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Navigation/Radio Rebooting Constantly

277K views 171 replies 98 participants last post by  rallan65  
#1 · (Edited)
I have a 2014 Limited Platinum and in the last year I began to have an issue with the Navigation system, radio and basically all the "computer" parts rebooting.

- It first would happen once every couple of weeks, just suddenly freeze... no controls would work, the display even behind the wheel would be frozen then within a minute everything would reboot with the toyota logo like when you started the car and would work.
- The frequency was rare enough I ignored it until the frequency began to pick up, sometimes beginning to happen multiple times a day or even a single drive. It would come and go and be really bad one week then get better.
- The rebooting did not seem tied to a particular action or button press, nor hitting a bump or rough patch... it was random.
- We never use any of the applications in the navigation system, just the radio and moving map.
- Finally had the dealership look at it and they swore they "knew for sure the fix" as a software update that my system needed because it was a "known issue". I asked how it was a software issue if it worked correctly for years and only started happening the last year and has gotten worse all without any software updates. The answer they gave is that our iPhones which connect via bluetooth have ever changing software and it is that integration that is likely causing the issue. Well $80 an a software update I'm back on the road. It seemed ok for a couple of weeks but now we have had 2 random reboots again.

Anyone with this issue? Doesn't this seem like a loose wire or some hardware component failing?

Thanks!
 
#2 · (Edited)
the first attempt should be a software update, either a warranty issue in 3 / 36 or if past warranty
should he an hours labor...........at the dealer.

if that does not fix it you need a new head unit. $$$$$$$$$$$ .

you could always disconnect the negative battery terminal for 10-15 min and reconnect just rule out a random glitch, and its free.

if you do have the latest update the next step is a new head unit.

THIS:
answer they gave is that our iPhones which connect via bluetooth have ever changing software and it is that integration that is likely causing the issue.
IS A LOAD OF B.S.

if software doesnt fix it, the only thing really left is hardware (new head unit)
 
#75 · (Edited)
the first attempt should be a software update, either a warranty issue in 3 / 36 or if past warranty
should he an hours labor...........at the dealer.

if that does not fix it you need a new head unit. $$$$$$$$$$$ .

you could always disconnect the negative battery terminal for 10-15 min and reconnect just rule out a random glitch, and its free.

if you do have the latest update the next step is a new head unit.

THIS:
answer they gave is that our iPhones which connect via bluetooth have ever changing software and it is that integration that is likely causing the issue.
IS A LOAD OF B.S.

if software doesnt fix it, the only thing really left is hardware (new head unit)
I’m guessing this is the issue, my iPhone. Recently my iPhone 10 XR started making my Nav/radio system go on and off again. Very annoying as I was enjoying my Pandora for over a year now. I turn off the Bluetooth and it’s back to normal. So it’s the iPhone or the Toyota system not being able to work with the iPhone. This happens regardless if it’s plugged in or not with charging cord or using WiFi Bluetooth option.
 
#3 ·
I have a 2014 Limited Platinum and in the last year I began to have an issue with the Navigation system, radio and basically all the "computer" parts rebooting.
Unfortunately this is another one of those issues that Toyota has NOT corrected completely. In the beginning I had same rebooting problems. Dealer updated system and it got a little better. Year or so later I updated the navigation card, pretty much no difference. Mine still looses the bass & treble settings about once a month or so. Recently I downloaded the latest software and updated my system. Knock on wood so far so good. I do believe that paring the iPhone is the culprit. Anyways here's a link to the latest download and its free. Hope this helps.... https://securedp.toyota.com/download-app/getUpdates
 
#82 ·
I had this problem too and I found the solution on this board several months ago. There was a link and I downloaded the software update to a thumb drive. Plugged the drive into my 2015 Highlander and pressed the setup button on the dash. The entire process took about 40 minutes including the time to do the research and saved what I believe was hundreds of dollars if I had to go to Toyota.
 
#87 ·
There are quite a few posts about this one, so I'll ask my question in the most recent one. Has anyone had their radio replaced, then replaced again by Toyota outside of warranty?

