The AirTags would still show up in Android phones. They just couldn't manage them. Regardless, it just seems a bit odd. That's all I'm saying.
I did provide you with some support articles that may prove helpful ... otherwise, you will need to go physically searching for it. It's possible that is was accidentally left behind, fallen between the seats, left in one of the vehicle's storage or drink holders.
On the other hand, if it was left "hidden" on purpose by some nefarious individual, they may have been more "crafty" in where to hide it ... and, should that be the case, the tag will use your iPhone (when you are near it) to send the phone's GPS location to the Apple servers over an Internet connection. That's how this individual will be able to "track" your vehicle's "location."
However, to get Apple involved with law enforcement, you would need to obtain the tag's serial number.
Ref: Law Enforcement Guidelines - Apple Support