Google fixed this Google Maps issue on mobile, but it’s back now on Android Auto

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Google Maps users really can’t seem to catch a break lately. Not long after Google fixed a bug that made color-coded traffic lines disappear across Android, iOS, and desktop, the same issue has now appeared in Android Auto.

Several users in the Android Auto community and on Reddit are reporting that Google Maps no longer shows the familiar green, yellow, orange, and red traffic lines on their car’s screen. The problem appears to be limited to Android Auto, with affected users reporting that traffic displays normally when they open Google Maps directly on their phones.

The timing is particularly interesting because some reports link the problem to the new Google Maps Immersive Navigation interface. The update started rolling out to Android Auto users last month, bringing 3D buildings, more prominent flyovers and off-ramps, and other visual changes to the navigation experience. But since Immersive Navigation appears tied to a server-side rollout rather than a specific app version, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what triggers the traffic problem.

For those affected, switching Google Maps to Overview mode may restore some traffic lines, but only on major roads. That view also zooms out too far to be a useful replacement for the normal navigation view, according to users. Alternatively, uninstalling Google Maps updates to revert to the older interface, and then disabling automatic updates has resolved the issue for some. That isn’t an ideal solution, though, and it means giving up newer Maps features.

The issue also doesn’t appear to be fixed by recent Android Auto and Maps updates. One Reddit user reported installing the latest Android Auto v17.5 but still seeing the problem with Maps v26.33.

Google hasn’t acknowledged the Android Auto traffic-line bug yet. But for a feature designed to help drivers see traffic at a glance, losing those colors makes Google Maps considerably less useful behind the wheel. We’ve reached out to Google for more information and will update this article when we hear back.

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