This link, also posted above, https://securedp.toyota.com/download-app/getHeadUnits does it work in Canada too, or the US only?
Yes, under warranty I had mine replaced. The replacement under warranty is a used refurbished nav unit. I had no idea until it reset again within minutes of leaving Kings Toyota in Cincinnati . After dozens of attempts to reboot, reset, and update this second unit I gave up. Unfortunately now my nav screen looks like a bright white LED flood light making it hard to drive at night. It doesn't even turn off with the key or alarm and kills the battery. Under warranty the replacement was $500 and now out of warranty its over $900 for another used one. I should have lemon lawed this truck early on
 
#6 ·
I've been searching all over the net for resolutions to this issue. I found a couple videos that showed how to remove the panel on the dash and access the head unit (pretty easy task). Being a computer scientist and knowing that this issue seems to be related to a hard drive (rebooting, getting worse over time, etc.), I took mine apart and looked for a drive to see if it might be a loose connection or something like that. The system definitely shows the symptoms of a drive gone bad. As more and more sectors go bad on the drive, it does stuff like hang up or reboot more often. Mine finally got to the state of constantly rebooting. Anyway, when I did remove the head unit, I turned it over and underneath, attached to the head unit, itself, was what appears to be a standard hard drive like you'd find in desktop computers. I don't think these drives are ideal for use in vehicles; all the off/on, jolting while driving, etc. is a recipe for failure in my opinion.


So I'm thinking that if these units are replaced with the same architecture, they ARE doomed to fail again. I'll be getting with Toyota to share my thoughts and I want to know if they are doing anything to compensate buyers for their poor judgement in this case. They've sold these units, that were doomed to fail from the beginning, to us. So I think they should do something to make that right. What that something is, I'm not sure at this point. Thanks.
 
#7 ·
Anyway, when I did remove the head unit, I turned it over and underneath, attached to the head unit, itself, was what appears to be a standard hard drive like you'd find in desktop computers. I don't think these drives are ideal for use in vehicles; all the off/on, jolting while driving, etc. is a recipe for failure in my opinion.
Seriously? A mechanical hard drive in an automotive radio? Or perhaps an SSD? Can you post a photo please?

Paul
 
#8 ·
While it seems silly in contrast to a solid-state drive (SSD) today, traditional mechanical hard drives have served well for years in vehicular applications. (Think Panasonic Toughbooks and emergency vehicles.) The key is mounting the drive correctly with shock-absorbing mounts to isolate it from the vehicle's vibration. Toughbooks even had heaters for the hard drives assuming the vehicle would be parked outside in the winter.
 
#12 ·
My 2014 has been doing the same thing - getting more frequent. I'll try the software update. I've called three dealers who act like they've never heard of the issue. Crazy. My mechanic sure knows about it. Does anyone know how much it would cost to have them replace the whole unit? I want to sell the car to my daughter, but not with this issue getting worse and worse lately. Also - do you know if this is resolved in later models? I'm looking at a 2016 now. Thank you in advance.
 
#13 ·
I hate it when the dealers play dumb like that. Entune has always had problems with bugs and rebooting spontaneously. Sadly, they didn't fix the problem completely by 2016; the solution is still to be on the most recent software update available.

You can go to this site to download the firmware updates yourself and skip the dealer. This site doesn't always have the latest update available, but I don't believe there has been an update for the 2014-15 units in quite some time so that shouldn't be an issue for you.
 
#15 ·
The stereo in the HL is one of the few weakest points. Within the first year just months after I got the new car, I took it out and its been excellent with a Pioneer NEX unit. Hoping the search is working more smoothly...You should find LOTS of threads about this topic. Many are happy with Android units with some hiccups for some, but changing the unit is a no brainer if you like sound and function
 
#18 ·
I have a 2014 Limited Platinum and in the last year I began to have an issue with the Navigation system, radio and basically all the "computer" parts rebooting.

  • It first would happen once every couple of weeks, just suddenly freeze... no controls would work, the display even behind the wheel would be frozen then within a minute everything would reboot with the toyota logo like when you started the car and would work.
  • The frequency was rare enough I ignored it until the frequency began to pick up, sometimes beginning to happen multiple times a day or even a single drive. It would come and go and be really bad one week then get better.
  • The rebooting did not seem tied to a particular action or button press, nor hitting a bump or rough patch... it was random.
  • We never use any of the applications in the navigation system, just the radio and moving map.
  • Finally had the dealership look at it and they swore they "knew for sure the fix" as a software update that my system needed because it was a "known issue". I asked how it was a software issue if it worked correctly for years and only started happening the last year and has gotten worse all without any software updates. The answer they gave is that our iPhones which connect via bluetooth have ever changing software and it is that integration that is likely causing the issue. Well $80 an a software update I'm back on the road. It seemed ok for a couple of weeks but now we have had 2 random reboots again.

