[4140tm]

Up until recently I couldn't actually do much with google maps on my phone because I have restricted it from using microphone. An error would pop up on every simple address lookup

[what_ever]

I don't think your issue was related to microphone permission. I have never allowed the microphone permission to Google Maps and haven't faced any such issues.

Disc: Googler.

[velosol]

The GP may also have had microphone and other permissions disabled for Google Play Services which can get cranky with fewer than full permissions.