CarPlay bricking

[mikeee]

This CarPlay bricking issue is driving me mad.
Seems to be getting worse on my 2023 Emira.
I’d say 50% at least, get in car, open Google maps with a route, and the whole thing has frozen, no maps or music, just a stuck screen.
When I tried Apple Maps instead the next time, it worked ok.
Has anyone figured out if it’s Google maps specifically that freezes it?
Better to unpair Bluetooth and just plug in via USB?

The worst bit is that there’s no way to get it going without pulling over, stopping, getting out, lock door, unlock door and start again.

 

[Andrew25]

Same here, shop said "hopefully Lotus deploys an update sometime in the future". Back to Windows 95 good old habits.

 

[kitkat]

Yeah I’ve stopped using google maps because of it.

 

[Andrew25]

Yeah I’ve stopped using google maps because of it.

So the whole thing hanged up only when using Google Maps? Damn I'm going to try this one asap.

 

[Orchardbike]

I use maps via CarPlay all the time. The only time it’s bricked was when I was in France and only at a few peage stations. Never had an issue in the UK.

 

[mikeee]

Which Maps app seems to stop it bricking?

I’ll try not using Google and use Apple or Waze instead and see if it stops the issue.

 

[Milk242]

Hm never tried Google Maps for prolonged time, always used Waze. I’ll try Google Maps to see if it’ll freeze.

I’ve had it where CarPlay is not accessible even though it’s still playing Spotify. When that happens, I just go into the car menu and disconnect and reconnect CarPlay

 

[MickOpalak]

I've seen similar symptoms in other cars. The CarPlay in my 2023 Miata locks up when using Waze, but works fine with Google or Apple maps.

 

[kitkat]

So the whole thing hanged up only when using Google Maps? Damn I'm going to try this one asap.

Google maps navigation specifically, crashes 100% of the time for me.

It forces me to stop the car turn it off, close the doors, lock the doors and wait 10 minutes before it works again.

Apple maps is fine.

 

[Medic518]

Its interesting to hear these experiences, and I am counting myself lucky (and keeping my fingers crossed). However, I have not had any of these issues. The biggest problem I have had is that wireless CarPlay doesn't connect right away when I've had it parked for a while, and it hasn't been connected to a battery tender.

For reference:
1. I connect to CarPlay wirelessly
2. I have used both Google Maps and Waze, but primarily Google Maps.
3. I stream SiriusXM (via app), listen from the Music app and the Podcasts app.
4. Use Siri all the time to make calls, send texts, navigate etc..
5. Emira has all updates applied through July 2025
6. iPhone 16's (multiple phones recognized by the car), all updated to iOS26+

Listing this out just in case updates/version numbers etc. may help solve the problems..

 

[Orchardbike]

Which Maps app seems to stop it bricking?

I’ll try not using Google and use Apple or Waze instead and see if it stops the issue.

I connect CarPlay wirelessly and use the Maps app on the iPhone.

 

[kitkat]

My other frustration (non brick), is that if I'm using podcasts or audible (not music), everytime there is navigation guidance, the volume lowers by a few levels. Enough navigation guidance and the volume is completely silent

 

[Andrew25]

This is interesting and gives me hope. I'll try Apple Maps and/or Waze, and see if they crash the thing. What's weird is that everyone here seems to have a different experience with CarPlay: it works for someone, it doesn't for others, and the issues and causes are so varied...but still, the system is supposed to be the same for everyone (counting the same car updates).