Anyone with this issue? Doesn't this seem like a loose wire or some hardware component failing?

Thanks!
I had the radio hardware replaced and 2-3 weeks later went back to rebooting/freezing, I believe it’s just a poor quality device used on the highlander models. Now service has no idea what’s going on and can only comment that they would not know if it doesn’t happen to them and device seems OK for them.
 
#19 ·
I have a 2014 Limited Platinum and in the last year I began to have an issue with the Navigation system, radio and basically all the "computer" parts rebooting.

  • It first would happen once every couple of weeks, just suddenly freeze... no controls would work, the display even behind the wheel would be frozen then within a minute everything would reboot with the toyota logo like when you started the car and would work.
  • The frequency was rare enough I ignored it until the frequency began to pick up, sometimes beginning to happen multiple times a day or even a single drive. It would come and go and be really bad one week then get better.
  • The rebooting did not seem tied to a particular action or button press, nor hitting a bump or rough patch... it was random.
  • We never use any of the applications in the navigation system, just the radio and moving map.
  • Finally had the dealership look at it and they swore they "knew for sure the fix" as a software update that my system needed because it was a "known issue". I asked how it was a software issue if it worked correctly for years and only started happening the last year and has gotten worse all without any software updates. The answer they gave is that our iPhones which connect via bluetooth have ever changing software and it is that integration that is likely causing the issue. Well $80 an a software update I'm back on the road. It seemed ok for a couple of weeks but now we have had 2 random reboots again.

Anyone with this issue? Doesn't this seem like a loose wire or some hardware component failing?

Thanks!
Turn your Bluetooth off of your phone. Mine rebooted every 2 miles. It’s the new phones with the hands free. Toyota isn’t up to date and their systems are not keeping up with new technology. If my phone connects it reboots every 2 mikes. Unconnected I never have the problem. Try it and let me know if it’s the same with your ToyotaEntune. Highlander owner
 
#22 ·
If headunit reboots within 5 mins of connecting phone. Mostly apple iphone. Please make sure to update ios 13.2. This apple software has updated bluetooth bug fixes.
Second part remove phone from car and delete out car from phone.
Reconnect the phone, while in the iphone bluetooth setting hit the i icon to the right of your vehicle. Scroll down to groups and uncheck them.
This helps with rebooting that I have seen. Let me know if this works, if someone tries this.
 
#23 ·
If headunit reboots within 5 mins of connecting phone. Mostly apple iphone. Please make sure to update ios 13.2. This apple software has updated bluetooth bug fixes.
Second part remove phone from car and delete out car from phone.
Reconnect the phone, while in the iphone bluetooth setting hit the i icon to the right of your vehicle. Scroll down to groups and uncheck them.
This helps with rebooting that I have seen. Let me know if this works, if someone tries this.
I do have the lastest13.2 iPhone update and the lasted Entunes update. The Toyota tech had to set my Highlander back to factory settings just to get current update on my system! When I reconnected by XR Max Iphone my system went to rebooting again. Any more ideas??
 
#24 ·
I have a 2014 Limited Platinum and in the last year I began to have an issue with the Navigation system, radio and basically all the "computer" part
I have a brand new 2019 Tacoma and since the last iPhone update is doing just as you said. It’s normal with iPhone bluetooth off
s rebooting.

  • It first would happen once every couple of weeks, just suddenly freeze... no controls would work, the display even behind the wheel would be frozen then within a minute everything would reboot with the toyota logo like when you started the car and would work.
  • The frequency was rare enough I ignored it until the frequency began to pick up, sometimes beginning to happen multiple times a day or even a single drive. It would come and go and be really bad one week then get better.
  • The rebooting did not seem tied to a particular action or button press, nor hitting a bump or rough patch... it was random.
  • We never use any of the applications in the navigation system, just the radio and moving map.
  • Finally had the dealership look at it and they swore they "knew for sure the fix" as a software update that my system needed because it was a "known issue". I asked how it was a software issue if it worked correctly for years and only started happening the last year and has gotten worse all without any software updates. The answer they gave is that our iPhones which connect via bluetooth have ever changing software and it is that integration that is likely causing the issue. Well $80 an a software update I'm back on the road. It seemed ok for a couple of weeks but now we have had 2 random reboots again.

Anyone with this issue? Doesn't this seem like a loose wire or some hardware component failing?

