NHTSA complaint #11762731

Owner complaint summary

My Honda Accord has a recurring infotainment/touchscreen malfunction commonly described as “phantom touch” or “ghost touch.” The touchscreen was replaced approximately one year ago under warranty for the same issue. The problem has now returned and is significantly worse. The infotainment system activates and changes functions without any input from the driver. The vehicle has experienced the following: Stereo turns on unexpectedly at an alarmingly high volume. Volume increases and decreases on its own. Radio stations change without driver input. The system automatically places phone calls without driver input. Phone connectivity turns off and back on by itself. Touchscreen selections and menus activate or change on their own. The backup camera does not always display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. These failures occur unpredictably, including while the vehicle is being operated, and create a significant driver distraction. The sudden high-volume audio and unexpected activation of phone, radio, and touchscreen functions can divert the driver’s attention from the road. I am particularly concerned that the backup camera intermittently fails to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. Honda previously replaced the touchscreen under warranty because of the same malfunction. I recently returned the vehicle to Pensacola Honda in Pensacola, Florida, after the problem recurred. I was advised by the Service Manager that Honda considers the issue a programming problem and that no further repair or replacement would be performed. The problem remains unresolved and continues to occur. The prior touchscreen replacement did not provide a lasting correction. Because the system continues to activate functions without driver input and the backup camera does not consistently display when the vehicle is placed in reverse, I am reporting this recurring malfunction to NHTSA as a vehicle safety concern.