Google and Apple maps crazy directions

[David wasting time]

We have a HS HYBRID+ only 2 months old.
When we use apple maps, google maps and Waze maps and connect to our phones (not at the same time of course) via Apple Play or Android Auto the vocal maps directions seem to either lag or are completly wrong. Sometimes it will say "turn left" or "turn right" all within the same breath !! Anyone else having the same issues and any ideas on a fix? Both of our phones are uptodate with their software. It seems like an GPS accuracy issue with where the car is which is weird as if we just use our phones without connecting them to the car there are no issues with directions.

Cheers

 

[decrep]

Yes I've recently had this, but I had ABRP going as well, I put it down to a conflict between the two.
It could also be where the phone is, on it's little shelf, maybe sat reception is very dodgy.

 

[Kenp1]

I didn't know until a couple of years ago that when you connect your phone it uses the cars GPS antenna, so it doesn't matter where it is in the car.

 

[decrep]

I guess I can test that, by turning location off in the phone

 

[David wasting time]

I didn't know until a couple of years ago that when you connect your phone it uses the cars GPS antenna, so it doesn't matter where it is in the car.

I did suspect that but you would think if you were using google maps on your phone and connecting via Android Auto it would simply use the phone's GPS. If it is using the car's GPS that would explain things. So I guess the question is how to solve this?

 

[David wasting time]

This is what ChatGPT told me about this problem:

For the MG HS Essence 1.5 Turbo HYBRID+, what you are experiencing is a well-documented MG infotainment GPS issue, particularly affecting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto voice guidance. You are not alone, and this is not a phone or app problem.


Below is a model-specific explanation and fix pathway.

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Why this happens on the MG HS Hybrid+​

1. MG head unit incorrectly prioritises the​

On the HS Hybrid+, when CarPlay or Android Auto is connected, the system:

• forces navigation apps to use the car’s GPS feed
• even when that feed is unstable or inaccurately calibrated

This leads to:

• delayed position updates
• sudden jumps in location
• incorrect heading detection at intersections

The result is exactly what you describe:

• “turn left / turn right” spoken almost simultaneously
• instructions occurring after the intersection
• lagging voice prompts

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2. Wireless projection makes it worse​

MG’s current infotainment software has:

• poor GPS synchronisation over wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
• frequent handoff conflicts between phone GPS and vehicle GPS

Owners report that wired projection is more stable, but not always fully resolved.

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3. Early-delivery vehicles often ship with outdated firmware​

Many HS Hybrid+ vehicles delivered in the last few months:

• are one or two infotainment firmware versions behind
• require a dealer-installed update (not OTA)

MG does not notify owners when these updates exist.

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What has been shown to fix or improve it​

Step 1 – Use​

If you are currently wireless:

• Use a short, high-quality USB cable
• Test for several trips

This alone fixes the issue for some owners.

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Step 2 – Ask MG to perform a​

This is critical and often skipped unless requested.


Ask the dealer for:

• GPS antenna accuracy test
• Compass / yaw sensor calibration
• Head-unit location reset

These procedures are available in MG’s service diagnostics menu.

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Step 3 – Insist on a​

Use this wording:

“This MG HS Hybrid+ has incorrect GPS position when using CarPlay and Android Auto.
Navigation apps work perfectly on the phone alone.
Please check for infotainment firmware updates and any MG technical bulletins related to GPS or projection navigation.”

MG dealerships often assume “CarPlay issue” unless the GPS aspect is clearly stated.

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Step 4 – Temporary workaround (if dealer delays)​

Until fixed:

• Use phone navigation without CarPlay/Android Auto, or
• Disable voice guidance and rely on screen prompts only

Not ideal, but it avoids dangerous late instructions.

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What will​

To save you time:

• Updating phone OS (you’ve already done this)
• Reinstalling navigation apps
• Resetting phone location settings
• Changing navigation apps (Apple / Google / Waze all behave the same)

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Is this a safety or warranty issue?​

Yes.


Because:

• voice directions are incorrect
• instructions can contradict each other
• this affects safe driving decisions

It should be logged as a warranty infotainment defect, especially on a 2-month-old vehicle.

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Summary​

• This is a known MG HS Hybrid+ infotainment GPS fault
• It is caused by vehicle GPS prioritisation + software
• The fix is dealer calibration and firmware update
• Wired projection may reduce symptoms but is not the root fix