Latest Android Auto update (V5) reportedly introduces call button glitch on steering wheels, users awaiting for fix

In the past (back in 2019, to be precise), we have reported quite a few reports regarding the bugs and issues with Android Auto, which is Google’s in-car infotainment system.

To recall, we reported Android Auto (AA) glitches like no message notification sound or call ringtone, music apps like Google Play Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify throwing error after playing music for some seconds, and other connectivity issues.

Moreover, other glitches like Google Maps zoom with control knob not working has also surfaced this utility car infotainment system in the past.

And it seems like there is no running from glitches and errors for the Android Auto, as, in a recent development, users on various platforms have reported a call button glitch, where the buttons on steering wheels have stopped working after the new app update.

The issue apparently is seen with the first stable release of the V5.XX branch i.e. V5.0.5002. You can check out some of the user reports below:

Updated to version 5.0.500224-release and now my phone answer and end call buttons on my steering wheel no longer work… The speech button is still working…
Checked and verified with using only Bluetooth, and these phone controls work..
I am not the only one… I asked on reddit and many others having the same issue…

Feedback for Google:
· Error message: No error message
· If possible, estimate for when issue started to appear: After update 5.0.500224-release
· Are you using Android Auto on your phone screen or car’s display? – Cars Display
· Car / head unit make & model: 2017 Hyundai Elantra GL Canada
· Phone make & model: Blackberry Motion
· Android OS version: Android 8.1.0
· Android Auto app version: 5.0.500224-release
· Google Play services version: (Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications > App info) > Google Play services): version 20.1.04 (040400-288960190)

(Source)

Updated to version 5.0.500224-release and now my phone accept and decline buttons on my steering wheel no longer work…
Checked and verified with using only Bluetooth, and these phone controls work..
Mr Google auto android broke the buttons on this update ..
Anyone else ?

(Source)

You can find various other reports surfacing on various car models with Android Auto version V5.0 being the unifying factor. Some users have reported that unplugging the phone and then replugging it enables the steering wheel controls, but that is a temporary fix.

In fact, even after several user reports, there has been no official acknowledgment from Google so far regarding this issue and Android Auto users are still awaiting a fix. We will keep you in the loop until we have some information in this regard.

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