Phone banging noise

[Kelglaze]

I have a 2020 Telluride SX Prestige, took delivery late Oct. 2019, have just over 78,000 miles on it, and use the phone a ton when I'm driving. I've been experiencing this issue since delivery and have had it in the dealer to be looked at countless times with no resolution. They've tried just about everything, replacing the mic, counsel, etc. with zero improvement. Issue also happens with different phones. The dealer has now had my vehicle for the past two weeks and still can't figure it out. Up until reading this post I thought the issue was unique to my vehicle, I love everything else about the Telluride, so I was just going to buy a new one assuming the issue would go away. Unfortunately, when I test drove the 2022 version this afternoon I had the same exact issue. The GM of the dealership then got in the vehicle and called me from his android phone (I have an iPhone) and the problem was just as bad with his phone. Thankfully there was another dealership employee standing next to me and he used his phone to record just how bad it is. Not sure how bad the noise is on yours, but mine goes way beyond annoyance, it’s extremely loud and sounds like a gun fight at times. I'm going to be meeting again with the GM and a regional VP from the dealership tomorrow afternoon, I'll let you know if I find any resolution. How did you work your way up the corporate ranks at Kia, did you just start by contacting somebody through the Kia website? Any contact info you can pass on would be appreciated.

Also, a few things that I’ve noted are that it is much more prevalent at highway speeds and is worse when using Bluetooth vs being plugged in and using Apple Carplay. Although noisier roads seem to make it worse, the bangs aren’t in sync with hitting bumps/pavement seams.

 

[KenyaEdwards]

I have a 2020 Telluride SX Prestige, took delivery late Oct. 2019, have just over 78,000 miles on it, and use the phone a ton when I'm driving. I've been experiencing this issue since delivery and have had it in the dealer to be looked at countless times with no resolution. They've tried just about everything, replacing the mic, counsel, etc. with zero improvement. Issue also happens with different phones. The dealer has now had my vehicle for the past two weeks and still can't figure it out. Up until reading this post I thought the issue was unique to my vehicle, I love everything else about the Telluride, so I was just going to buy a new one assuming the issue would go away. Unfortunately, when I test drove the 2022 version this afternoon I had the same exact issue. The GM of the dealership then got in the vehicle and called me from his android phone (I have an iPhone) and the problem was just as bad with his phone. Thankfully there was another dealership employee standing next to me and he used his phone to record just how bad it is. Not sure how bad the noise is on yours, but mine goes way beyond annoyance, it’s extremely loud and sounds like a gun fight at times. I'm going to be meeting again with the GM and a regional VP from the dealership tomorrow afternoon, I'll let you know if I find any resolution. How did you work your way up the corporate ranks at Kia, did you just start by contacting somebody through the Kia website? Any contact info you can pass on would be appreciated.

Also, a few things that I’ve noted are that it is much more prevalent at highway speeds and is worse when using Bluetooth vs being plugged in and using Apple Carplay. Although noisier roads seem to make it worse, the bangs aren’t in sync with hitting bumps/pavement seams.

OMG I feel like I have found a friend!!!!
I’m so bummed to hear that the 2022 have the same issues.

Yes mine sounds like a total gun shoot out! I have recordings of mine as well. I am done with the dealer. They had my Telly for one month, called Kia Tech, called engineering and nothing has been fixed. I have an iPhone too BUT the dealer was able to replicate the noise on his Android. I bought my car in Atlanta GA and have been dealing with this issue. A dealer rep told me off the record to ask for a buyback but I’m not ready to turn it in! I love my SUV! Also I got lucky and introduced myself to a Regional VP who happened to be at the dealer and he told me it’s an engineering issue but engineering said they can’t replicate it enough to do an official recall and that more people have to complain. Also he said another issue is the audio is a third party brand which they have a deal with so that’s a problem too because it could be the audio manufacturer, the microphone and/or Bluetooth but they can’t tell! Hmmm maybe they Dealer and Regional VPs can connect? I would be happy to set all of it up!! Where are you located??

I have found that when I am on my AirPods on a call then enter my car and call transfers from AirPods to Bluetooth then the guns shot take place. Also when someone dials in while I’m on Bluetooth it takes place.

For corporate I was given some names to reach out to in the US office in California. I just got back from vacation and actually sending my email AND audio recordings to them. From that response then I will decide my next course of action.

Yes please please share how your meeting goes and I will share the response I receive. More voices are better than one and I want my Telly fixed!!!! Thank you for replying and sharing your story.

 

[Tellthemride]

is worse when using Bluetooth vs being plugged in and using Apple Carplay.

