In March, Google released a major update to the Google iPhone App.
According to some reports there is a bug with the app and how it overrides the bluetooth controls of the iPhone.
A Google Mobile Help thread has confirmed reports from Google on the issue.
Googler Zeke said earlier this month:
Thanks for the reports. The team is aware of the bluetooth problem, and we're working on a fix. I'll update this thread once there's additional news. Please hang tight, and bear with us!
The issue is when your phone detects a bluetooth connection, the Google app tries to connect with it - ultimately interrupting other bluetooth connections.
One person explained his frustration:
in a recent update, the google search iphone app began connecting to the bluetooth in my car, which is extremely annoying, because (a) it interrupts whatever i'm listening to in the car. then i speak, then it searches -- but then (b) the app continues to hold the bluetooth "captive" until i quit the app. but it can take a minute or two to i find exactly what i need -- and that's time that i could be listening to my car's radio. (for me, it's usually talk radio, so i'm now missing a good chunk of the conversation or presentation.)
I am surprised I have not seen more complaints about this or experienced it myself - but I haven't.
Forum discussion at Google Mobile Help.