NHTSA Complaint #11686800 — 2021 HONDA PILOT

When using Apple CarPlay (wired or wireless), audio intermittently skips and stutters like a skipping CD or static AM radio. This only occurs on CarPlay, not Bluetooth. The skipping can make navigation prompts and hands-free calls unintelligible. Bluetooth audio works fine. Concern: The infotainment/head unit system may be part of the known MOST bus / FAKRA connector issue documented in Honda TSB A20-058 (which covers 2019-21 Pilot/Passport). Although my VIN shows no recalls, the behavior suggests a communication defect in the infotainment system. Safety relevance: This impacts driver attention and safety, since distorted CarPlay audio interferes with navigation directions, voice calls, and Siri prompts. It forces the driver to look down at the phone more frequently, which increases distraction.