Something's missing: Android Auto users report a jarring bug in Google Maps

What you need to know

• Android Auto users have noticed this week that Google Maps is missing one crucial aspect: their car's icon.
• One user states that, during navigation, their icon disappeared; however, everything else functions normally.
• It appears that reverting to the app's default vehicle icon could solve the issue, but it's likely that a more permanent fix is required from Google.

Drivers realized something was amiss with their Maps navigation this week, as one crucial aspect disappeared: their car.

Reports have started appearing on the Android Auto subreddit, stating that Google Maps is missing the vehicle indicator during navigation (via 9to5Google). The original report states this issue has been occurring in v6.1.660404-release for the past few days. The user explains that they noticed the problem appears when the "media player is in full screen" and they dip into split-view.

Google Maps works fine otherwise, but it's their car's indicator that's missing. The report adds that the map will still crawl along as they're driving, but that crucial piece is missing. Several more users responded to the thread, stating they're all experiencing similar problems.

One user reported that they had varying experiences. In some instances, the blue arrow icon is present, while other times it's not. It's a jarring issue, as the car's icon helps with navigating and knowing (and seeing) where you are on the road. Interestingly, some users may have located a fix for the time being.

A response recommended swapping the vehicle icon shape. The original poster responded to this, stating that after switching to Google Maps' default icon, the issue vanished. They add that they were using a "non-default icon." The post adds that refreshing Google Maps completely still shows the issue held at bay, so, for now, users experiencing this should try reverting to the default vehicle icon.

The problems stack

Android Auto had its problems last year that were more of a headache for users, such as an issue that broke wireless connectivity for drivers. Per the onslaught of reports, the problem was narrowed down to its v13.4 and v13.5 updates, which were rolled out last February. Google responded to Android Central, stating it was aware of the issue and was working on a fix.

While the company sorted that, several months later, its Pixel 10 series suffered issues with Android Auto. The devices were suffering from a gray screen issue when connecting to Android Auto. The "fix" received mixed reactions from users, as some found relief, while others did not. There were several more lingering issues regarding the Pixel 10 and Android Auto shortly after the new phone series launched that went untouched.

Android Central's Take

You know, in the grand scheme of things, this vehicle icon disappearing is the least of our worries. The good thing is that it can be solved relatively easily by switching to the default icon. It's a solution users can take into their own hands and implement without having to wait for a fix. However, when it comes to the Pixel 10, those issues severely impacted the devices exciting launch. Users are expecting to receive Google's "latest and greatest" only to encounter frustrating problems that might make them wonder why they upgraded. Then, you factor in the mixed reactions to the "fix" and we're right back to square one.