by Toyota’s Bluetooth Issue
Many of us have experienced poor phone call quality in a car or while talking to someone who is in their own vehicle. For some Toyota owners, the annoying echo led to a lawsuit against the automaker. Now, six years after the problem arose, the parties have settled their differences.
However, the outcome is much less dramatic than some owners might have hoped: most of them will only receive a short instructional video.
The Essence of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleged that when drivers used the hands-free function via Bluetooth, the person on the other end of the line often heard their own voice echoing. As one can imagine, such conversations are far from ideal. The owners claimed in court that the problem not only affected usability but also reduced the value of their cars. Toyota denied these claims, insisting that the issue arose from improper use of the function.
Terms of the Settlement
Officially, the company never changed its position but agreed to pay funds to 14 plaintiffs. Each of them will receive about $6,800. At the same time, their attorneys will receive $3.15 million. Toyota does not admit guilt or defect and points to a bulletin sent to dealers prior to the dispute settlement.
Affected Models
| 2014-2019 4Runner | 2016-2018 Mirai | 2015-2017 Sienna |
| 2015-2018 Avalon | 2016-2019 Prius | 2014-2019 Tacoma |
| 2015-2018 Avalon HV | 2017-2019 Prius Prime | 2014-2019 Tundra |
| 2014-2019 Highlander | 2015-2019 Prius V | 2015 Venza |
| 2014-2019 Highlander HV | 2014-2019 Sequoia | 2018-2019 Yaris |
Problem Resolution
The bulletin states that the echo during a hands-free conversation is “caused by the volume level being set too low.” This information is included in a new training video and “Awareness Program,” which became part of the settlement. The short video advises owners to increase the device’s volume to the maximum and then reduce the multimedia system’s volume to 45 or lower. If the echo persists, they should try reducing the volume even further.
Next Steps
This issue and the instructions apply to almost all Toyota vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2019. The final fairness hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. By that time, most Toyota owners affected by this situation may be wondering whether six years of litigation were worth creating a step-by-step YouTube-style guide.
This case raises questions about the effectiveness of class action lawsuits for ordinary consumers, especially when the compensation is symbolic rather than material. Although the plaintiffs received some payments, the main focus is on educational materials, not on the manufacturer’s acknowledgment of the problem. This could affect consumer trust in the brand and underscore the importance of technical support and transparency in resolving similar issues in the future.
