Spotify faces a class action lawsuit from consumers over its Car Thing device, which will become non-functional after December 9, 2024. The lawsuit was filed by Hamza Mazumder, Anthony Bracarello, and Luke Martin on behalf of all Car Thing purchasers between 2019 and 2024.

The plaintiffs argue they wouldn't have purchased the device had they known Spotify would discontinue support within such a short time frame. They claim Spotify misrepresented the product by not disclosing its intentions to render it obsolete prematurely.

Originally launched in 2019, Car Thing was designed to enhance car audio experiences and gather listening data from vehicles without modern infotainment systems. The device attracted over two million waitlist signups before its U.S. market release in 2021.

While Spotify initially refused to offer refunds, they have begun quietly issuing them to customers who can provide proof of purchase via email receipt. A Spotify spokesperson stated, "Users will have until December 9, 2024 until all Car Thing devices will be deactivated."

The company explained their decision: "The goal of our Car Thing exploration in the U.S. was to learn more about how people listen in the car. In July 2022, we announced we'd stop further production and now it's time to say goodbye to the devices entirely."

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