2023-2026 Honda Infotainment Displays Old SMS Messages

Symptoms: Infotainment System Displays Previously Viewed SMS Messages

Owners of certain 2023-2026 Honda vehicles may notice their infotainment system repeatedly displaying SMS messages that have already been viewed. This occurs specifically when an Android phone is connected to the vehicle's infotainment system via Bluetooth. Each time the vehicle is started (ignition cycle), these previously seen messages may reappear, leading to a cluttered display and potential distraction. This specific symptom, "Infotainment System Displays Previously Viewed SMS Messages," is a known concern addressed by Honda.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The issue of the Honda Civic SMS messages reappearing is directly linked to the interaction between an Android smartphone and the vehicle's Bluetooth connection. The problem is triggered upon each ignition cycle, meaning every time the vehicle is turned on, the infotainment system attempts to re-sync or redisplay SMS messages from the connected Android device.

It is important to note that this specific problem does not occur if you are using Android Auto for your phone's integration. The issue is isolated to situations where the Android phone is connected solely via Bluetooth for communication features. This distinction helps in diagnosing whether your vehicle is experiencing the specific problem described in Honda bulletin ATS30566.

Temporary Solution for Honda Civic SMS Messages

Honda has released Technical Service Bulletin ATS30566, which outlines a temporary solution while a permanent fix is under development. This temporary measure involves adjusting the permissions for the SMS application on your Android smartphone to prevent the infotainment system from accessing and redisplaying old messages. This will resolve the recurring Honda Civic SMS messages problem.

To apply this temporary solution, follow these steps on your Android phone:

1. Navigate to your phone's settings: General Settings > Advanced Settings > Apps > View All Apps.
2. Locate and select SMS from the list of installed applications.
3. Within the SMS app settings, select Permissions.
4. Change the permission setting to Don't Allow.
5. When prompted, confirm your choice by selecting Don't Allow Anyway.

This procedure will restrict the infotainment system's ability to access your SMS messages via Bluetooth, thereby preventing the previously viewed messages from reappearing. Be aware that this temporary fix may also prevent new SMS notifications from appearing on your infotainment screen.

Important Note for Owners

Honda explicitly states that this issue, where the "Infotainment System Displays Previously Viewed SMS Messages," does not occur when using Android Auto. If you typically use Android Auto, you may not experience this problem. However, if you rely on a standard Bluetooth connection for phone calls and messages, the temporary solution provided in ATS30566 is applicable. A permanent solution is currently being developed by Honda, and owners should stay informed about future updates from their dealership or Honda directly.

What Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected 2023-2026 Honda models and are experiencing the "Infotainment System Displays Previously Viewed SMS Messages" issue with your Android phone connected via Bluetooth, you can apply the temporary solution outlined above. This will help manage the Honda Civic SMS messages problem until a permanent software update is available. Contact your authorized Honda dealer for further assistance or to inquire about the status of the permanent solution.

Source: NHTSA ID 11031289