Android Auto's stuttering audio glitch still haunting users even after 'fix'

If you’ve been cruising along to your favorite tunes or navigating hands-free with Android Auto lately, there’s a chance your vibe might have been rudely interrupted — by stutters, skips, and audio glitches. Despite a recent update that was supposed to address these issues, frustrated drivers are still hitting speed bumps with wireless Android Auto.

The trouble started in September when users began reporting that audio from Android Auto would stutter like a scratched CD — especially while connected wirelessly. Wired connections? Smooth as silk. Regular Bluetooth? No problem. But the premium feature of wireless connectivity? A glitchy mess.

Fast-forward to last week, and Google’s Android Auto team announced a fix, rolled out with version 13.2. Relief at last? Not quite. Android Auto users are still reporting the same maddening audio stuttering problems even after updating.

The issue seems to affect a wide range of setups, from high-end Samsung Galaxy devices to more affordable models like the Galaxy A34. No car stereo brand appears safe, with complaints coming in from drivers using Pioneer, Hyundai, and other systems. Some users describe constant skipping, others occasional hiccups — but all agree it’s a buzzkill. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Samsung users are feeling the pinch.

And it’s not just music. Turn-by-turn directions stutter too, which can leave drivers scrambling for a map mid-drive. For those who’ve shelled out extra cash for wireless Android Auto head units, it’s a particularly bitter pill.

What’s especially puzzling is that Bluetooth works flawlessly on its own. The glitch seems tied specifically to wireless Android Auto, leaving tech-savvy users trying everything from clearing caches to resetting devices but all in vain.

Adding to the frustration, some users report that phone calls made via wireless Android Auto are nearly inaudible on the other end — another feature rendered useless.

So far, it’s unclear what’s causing the issue. Could it be a compatibility problem with Android 14? Something amiss with specific car stereos? Or is it a deeper software bug that even Google’s team hasn’t fully untangled?

For now, many are plugging in their phones the old-fashioned way to enjoy a smoother ride — albeit one that feels a bit like taking a step back in tech time.

Here’s hoping the next update gets it right. Until then, it’s a rocky road for wireless Android Auto fans. Keep your fingers crossed and your charging cable handy.