This alone rules out that the problem is with bluetooth. When plugged into the USB data port, bluetooth is not being used for Carplay and AA calls.

Is it possible the mic in the car is too sensitive and picking up background noise? Similar to two phones or computers in the same room on the same conference call. Could try scotch tape over the microphone opening to see if it reduces the noise at all during calls.

 

[Kelglaze]

This alone rules out that the problem is with bluetooth. When plugged into the USB data port, bluetooth is not being used for Carplay and AA calls.

Is it possible the mic in the car is too sensitive and picking up background noise? Similar to two phones or computers in the same room on the same conference call. Could try scotch tape over the microphone opening to see if it reduces the noise at all during calls.

View attachment 24117

Thanks for the idea, but the dealer has tried messing with this several times. If you were to hear the noise you'd know it has nothing to do with background noise, it's extremely loud "banging" with no banging going on in the background. I tried attaching the video I have to this post, but it doesn't allow this file type.

______________________________

 

[Kelglaze]

OMG I feel like I have found a friend!!!!
I’m so bummed to hear that the 2022 have the same issues.

Yes mine sounds like a total gun shoot out! I have recordings of mine as well. I am done with the dealer. They had my Telly for one month, called Kia Tech, called engineering and nothing has been fixed. I have an iPhone too BUT the dealer was able to replicate the noise on his Android. I bought my car in Atlanta GA and have been dealing with this issue. A dealer rep told me off the record to ask for a buyback but I’m not ready to turn it in! I love my SUV! Also I got lucky and introduced myself to a Regional VP who happened to be at the dealer and he told me it’s an engineering issue but engineering said they can’t replicate it enough to do an official recall and that more people have to complain. Also he said another issue is the audio is a third party brand which they have a deal with so that’s a problem too because it could be the audio manufacturer, the microphone and/or Bluetooth but they can’t tell! Hmmm maybe they Dealer and Regional VPs can connect? I would be happy to set all of it up!! Where are you located??

I have found that when I am on my AirPods on a call then enter my car and call transfers from AirPods to Bluetooth then the guns shot take place. Also when someone dials in while I’m on Bluetooth it takes place.

For corporate I was given some names to reach out to in the US office in California. I just got back from vacation and actually sending my email AND audio recordings to them. From that response then I will decide my next course of action.

Yes please please share how your meeting goes and I will share the response I receive. More voices are better than one and I want my Telly fixed!!!! Thank you for replying and sharing your story.

Hey Friend/Kindred Spirit!

I’m located in Wisconsin, glad to hear your located in Atlanta, since our climates couldn’t be more different. This takes away a potential future excuse from Kia: “We think the issue may be the extreme cold, wait, I mean the extreme heat…” I’ve heard every “theory” from the dealer from “it may just be your phone” to “it’s the sunglasses rattling in the sunglass holder” to “let’s try removing your front license plate, it may be causing a rattle to move through the frame of the car and get picked up by the mic” (Yes, they seriously tried that two weeks ago)

What trim level is yours? I have the SX Prestige, was wondering if it’s limited to that trim level, but if you have a different trim it rules that out.

So bummed as well about the 2022 having the same issue; I was all set to pull the trigger and take delivery on a 2022 pearl white SX Prestige Nightfall, but when I test drove it and had the same issue I had to pull the plug on it. I then spent several hours online looking at other vehicles, and like you, I’m just not ready to give up on the Telly yet. I’m also in sales, so having a phone that I can reliably talk a lot on is extremely important. In one of the other responses another user replied that “If you wan't to tell your wife you are running late, fine. If you are doing mergers and acquisitions, might want to wait” I hate to say it, but there’s a whole range of conversations between these two extreme examples. They also referenced Bluetooth connections being inherently unreliable, for the record, up until recently I only connected via Carplay with the cord.

I’ve been using a K5 loaner for the past two weeks, have put 2,000 miles on it, and have had zero phone issues. In fact, some of the people I talk to often have even commented that “wow, you finally got your car fixed” So glad I found your post; when I meet with the dealer today I’m going in with both guns blazing. I hate to even estimate the amount of time and energy I’ve spent dealing with this. At this point I’m going to suggest that they keep my Telluride and continue to provide me with a free loaner until Kia can figure it out. I’ll update you as things progress.

Thanks Friend!

 

[jodo]

I'm curious if the banging still occurs while parked. From the descriptions it sounds like the mic itself or some part of the housing is loose and knocking against another part of the housing. Therefore any slight bump or movement of the vehicle would cause it to bang into something creating the noise heard on the far end.

