Unwanted texts from car dealerships? You may qualify for a lawsuit

Learn how car dealerships may be violating the TCPA with unsolicited texts

Did you send an opt-out text to a car dealership but keep receiving unwanted messages? You may be eligible to join an automotive telemarketing class action lawsuit. Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify and take the first step toward potential compensation.

Consumers across the country have taken action against car dealerships for allegedly violating telemarketing laws. Dealerships including Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Chevrolet have faced lawsuits for sending spam texts without permission — or continuing to send them after customers opted out of promotions.

These messages may include information about special sales events, exclusive financing offers, service reminders or promotions you never signed up for. If you have received texts like these, or a car dealership is ignoring opt-out messages, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.

Are car dealership spam texts illegal?

If a car dealership sends you text messages without your permission or continues texting after you asked them to stop, those actions may be illegal. Under federal telemarketing law — including the TCPA — businesses must have your consent before sending marketing texts and must honor any opt-out requests.

Dealerships that ignore these regulations can face legal claims and may be required to pay compensation to affected consumers.

If you have received repeated or unsolicited car dealership text spam, you could have a valid claim.

What is the TCPA and how does it protect consumers?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law designed to protect Americans from harassing telemarketing calls. Over time, the TCPA was expanded to cover text messages and even faxes.

In 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) strengthened these protections by requiring businesses to get express written consent before sending marketing texts. The FCC also required companies to include an opt-out option (such as replying “STOP”) so consumers can instantly indicate they no longer want to receive messages.

In short, the TCPA makes it illegal for businesses — including car dealerships — to send unwanted texts or make calls without the recipient’s consent. If a company ignores opt-out requests or never got permission in the first place, consumers may be able to take legal action. Violations of the TCPA can result in penalties of $500 to $1,500 per illegal message.

Previous automotive telemarketing lawsuits and settlements

Over the past several years, consumers have filed lawsuits against car dealerships for sending unwanted text messages. Many of these cases have resulted in significant settlements:

• 2024 – JK Buick: Reached a $130,000 settlement to resolve claims over unwanted dealership texts.
• 2022 – Nissan: Paid $2.2 million to settle allegations that it sent illegal text messages about auto financing accounts.
• 2020 – Mercedes-Benz of Los Angeles: Sued in a class action for sending repeated spam texts advertising services, even after consumers asked them to stop.
• 2020 – Oklahoma dealerships: Agreed to an $850,000 settlement after consumers claimed they received illegal promotional texts.
• 2020 – two joint dealerships: Faced a class action for allegedly bombarding consumers with spam texts and calls, leading to added phone charges and inconvenience.
• 2019 – Florida Ford dealership: Agreed to pay $4.8 million to resolve claims it harassed consumers with repeated text messages and calls.

These cases show that dealerships can — and have — been held accountable for violating telemarketing laws. While settlement amounts vary, many consumers have been able to receive compensation for the annoyance, disruption and financial harm caused by car dealership text spam.

Join a lawsuit against car dealership spam texts

Car dealerships across the country rely on text massages to promote their business and stay in contact with their customers — but that doesn’t mean they can ignore telemarketing laws, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

If you received unwanted car dealership text spam, you may be eligible to take legal action. Consumers who join a class action lawsuit against car dealerships may be able to receive compensation. Submitting your information to see if you qualify means taking your first step.

Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.