Spotify Car Thing refund and compensation possibilities: Here's what to know

Update 07/06/24 4:00 PM (IST): A class action lawsuit has been filed against Spotify alleging that the company misled consumers about its Car Thing device. The lawsuit claims that Spotify did not inform consumers that the device would be rendered useless through a forced firmware update in December 2024. Consumers who purchased the device are left with “nothing more than a paperweight” according to the lawsuit.

In addition to the lawsuit, there are concerns that the Car Thing could have been repurposed to avoid creating electronic waste. Technically, the Car Thing is open-source, but its weak hardware makes it difficult to use for anything other than its original function. You can check out the entire thread on X by Josh Hendrickson for more details:

Update 06/06/24 1:50 pm (IST): A Redditor claims Spotify asked them for several bank details for them to review and process the refund if eligible. Here’s a screenshot of the details they had to provide:

Another Redditor claimed that they only had to provide their original receipt for the Car Thing and their account email to claim the refund.

Original article published on May 24, 2024 follows:

Spotify’s decision to discontinue its Car Thing device in December 2024 has sparked a wave of discontent among users. The device, initially released to limited subscribers in October 2021 and then to the general public in February 2022, was meant to enhance the in-car music listening experience. However, Spotify halted its production in Q2 2022 due to supply chain issues and lower-than-expected demand.

Despite discontinuing production, Spotify assured users that existing Car Thing devices would continue to function as intended. This temporary reprieve, coupled with a price reduction from $90 to $50, might have led many to believe that their investment was secure. However, the recent announcement of the device’s complete shutdown in December 2024 has left many feeling betrayed and misled.

So, what are your options? Read on.

Spotify’s official stance on refunds is a firm “no.” Whether Car Thing was just an experiment to learn about how people listen to music in their cars is still a mystery. But what’s clear in the announcement is that they are not offering refunds, trade-in options or a replacement for the device.

However, reports from Reddit suggest that some users have managed to secure refunds through persistent communication with customer support. These refunds have varied in amounts, with some receiving the full $90 purchase price while others only getting a partial refund of $30.

This inconsistency has fueled speculation that the refund process may be arbitrary or influenced by factors like the user’s location or purchase date. One of those who received the full refund resides in Pennsylvania, so your state might be something to consider as well.

In lieu of refunds, Spotify has allegedly offered some users free Premium memberships for varying durations, ranging from 1 month, 3 months, 5 months, 7 months all the way to even 8 months. While this translates to a monetary value of up to $90, it doesn’t address the core issue of the device becoming a useless brick. The inconsistent duration of the free subscriptions also raises eyebrows, with users questioning the fairness of the compensation scheme.

Unwilling to accept Spotify’s actions lying down, some Car Thing users are exploring legal avenues. Complaints have been filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the possibility of a class action lawsuit is being seriously considered. Users argue that Spotify’s decision to brick a perfectly functional device is unjust and warrants compensation beyond a few months of free subscription.

Another glimmer of hope for Car Thing users lies in the possibility of open sourcing the device. A feature request in the Spotify forum, with over 1,100 upvotes as of this writing, calls for the release of a Software Development Kit (SDK) that would allow independent developers to maintain and enhance the device’s functionality. While Spotify has yet to respond to this request, it represents a potential avenue for keeping the Car Thing alive beyond its official demise. Be sure to check it out and cast your vote if you feel this is a viable option.

So, to conclude, disgruntled Car Thing owners have a few options to consider:

1. Persist with refund requests: While Spotify’s official stance is against refunds, some users have succeeded. Don’t hesitate to persistently reach out to customer support and escalate your case if necessary.
2. Accept the free Premium offer: If a refund seems out of reach, the free Premium subscription might be the next best thing. It’s not ideal, but it offers some value for your lost investment.
3. Join the fight for justice: Consider filing a complaint with the FTC or supporting the efforts of those exploring legal action.
4. Advocate for open source: Add your voice to the feature request for an SDK. It might be a long shot, but it’s a chance to keep the Car Thing alive in the hands of passionate users.

The discontinuation of Car Thing has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Spotify users. However, by exploring the options available, you can potentially recoup some of your investment or contribute to a collective effort to hold Spotify accountable for its actions.