worked great in an Acura TL loaner that we had about a year ago - which convinced us that our next car absolutely had to have that feature! Now we've got the car and we can't use the feature without buying new cell phones.

[releehweoj]

My recommendation is to get a USB hard drive for music. Using a portable one that runs on phantom power, will lower your footprint and you won't need power plus you can have all of your music riding around with you (a big jukebox!). It will hold more than your phone will and shouldn't have to wrangle with your phone. Plus, you don't have to unplug and replug in timeserver you get out of the vehicle - just leave it in.

+1. I did the same. Bought an 8G flash drive from Newegg for 8 bucks delivered. Room for 142 CDs at 192K. Works like a charm and no having to plug/unplug iPhone each time enter/exit car. Only very small gotcha - doesn't seem to display album art from flash drive - owner's manual doesn't mention it for flash drives but does for iPod/iPhone & Pandora. HFL works fine with my iPhone 4S even if I leave Wifi turned on.

[urdumania2012]

I think there is i understand your problem you do have a route entered and want to add an intermediate way point for a food stop.I think it only finds a the next 5-10 possibilities, where as the Gen 3 would search out the next 50-60 miles with dozens of choices.