Kenwood DNX5120 Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor, digital player and radio

Too many glitches

By Damion  Oct 20, 2009

Pros: Navigation is easy and built-in

Cons: Too many glitches make it costly to keep up

I bought the DNX5120 in March 2008 and for the most part have been happy with the exception of three very major issues:1) When I bought the unit, Kendwood had not yet released the XM satellite connector needed to connect the stereo to the XM antenna......had to wait two months for that. Unfortunately, all of the "Kenwood certified" installers who I spoke to did know that, so when I had it installed it took 4 hours and 2 calls to Kenwood support before we finally found out that the connector had not been released yet. So, when it we released, I had to pay for installation a second time. I still don't understand why release a satellite radio deck and not have all of the components ready. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that their website made no mention of the fact that all of the necessary components were not available in the installation requirements...I read it before I bought the stereo to make sure that this type of thing didn't happen.2) Kenwood's customer service blows! When dealing with the issue above I never received any returned phone calls or emails. So, when I did not hear back from Kenwood after a couple months of trying and finally having my stereo installed (again!) with all of the necessary components, I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Suddenly, I get a call from Kenwood apologizing profusely and then they send me a bag of Kenwood gear to supposedly make up for the $800 in installation fees I had incurred, but would not agree to a rebate or even a coupon for the additional component that I had to wait for.3) The software started to get buggy. Just the other day, my wife and I are on our way to meet some friends in a city that we don't know very well and the navigation maps won't load...which means no GPS. So, the next day, I check the Kenwood site and find out that there is a Navigation update that should correct this error. It was supposedly some software glitch that should be taken care of with this firmware update. I follow the insructions, pop the disc in my stereo and let the install run, but it freezes up. I wait for an hour and nothing! The instructions say not to turn off the power during the install or it could cause problems. Great! So I call Kenwood tech support who tells me to reset the system...doesn't work. So the only other alternative I am told is to send it in to get fixed. AAAAAARGH! Now I have had to pay to uninstall the stereo and ship it to Kenwood to get fixed. Oh and the kicker is, I find out that this is a common problem when installing the map updates, but Kenwood wants me to pay for it despite the fact that the whole issue stems from a glitch in their software!Honestly, I wouldn't waste the time with this stereo. At this point I have not met many people a year out or more who have not had some issue with this unit. I don't I am ever buying Kenwood electronics again. To be quite honest I am considering a class action lawsuit. Read more Less