Okay, so far on iPhone 13 Pro Max after iOS 17, 17.1.2 and 17.2 updates CarPlay doesn't work on 2021 SYNC3 Mustang, 2024 Opel SUV Hybrid in Europe, and on external screen device link with bluetooth. I can pair, verify, load data, but CarPlay never launches on vehicles. The first two say connected the third never indicates it's connected. Tried factory resets on all vehicles and external devices and clearing of CarPlay and Bluetooth Connections on iPhone, but still no CarPlay. Reset iPhone network connections, changed network access setting on iPhone as directed. Literally nothing works. So, I installed my wife's Apple 14 Pro with some version of iOS 16? on it and magically everything works on the same CarPlay devices.
So that essentially proves this is caused by iOS 17. If I had an iOS 16 backup, I'd revert, but unfortunately backup on iOS 16 started failing which is why I upgraded to iOS 17. It appears that Apple stopped testing software before launching, we're all beta testers.
Also have loaded latest firmware multiple times, so that's not the problem either.
I've also tried changing cables but that shouldn't have affected my wireless CapPlay connection device, so still iOS 17 issue.
I literally had to pull up an old iPhone mount and install on the front dash so I can navigator or borrow my wife's phone.
So Apple, please fix defective CarPlay on iOS 17 so we can stop wasting time and drive safety with handsfree.