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