Similar issue - Pre-iOS15, phone connected seamlessly with car audio system. Now, it must be manually re-connected each time, and connection is spotty, spontaneously dropping connection between calls.
Apple, this is a safety issue - incoming calls cannot be reliably answered in hands-free mode, GPS apps don't reliably broadcast to car audio, and whether by needing to suddenly pull off the road or attempting to fumble to re-connect the phone to the system, a serious distracted driving situation is created. PLEASE restore the great functionality that we used to enjoy!