Thanks!
After numerous attempts to fix, first by making sure we had the latest update to the software (we did) with no results we finally had to have a our dealer replace the entire unit. Took forever because at first Toyota sent them the wrong unit. How does that even happen when I have to assume they were ordering by VIN number? When I researched this problem at the time it began I found a lot of similar online complaints. I was later told that the software auto updates themselves somehow cause the problem.
 
#25 ·
I have a 2014 Limited Platinum and in the last year I began to have an issue with the Navigation system, radio and basically all the "computer" parts rebooting.

  • It first would happen once every couple of weeks, just suddenly freeze... no controls would work, the display even behind the wheel would be frozen then within a minute everything would reboot with the toyota logo like when you started the car and would work.
  • The frequency was rare enough I ignored it until the frequency began to pick up, sometimes beginning to happen multiple times a day or even a single drive. It would come and go and be really bad one week then get better.
  • The rebooting did not seem tied to a particular action or button press, nor hitting a bump or rough patch... it was random.
  • We never use any of the applications in the navigation system, just the radio and moving map.
  • Finally had the dealership look at it and they swore they "knew for sure the fix" as a software update that my system needed because it was a "known issue". I asked how it was a software issue if it worked correctly for years and only started happening the last year and has gotten worse all without any software updates. The answer they gave is that our iPhones which connect via bluetooth have ever changing software and it is that integration that is likely causing the issue. Well $80 an a software update I'm back on the road. It seemed ok for a couple of weeks but now we have had 2 random reboots again.

Anyone with this issue? Doesn't this seem like a loose wire or some hardware component failing?

Thanks!
After reading other comments I realized I forgot to add to my first response that we tried not connecting any phones with Bluetooth and that didn’t help either. I’d have your dealer replace the unit.
 
#33 ·
Have you tried fully skipping text and contacts also when pairing?

The other thing to make sure is to turn those off right away as you see the options pop up on phone.

Next thing I would try is a network reset in general setting, reset, reset network setting. Can you submit headunit number on the face of the radio, software version in headunit under software, and carrier of your phone.
 
#34 ·
Have you tried fully skipping text and contacts also when pairing?

The other thing to make sure is to turn those off right away as you see the options pop up on phone.

Next thing I would try is a network reset in general setting, reset, reset network setting. Can you submit headunit number on the face of the radio, software version in headunit under software, and carrier of
AT&T
 

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#36 ·
I too started having the same issues with my 2019 Toyota highlander. The screen reboots every 40secs or so when my iphone XR is connected to the bluetooth. It started 2 days ago. On my android, the bluetooth works fine. I took it to the dealer and all they did was software update but still same issue. I verified the iPhone has the latest software.
Reading this forum, i was able to find a work around by disabling "sync contacts" in the iphone. My bluetooth seems to be working fine now but i still want toyota to fix this issue.
I wish i new Toyota was having this issues before buying this car. I will be taking it back to the dealer again.
 
#94 ·
I too started having the same issues with my 2019 Toyota highlander. The screen reboots every 40secs or so when my iphone XR is connected to the bluetooth. It started 2 days ago. On my android, the bluetooth works fine. I took it to the dealer and all they did was software update but still same issue. I verified the iPhone has the latest software.
Reading this forum, i was able to find a work around by disabling "sync contacts" in the iphone. My bluetooth seems to be working fine now but i still want toyota to fix this issue.
I wish i new Toyota was having this issues before buying this car. I will be taking it back to the dealer again.
Same here! We just purchased a 2019 Highlander and experienced ALL of this just 3 months in. We are beyond frustrated. Took the car in just this morning and the people in the service dept. said it was a software issue and they updated ours. OBVIOUSLY that was not the case. Just as soon as I re-connected my phone, it started rebooting every 20-40 seconds. Uugghhh!!!

So now my phone is connected but only Bluetooth and no contacts or music is synced. It seems to be working now but I didn’t purchased a 42+ thousand dollar vehicle for this to be happening. ?
 
#42 ·
I have a Highlander Limited 2017 and have had problems from day one with intermittent rebooting. after updating my iPhone over the weekend head unit started to reboot every couple of minutes. I’ve already had it replaced once and it’s been under a year so fortunately it’s under warranty took it to the dealership and they did an urgent update and said it was fixed but as soon as I left the dealership same problem. Drove straight back, tech came out and confirmed the problem and now I’m waiting for my 2nd head unit to arrive so they can install.
I think it’s a complete joke that Entune doesn’t like phone updates. I expected better from Toyota.
Any solutions? I’m concerned that when the warranty runs out on that part I’m screwed. Car is already out of warranty as I have 42k miles on it.
 
