Unwanted car dealership text messages? You may qualify for a TCPA lawsuit

How car dealerships may violate the TCPA by sending unsolicited text messages

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 federal telemarketing laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). These dealerships have faced lawsuits for sending spam text messages without permission or continuing to send them after customers opted out of future communications.

If you have received unwanted car dealership text messages or a dealership has ignored your opt-out request, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.

The law firms responsible for the content of this page are: Butsch Roberts & Associates LLC; Clayton, MO; 314-863-5700; butschroberts.com and LegaFi Law LLC (an Arizona law firm), 888-4-LegaFi, www.legafi.com.

What is the TCPA, and how does it protect consumers?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act is a federal law that protects consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls and text messages.

In 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) strengthened the TCPA by requiring businesses to obtain express written consent before sending promotional texts. Companies are also required to provide a clear opt-out option, such as allowing consumers to reply “STOP” to end future messages.

If a company fails to obtain written consent, does not honor opt-out requests or disregards the National Do Not Call Registry, it may be subject to statutory penalties of up to $1,500 per message.   

Are car dealership spam texts illegal? 

Car dealerships may be violating federal telemarketing laws — including the TCPA — if they send text messages without your permission or continue texting after you ask them to stop. Dealerships that ignore these rules can face legal claims and may be required to pay statutory compensation to affected consumers.

If you have received repeated or unsolicited car dealership text spam, you may be eligible to pursue a car dealership lawsuit.

Past car dealership telemarketing lawsuits and settlements

Over the past several years, consumers have filed lawsuits against car dealerships for sending potentially illegal 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 car dealership lawsuit 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, multiple  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 messages to promote their business and stay in contact with their customers — but that does not 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.

To take the first step, submit your information to see if you qualify.

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