Published
August 20, 2025
Updated
July 16, 2026
This settlement resolves a class action alleging that the Bluetooth hands-free calling system in certain 2014–2019 Toyota vehicles produced an “echo” that the person on the other end of the call could hear. It provides injunctive relief only — a Toyota outreach program and step-by-step volume-fix instructions, not cash — and the court granted final approval on March 24, 2026.
What Is the Toyota Bluetooth Echo Settlement About?
This class action settlement resolves allegations that the hands-free Bluetooth calling system in certain Toyota vehicles produced an “echo” — the complaint alleged that when a driver made a hands-free call, the person on the other end could hear an echo of their own voice.Toyota denies the allegations and any wrongdoing. Rather than continue litigating, Toyota agreed to resolve the case through a consumer Outreach Program that teaches owners and lessees how to reduce the echo by adjusting their phone and vehicle volume settings. The case is Kesselman v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., et al., No. 2:21-cv-06010-TJH-JC, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Status
Final Approval Granted
Granted March 24, 2026 · U.S. District Court, C.D. Cal.
Benefit
Outreach program + volume-fix instructions
Education program plus step-by-step volume settings and a how-to video.
Claim Form
None — automatic / injunctive
Nothing to file; benefits are provided automatically to covered owners.
Proof Required
No claim form
Relief is injunctive only — there is nothing to claim or prove.
Who Qualifies
Owners/lessees in 11 states
Certain 2014–2019 Toyota models, as of August 18, 2025.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be included if you purchased, leased, or owned one of the listed Toyota vehicles (model years 2014–2019) in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, or Washington as of August 18, 2025.Which Toyota Vehicles Are Included?
| 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 |
How Much Can I Get Paid?
There is no claim form, and you will not receive any money from this settlement. This is an injunctive-relief settlement under Rule 23(b)(2), which means the relief is not financial.Instead of cash, Toyota agreed to fund an Outreach Program that educates owners and lessees about the echo issue and shows them how to reduce it by adjusting phone and vehicle volume settings. This is not a dealer-installed software fix and there is no reimbursement path — the benefit is the guidance itself. The step-by-step instructions and a how-to video are available on the settlement's volume-adjustment protocol website.
Do I Need to File a Claim?
No. No claim filing is required. Because the relief is injunctive, covered owners and lessees automatically receive the benefit of the Outreach Program, and Toyota notifies owners directly. The Outreach Program began on August 18, 2025.What Does the Settlement Provide?
The settlement does not provide cash payments. Instead, Toyota funds an Outreach Program that includes:• A dedicated volume-adjustment protocol website with step-by-step instructions and a how-to video
• Direct mail and email notices, some with QR codes linking to the instructions
• Social media outreach pointing owners to the instructional site
• Automated phone-line guidance walking callers through the volume settings
• Dealer “Tech Tips” with enhanced troubleshooting instructions
Important Dates
• Outreach Program Began: August 18, 2025• Objection / Exclusion Deadline: January 14, 2026 — passed
• Fairness Hearing: March 23, 2026
• Final Approval Granted: March 24, 2026 — U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Because this is a mandatory Rule 23(b)(2) injunctive-relief settlement, class members could not opt out. The window to object or exclude oneself closed on January 14, 2026, and the court granted final approval on March 24, 2026.
What Happens If I Do Nothing?
You will still benefit from the Outreach Program, but you give up the right to sue Toyota separately for injunctive relief on this issue. Because this is a mandatory injunctive-relief class, there was no option to exclude yourself from it.Who Represents the Class?
The court appointed Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team LLP and Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, P.C. as Class Counsel. Class Counsel may request court-approved attorneys' fees and costs, and the class representatives may request service awards, all subject to the Court's approval. These amounts are paid by Toyota and are separate from the injunctive relief; they are not benefits class members can claim.Official Settlement Notice
Sources and Resources
- Official Settlement Website — Toyota Echo Settlement
- Volume-Adjustment Instructions & Video — Toyota Volume Adjustment Protocol
- Official Settlement Notice (PDF) — Court-Authorized Class Notice
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California — Kesselman v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., et al., No. 2:21-cv-06010-TJH-JC
For more class actions keep scrolling below.
Relief
Injunctive only — outreach program + volume-fix instructions (no cash)
Case Title
Kesselman v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., et al.
Case Number
2:21-cv-06010-TJH-JC
Court
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Final Approval
Granted March 24, 2026
Proof Required
None — automatic / no claim form
Official Website
Toyota Echo Settlement.com
