Toyota 9 Million Settlement for Bluetooth Hands Free Echo Defect and Outreach Fix

Deadline
Deadline: No deadline specified
Total Settlement Amount
Total amount allocated for all claims
Individual Payout Range
Estimated amount per eligible claim
Proof of Purchase
Not applicable — no claim form or proof is required. There are no cash payments; eligible class members automatically receive access to the Outreach Program (volume-adjustment instructions and related resources).
Settlement Summary
The Toyota settlement resolves Kesselman v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., a nearly $9 million class action over an alleged defect in the hands‑free Bluetooth systems of many 2014–2019 Toyota models that caused callers to hear an “echo” of their own voice. Plaintiffs alleged that the flaw degraded call quality; Toyota denied wrongdoing but agreed to an injunctive settlement—no cash payments—under which it will fund an Outreach Program (volume‑adjustment instructions, videos, dealer tech tips, and targeted notices) to help owners fix the issue. The settlement covers owners or lessees in specified states and is before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, with class counsel seeking fees and costs subject to court approval. Beyond this case, the outcome illustrates a common pattern in consumer tech disputes: when connectivity or infotainment defects impair use but do not create a clear safety risk, manufacturers often resolve claims with repairs, software patches, or consumer education rather than payouts. Similar suits have targeted automakers for GPS, Bluetooth, or software problems and have prompted everything from dealer repairs to regulatory attention. In the regulatory and industry context, safety‑critical defects fall under NHTSA oversight, while non‑safety defects like audio echo are typically pursued under state consumer‑protection statutes, warranty law (e.g., Magnuson‑Moss), and class‑action litigation strategies that pressure companies to provide corrective measures rather than monetary relief.
Entities Involved
Eligibility Requirements
- Purchased, leased, or owned one of the listed Toyota vehicles (model years 2014–2019).
- Vehicle must have been in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, or Washington as of August 18, 2025.
- Included models: 4Runner (2014–2019); Mirai (2016–2018); Sienna (2015–2017); Avalon (2015–2018); Prius (2016–2019); Tacoma (2014–2019); Avalon HV (2015–2018); Prius Prime (2017–2019); Tundra (2014–2019); Highlander (2014–2019); Prius V (2015–2019); Venza (2015); Highlander HV (2014–2019); Sequoia (2014–2019); Yaris (2018–2019).
- No claim form required; eligible class members automatically receive the Outreach Program benefits.
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Important Notice About Filing Claims
Submitting false information in a settlement claim is considered perjury and will result in your claim being rejected. Fraudulent claims harm legitimate class members and may result in legal consequences.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for this settlement, please visit the official settlement administrator’s website using the link provided above. Review the eligibility criteria carefully before submitting a claim.
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