I feel like it's got to be something physical. If it were something in the software or anything like that I would think the banging sound would be heard on both ends.

At least, that's my guess as a vehicle manufacturing lay-person. That could explain why replacing the mic/head unit/etc doesn't resolve it. It could just be a bad mounting process or something.

 

[Kelglaze]

I'm curious if the banging still occurs while parked. From the descriptions it sounds like the mic itself or some part of the housing is loose and knocking against another part of the housing. Therefore any slight bump or movement of the vehicle would cause it to bang into something creating the noise heard on the far end.

I feel like it's got to be something physical. If it were something in the software or anything like that I would think the banging sound would be heard on both ends.

At least, that's my guess as a vehicle manufacturing lay-person. That could explain why replacing the mic/head unit/etc doesn't resolve it. It could just be a bad mounting process or something.

Thanks for the reply; no, the banging isn't there when the vehicle is stationary or even at slower than highway speeds. The dealership has had my vehicle for the past two weeks and they've had the entire console unit apart and checked for anything loose that could be causing it. About six months ago they also tried putting some foam shims in one area they thought might be a little loose. Also, same issue was there yesterday on a brand new 2022 with 750 miles on it, if it's something loose that would mean that the new vehicle would have to have the same loose part?

Thanks again for the ideas.

 

[KenyaEdwards]

Rxact

Thanks for the idea, but the dealer has tried messing with this several times. If you were to hear the noise you'd know it has nothing to do with background noise, it's extremely loud "banging" with no banging going on in the background. I tried attaching the video I have to this post, but it doesn't allow this file type.

Exactly correct! The noise is not background noise. It’s literally sounds like gun shots and it takes over the audio

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[jodo]

Thanks for the reply; no, the banging isn't there when the vehicle is stationary or even at slower than highway speeds. The dealership has had my vehicle for the past two weeks and they've had the entire console unit apart and checked for anything loose that could be causing it. About six months ago they also tried putting some foam shims in one area they thought might be a little loose. Also, same issue was there yesterday on a brand new 2022 with 750 miles on it, if it's something loose that would mean that the new vehicle would have to have the same loose part?

Thanks again for the ideas.

Very interesting. So my "loose part" theory seems likely. I'm assuming it's just a design flaw from the manufacturer and replacing parts won't fix that because the flaw is built into the design (or simply unaccounted for). This is definitely something Kia needs to investigate, find the cause and fix as well as issuing a TSB so people can get it fixed under warranty.

 

[KenyaEdwards]

Very interesting. So my "loose part" theory seems likely. I'm assuming it's just a design flaw from the manufacturer and replacing parts won't fix that because the flaw is built into the design (or simply unaccounted for). This is definitely something Kia needs to investigate, find the cause and fix as well as issuing a TSB so people can get it fixed under warranty.

They replaced my amplifier to try to fix it but that didn’t work

 

[Tellthemride]

Can also try enabling Phone Noise Cancellation in the iPhone settings to see if that helps.

On your iPhone Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Phone Noise Cancellation

 

[Dov]

Wow! My wife has a 2019 kona and she's been experiencing the same gun shot banging noise. Microphone replaced and the head unit. No change. Happens in motion or standing still. With my android it does it too along with her iPhone. Noise cancellation is on and this is such a huge let down as the dealer is pretty much saying we've done all we can! Up north in Canada glad to hear of others going through this too. Please keep us all posted with your plan of action to get this rectified.

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[KenyaEdwards]

Hey Friend/Kindred Spirit!

I’m located in Wisconsin, glad to hear your located in Atlanta, since our climates couldn’t be more different. This takes away a potential future excuse from Kia: “We think the issue may be the extreme cold, wait, I mean the extreme heat…” I’ve heard every “theory” from the dealer from “it may just be your phone” to “it’s the sunglasses rattling in the sunglass holder” to “let’s try removing your front license plate, it may be causing a rattle to move through the frame of the car and get picked up by the mic” (Yes, they seriously tried that two weeks ago)

What trim level is yours? I have the SX Prestige, was wondering if it’s limited to that trim level, but if you have a different trim it rules that out.

So bummed as well about the 2022 having the same issue; I was all set to pull the trigger and take delivery on a 2022 pearl white SX Prestige Nightfall, but when I test drove it and had the same issue I had to pull the plug on it. I then spent several hours online looking at other vehicles, and like you, I’m just not ready to give up on the Telly yet. I’m also in sales, so having a phone that I can reliably talk a lot on is extremely important. In one of the other responses another user replied that “If you wan't to tell your wife you are running late, fine. If you are doing mergers and acquisitions, might want to wait” I hate to say it, but there’s a whole range of conversations between these two extreme examples. They also referenced Bluetooth connections being inherently unreliable, for the record, up until recently I only connected via Carplay with the cord.

