Spotify faces a class action lawsuit from consumers over its decision to discontinue support for Car Thing, its automotive streaming device, effective December 9, 2024.

The lawsuit, filed by Hamza Mazumder, Anthony Bracarello, and Luke Martin, represents all Car Thing purchasers from 2019 to 2024. The plaintiffs argue they wouldn't have bought the device had they known Spotify would end support within such a short timeframe, calling the functional period "commercially unreasonable."

Launched in 2021 after its 2019 announcement, Car Thing was marketed as a solution for vehicles without modern infotainment systems. The device attracted over two million waitlist signups before its release, according to CEO Daniel Ek.

While Spotify initially refused refunds, they have quietly begun issuing them to customers who provide proof of purchase via email receipts. A Spotify spokesperson stated, "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."

The lawsuit alleges Spotify misrepresented Car Thing by not disclosing its intention to "prematurely render the Car Thing obsolete." All devices will cease functioning after December 9, 2024.

Spotify has declined to comment on the lawsuit specifically but maintains that the device served its purpose as a research tool for understanding in-car listening habits.

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