If you’ve ever been cruising down the highway, vibing to your favorite playlist, and suddenly your music starts stuttering like a scratched CD, you’re not alone. A new Android Auto audio bug is turning car rides into a frustrating experience — and drivers aren’t staying quiet about it.
The music keeps cutting out — and nobody knows why
Over the past few days, users have taken to online forums and support threads to report an increasingly common issue: music playback randomly stuttering or pausing, whether connected wirelessly or via a USB cable. And this isn’t limited to one device or car model. Samsung Galaxy and Motorola users appear to be the most vocal, but complaints are emerging across the board.
Strangely enough, the cause is still unclear. Some users suspect a recent Google Maps update, or possibly changes in Waze, might be interfering with audio. Either way, the result is the same: music that skips, stops, or chokes altogether — not exactly ideal when you’re trying to unwind on your commute.
One more bug in a growing pile
This isn’t Android Auto’s first rough patch. The platform, designed to bring your smartphone’s interface safely into your car’s dashboard, has had a rocky track record when it comes to stability and reliability. And this latest bug is just one more in a series of glitches reported over the past few weeks.
One Galaxy S23 Plus owner noted the issue started right after a late-August Maps update. Oddly, the glitch briefly disappeared in early September — only to return with the next update. That kind of inconsistency is driving users up the wall, mainly since the bug affects both wired and wireless connections, leaving few workarounds.
Workarounds that miss the point
Desperate for a fix, some drivers have found a temporary workaround: disabling location services. While this seems to restore smooth audio playback, it also means giving up real-time navigation — arguably one of Android Auto’s most valuable features. Others have tried switching to standard Bluetooth streaming, which works, but lacks the integrated controls and smart features of Android Auto.
A few users have even rolled back app updates or uninstalled patches, in an attempt to isolate the problem. But without an official solution from Google, it’s all just trial and error — and not exactly what you’d expect from a system meant to enhance safety and convenience on the road.
Waiting (not-so-patiently) for a fix
At this point, there’s been no formal statement from Google acknowledging the issue or offering a timeline for a fix. That silence is adding fuel to the fire for users who want their tech to work the way it’s supposed to.
Until then, Android Auto fans are stuck choosing between broken music or broken maps — neither of which is a great option. Here’s hoping a software patch arrives soon, before more drivers start ditching Android Auto altogether in favor of less frustrating alternatives.