Toyota drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against the Japanese automaker over an annoying problem with the cars' Bluetooth system. The plaintiffs claim that during hands-free calls, the person on the other end of the line often hears their own voice as an echo.
Lawsuit and Compensation
After a lengthy six-year legal battle, Toyota did not officially admit the defect, but still paid $7,000 in damages to some of the plaintiffs. Unfortunately, according to CarScoops, most owners who joined the lawsuit did not receive financial compensation. Instead, they were directed to a video tutorial with instructions on how to adjust the system.
"Improper Use" and recommendations
Toyota claims that the echo problem is due to improper use of the system. To solve it, the company recommends that drivers turn up the volume on their phone to maximum, then lower the volume of the car's multimedia system to 45 or lower.
The problem affects almost all Toyota models manufactured between 2014 and 2019. The final trial in this case is scheduled for March 2, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
The Toyota case is reminiscent of another class action lawsuit filed by Volkswagen owners over overly sensitive steering wheel buttons, which they say pose a safety risk.