Bluetooth Stuttering in Phone Calls

[doctor15]

Has anyone experienced issues with severe "stutters" when making phone calls over Bluetooth? There will be waves of several seconds where the sound is severely garbled (sounds almost like a song buffering), but distinctly different from the typical static or cell reception issues. I have tried with multiple phones (that work fine on other cars) and ensured I have full cell service at these times and it seems to be related to the car.

This happens seemingly randomly, and only impacts phone calls (bluetooth audio works great). I have had 30 minute phone calls with no issue and other times just have to hang up after several minutes of only being able to hear every few words.

The dealer has already tried replacing the bluetooth module and amplifier (not sure why since audio was fine), but no changes with this issue. It also doesn't help that I was not able to reproduce the issue at the dealer.

Any recommendations on what to try next?

EDIT: I have the Grand Touring with the Bose system

 

[MikeM.]

This happens seemingly randomly, and only impacts phone calls (bluetooth audio works great). I have had 30 minute phone calls with no issue and other times just have to hang up after several minutes of only being able to hear every few words.

The dealer has already tried replacing the bluetooth module and amplifier (not sure why since audio was fine), but no changes with this issue. It also doesn't help that I was not able to reproduce the issue at the dealer.

Any recommendations on what to try next?

EDIT: I have the Grand Touring with the Bose system

That sounds more like a cellular issue. All carriers are capable of garbled speech and momentary drop-outs but some are better than others.

How do you like the way the car drives?

 

[doctor15]

That sounds more like a cellular issue. All carriers are capable of garbled speech and momentary drop-outs but some are better than others.

I assumed the same, but it never happens in other cars driving the same routes. This is also very different from the typical signal drop-outs.. (which I do sometimes hear). I wish I had an audio recording to play.

How do you like the way the car drives?

The car drives great! Especially while getting 30+mpg.

 

[doctor15]

I should also add it in cases where it lasts for several minutes, I can switch to my headset and IMMEDIATELY talk with no issue.

 

[Fleeecy]

Sounds like a cell phone Bluetooth problem. Have you tried with a different phone? What kind of phone is it?

 

[doctor15]

Sounds like a cell phone Bluetooth problem. Have you tried with a different phone? What kind of phone is it?

It's a Moto X. Happens on multiple phones (and does not happen in other cars).

 

[capnfatpants]

I think I have a similar problem... also with a MotoX. It sounds kind of like the other person is talking through a fan, but the volume cuts completely out. My bluetooth also cuts out briefly when I'm listening to music. It just sort of pauses for a second or so then resumes. Rarely, it disconnects completely and has to reconnect all over again and with the phonebook downloading everytime, it's pretty annoying.

 

[doctor15]

It sounds kind of like the other person is talking through a fan, but the volume cuts completely out.

Yes! That is a good description. I don't have the issue with the BT cutting out thought. Does it only happen with your Moto X? I really didn't think it was my phone since I use it all the time in another car, but its possible. It makes the BT relatively unusable.

 

[Fleeecy]

Bluetooth has to be one of the most finicky techs I've encountered. If your dealer already replaced your BT module, it's time to go phone shopping

My CX-5 has been able to handle my iPhone 4, 5s and now a 6 Plus with zero Bluetooth issues, apart from the well-known disabled shuffle-play iPod issue.

Sound is always clear and loud. I'm sure folks can say the same for their Android devices. Anyone with a Moto X + CX-5 that actually cooperate?

 

[capnfatpants]

I've never paired another phone to it, but in my old Ford Focus with sync, I don't remember having a problem. It actually hasn't happened in a while, though. So, maybe it was my cell provider (Tmobile) and they fixed the problem?

 

[Tpendo]

I've never paired another phone to it, but in my old Ford Focus with sync, I don't remember having a problem. It actually hasn't happened in a while, though. So, maybe it was my cell provider (Tmobile) and they fixed the problem?

This happens with my CX-5 and my Samsung 4S

 

[ALafya]

Bluetooth stuttering during playback is a known issue with some Android versions/Hardware combinations.
I don't know the exact cause, but it definitely has to do with the crappy open-source Bluetooth libraries that everyone is using. For me, it became worse with Kitkat 4.4.3 / 4.4.4, but still only a minor annoyance on on my Nexus 4.
I am pretty sure Google is aware and is fixing the issue. I should be getting the L release pretty soon and I hope it will be addressed.