I’ve been using a K5 loaner for the past two weeks, have put 2,000 miles on it, and have had zero phone issues. In fact, some of the people I talk to often have even commented that “wow, you finally got your car fixed” So glad I found your post; when I meet with the dealer today I’m going in with both guns blazing. I hate to even estimate the amount of time and energy I’ve spent dealing with this. At this point I’m going to suggest that they keep my Telluride and continue to provide me with a free loaner until Kia can figure it out. I’ll update you as things progress.

Thanks Friend!

Hi Friend! Apologies I thought I replied back months ago!!!

I have the 2021 Nightfall Edition SX Prestige Ebony Black. So my issue has been continuing and I got fed up!! SO I emailed some very high corporate people that I located, gave them the whole low down, sent in my audio gunshot sound clips and guess I received a call from corporate 2 days later. Where we are today - They flew a tech team and the Regional Service manager here to Atlanta and are currently looking at my vehicle as I type this. Today is Day 1.

Previously they said the same thing to me -- maybe its your phone, what kind of phone do you have, do you use a brand name Apple cord - all those questions. It don't matter because it does not fix the problem. Sooooo we shall what their solution is because I am not throwing in the towel - I will have a resolution or they need to give me a new car! I'll keep you updated.

Did they fix your Telly or did you sell it?

Thanks!!

 

[Ash2]

I have the exact same problem on my 2020 SX Telluride. Replicated on 3 iphones with various power cords and Bluetooth resets to no avail. So frustrating.

 

[Ash2]

Hi Friend! Apologies I thought I replied back months ago!!!

I have the 2021 Nightfall Edition SX Prestige Ebony Black. So my issue has been continuing and I got fed up!! SO I emailed some very high corporate people that I located, gave them the whole low down, sent in my audio gunshot sound clips and guess I received a call from corporate 2 days later. Where we are today - They flew a tech team and the Regional Service manager here to Atlanta and are currently looking at my vehicle as I type this. Today is Day 1.

Previously they said the same thing to me -- maybe its your phone, what kind of phone do you have, do you use a brand name Apple cord - all those questions. It don't matter because it does not fix the problem. Sooooo we shall what their solution is because I am not throwing in the towel - I will have a resolution or they need to give me a new car! I'll keep you updated.

Did they fix your Telly or did you sell it?

Thanks!!

Dear Kenya,

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have the same issue and very anxious about the problem as the dealer has been struggling to replicate and repair it. How did you reach corporate to get the A Team to come and help?

Best
Ash

 

[Ash2]

Whenever we use our iPhones in the car the person on the other end hears a really loud noise—like a banging pipe. Mostly we end up using our hand-held phones, which of course we shouldn’t. I can’t find any discussions of this issue.

We have the same issue in our 2020 Telluride SX Prestige. Took to dealer 2x without ability to replicate, despite multiple audio recordings being shared! Please help!

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[Ness7386]

Whenever we use our iPhones in the car the person on the other end hears a really loud noise—like a banging pipe. Mostly we end up using our hand-held phones, which of course we shouldn’t. I can’t find any discussions of this issue.

Same problem we’re having! Have you found a resolution?

 

[G-67772]

I have a 22 telluride and am having the same issue.

 

[JPC~Telly]

I've dealt with the same issue on my 2020 SX Prestige for almost 50,000 miles with no resolution until this week. The banging was the only issue I've had with the Telly and never brought it in for them to look at since I was just following along here to see if anyone found a fix. Luckily, I guess, that the clock stopped working on the head unit and the GPS lost its location on the NAV screen and I had to take it in. They diagnosed the problem as a bad head unit and I had to have it replaced. Its only been a week but the banging is gone.

 

[Lwilliams8790]

I have a 22 sx prestige that I took delivery on April 9, 22. Since day one I’ve had this exact same problem. It sounds like a gun shoot out or construction zone. It happens when the call transfers to the car, when making calls from the car, or receiving calls in car. The noise isn’t there if I’m stopped but it starts as soon as the car starts moving. I’ve tried moving my sunglasses and that hasn’t worked. I emailed my dealer and he said he’s not had anyone complain about this issue and is unfamiliar with it. I’ve stopped answering my phone in the car and answer it directly from my phone which is super inconvenient. Has anyone had success or updates with their issues?