My controller keeps telling me I need updates but the aircraft doesn't seem to recognize any cables to update it. Then I restart both units and it tells me I don't need an update. All my flights have been glitchy. The controller crashes constantly. It just seems unstable. Any insight on what's happening here?

Please check the current firmware version on "About" page to make sure all are up to date.
For APP crash issue, it happens at the beginning of flying or during the flying?
Could you please export the crash log to us? connect your remote to the PC, then you can get it here:  /sdcard/DJI/dji.pilot.pad/LOG/CRASH.