#43 ·
I have a Highlander Limited 2017 and have had problems from day one with intermittent rebooting. after updating my iPhone over the weekend head unit started to reboot every couple of minutes. I’ve already had it replaced once and it’s been under a year so fortunately it’s under warranty took it to the dealership and they did an urgent update and said it was fixed but as soon as I left the dealership same problem. Drove straight back, tech came out and confirmed the problem and now I’m waiting for my 2nd head unit to arrive so they can install.
I think it’s a complete joke that Entune doesn’t like phone updates. I expected better from Toyota.
Any solutions? I’m concerned that when the warranty runs out on that part I’m screwed. Car is already out of warranty as I have 42k miles on it.
After taking my 2017 Sienna in twice, they’ve told me there’s nothing they can do- that it is an iPhone issue. Told me to unpair my phone and not use Bluetooth. I’d I do pair my phone, do not sync contact list. Sounds like Toyota has a capacity problem and cannot accommodate the iPhone. I told my service advisor that not pairing the phone and not using Bluetooth defeats the point of having these features on my vehicle. I asked if they were warning new buyers that they might not be able to use their phone in their new vehicle. He said of course they aren’t saying that. Well. Maybe I’ll go stand in the showroom and start telling people that. Totally disgusted with Toyota. I’m technically out of warranty range but I wasn’t when I took my van in for the first time. Waiting to hear what others do. My local dealer supposedly talked to Toyota service headquarters and was told that replacing the audio unit would not solve the problem. They told me I have to wait for Apple to further update my iPhone. What a lame answer.
 
#44 · (Edited)
My ‘16 4Runner had an issue over a year ago where there was a delay in changing songs, or it would say it was playing one song and it actually wasn’t - there even were brief freezes. Under warranty I got a replacement... fastfwd 13 months later and the car and radio warranty are outdated...
I updated to iOS 13.2.2 three days ago - no issues. I take my 4Runner in yesterday to the dealership for a simple inspection and this is after driving 2.5 hrs there (still without issue). As soon as I leave my radio starts rebooting over and over. Timing it, it takes less than 1 minute until it reboots again.
Of course, I immediately called the dealership and bring it back in; they said the system just needed updated and I was good. I didn’t get out the garage before it started rebooting. So after they take it back the manager tells me it’s a known issue and he sees this all the time. He continues to tell me I need a new radio and then hands me the Toyota 1800 customer service number.
I figured out from reading threads, turn off Bluetooth is an option. It will save your sanity and it works to prevent the radio from rebooting. I also deleted entune (I don’t think it made any difference though).

‭(800) 331-4331‬ is the Toyota customer service line.

Update: I didn’t delete or reconnect anything. I only went to Bluetooth settings on my phone and unchecked sync contacts under my 4Runner. My 40 min drive home went without interruption from the radio rebooting.
I will try to manually add contacts soon and see if I have the same result.
Thank you everyone with the tid bits of info and your help.
 
#96 ·
My ‘16 4Runner had an issue over a year ago where there was a delay in changing songs, or it would say it was playing one song and it actually wasn’t - there even were brief freezes. Under warranty I got a replacement... fastfwd 13 months later and the car and radio warranty are outdated...
I updated to iOS 13.2.2 three days ago - no issues. I take my 4Runner in yesterday to the dealership for a simple inspection and this is after driving 2.5 hrs there (still without issue). As soon as I leave my radio starts rebooting over and over. Timing it, it takes less than 1 minute until it reboots again.
Of course, I immediately called the dealership and bring it back in; they said the system just needed updated and I was good. I didn’t get out the garage before it started rebooting. So after they take it back the manager tells me it’s a known issue and he sees this all the time. He continues to tell me I need a new radio and then hands me the Toyota 1800 customer service number.
I figured out from reading threads, turn off Bluetooth is an option. It will save your sanity and it works to prevent the radio from rebooting. I also deleted entune (I don’t think it made any difference though).

‭(800) 331-4331‬ is the Toyota customer service line.

Update: I didn’t delete or reconnect anything. I only went to Bluetooth settings on my phone and unchecked sync contacts under my 4Runner. My 40 min drive home went without interruption from the radio rebooting.
I will try to manually add contacts soon and see if I have the same result.
Thank you everyone with the tid bits of info and your help.
Guys, I have been struggling with this for month. Tried everything mentioned earlier to no avail, including dealer updates. When I tried pairing without syncing contacts, so far it appears to be working. Maybe later I will try to manually add contacts.