Why 2016 Chevrolet Camaro owners are sounding off about microphone problems

Can you hear me now? Owners of 2016 Chevrolet Camaros are sounding off over issues with their in-car microphones. Drivers are complaining that they can't make calls because the bluetooth microphones have too much distortion or wind noise.

One of the Camaro forums has five pages of discussion over problems with the Bluetooth microphone in the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. A driver named Giri, from Florida, started the ball rolling when she complained about problems with her 2016 1LT. Giri says she loves the car but “The microphone just doesn't seem to work. If I'm driving any faster than 10mph the person on the other side of the line can't hear me AT ALL. They say it sounds like I have my windows down. I've tried turning my AC off, bluetooth and carplay, and even another phone. Is there anything I can do? To me this is unacceptable after dropping 30k on a car.”

Giri was quickly joined by others who have had similar complaints. A Texas driver quickly chimed in “Yes, second this. I've tried everything as well. I've been reduced to using my headphones and mic. The girlfriend says that I sound distorted, like a robot. Same model too 1LT with RS and Tech package. Aside from that and the whistling noise from the driver and passenger window I'm absolutely in love with the car.”

And an owner from Georgia joined the chorus, “Same problem as giri. 1SS. Maybe my mic is defective. I have an iPhone 6S Plus. Ive tried bluetooth and via the USB wire. Same results. If I drive over 10 mph while talking call quality sucks.”

The Texas owner also elaborated on his audio trouble. “If I'm doing anything other than waiting at a red light or talking while in park no one can hear me. I've tried with Apple Car Play (Siri) and the regular Camaro voice software and both did not understand what I was saying. Makes it impossible to use the voice to text feature for text messages or for trying to make a call to someone.”

A driver who goes by Emoto, reached out to Giri to tell her that something must be wrong with her system. Emoto wrote “That is not the way it is supposed to be. I have been told while driving down the highway at 70 mph (windows closed and no defroster blowing) that I sound better than I have ever sounded over cell phone to a friend of mine who is an audio person.”

Chevrolet must now be monitoring some of the forums because a customer service representative logged in to offer Giri some help. She said “Thank you for reaching out to us. We apologize for any frustrations caused by this Bluetooth concern in your Camaro, and we can assure you this is not the way the system is intended to operate. We recommend reaching out to our Infotainment team (855-478-7767), as they are in the best position to assist with troubleshooting connectivity concerns. If you are still seeking additional support after speaking with them, please reach out to us by private message and we would be happy to look into this further on our end.”

Giri’s saga continued. She ended up taking her brand new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro back to the dealer four different times.Replacing the microphone didn’t help, but they finally found the issue. “My dealer was finally able to resolve the problem! They kept my car for a couple of days but were able to trace the issue to a leak in the body seam under the windshield, RIGHT above the microphone. They sealed it and the mic is perfect. If anyone else is having a similar issue I urge you to get your dealer to check your windshield for leaks around the Mic.”

Giri goes on to say that they ended up diagnosing the problem by listening to her windshield with a stethoscope while driving.

Now that it is a documented problem with a potential solution perhaps the other drivers will be able to get their audio issues repaired. The customer service number they gave Giri may be able to help others having similar frustrating issues with their 2016 Chevrolet Camaros.