Spotify's Discontinuation of Car Thing Sparks User Backlash and Legal Challenges

Spotify Discontinues Support for Car Thing

Spotify, some time ago, stopped its support for Car Thing, which was an in-car streaming device. The news made waves of discontent among its users. Hard hit by this were its Gen Z users. This is because many of them had no built-in infotainment systems in their cars and normally relied on Car Thing. The users of Car Thing, an in-car gadget that Spotify introduced in February 2022 and later that year stopped, are now using TikTok to express their displeasure.

The Unmet Demand and Spotify's Economic Struggles

Considering it had over 2 million users waiting to get a Car Thing in the beginning, underperforming, and pulled super ahead of its time, these facts likely weighed into Spotify's current decision with respect to ending support for the Car Thing. The company's been having some poor economic times recently, laying off nearly 1,500 staffers last year. That move has angered users of the Car Thing—who want either continued support for the devices or refunds of the $90 they paid for them.

User Reactions and Attempts to Secure Refunds

Some then reached out to Spotify directly via social media and Reddit, finding some success—one person got a free Premium subscription, for example, while others were initially told "no refund will be available to your account."

Spotify's Refund Process and Continued User Frustration

Following the increased criticism, Spotify did create a refund process for Car Thing; this was proof of purchase. Spotify created this via a second email to the users. Refunds aren't easing that pain, as dozens of users ask Spotify to keep their devices working in pleas on TikTok. The complaints have become so pervasive that TikTok will auto-suggest "what the Spotify car thing" as a search term when typing something similar for videos relating to the situation. Spotify also took a class action lawsuit against selling a product that would become obsolete and didn't offer refunds.

Additional Complaints and Spotify's Ongoing Struggles

The Car Thing controversy befalls along with other user complaints, including Spotify's recent move to paywall the lyrics and forthcoming increases in subscription rates. All these issues add to the growing dissatisfaction of users, who also issue threats against the service. While Spotify grapples with these tumultuous times, it tries to meet users' expectations while containing its financial constraints and the demands of the market.