SiriusXM Automatic Renewal & Deceptive Cancellation Practices Class Action
Case Overview
SiriusXM, the satellite and internet radio giant with more than 34 million subscribers, faces a class action lawsuit alleging it systematically deceived consumers through deceptive subscription enrollment practices and an intentionally obstructive cancellation process. The complaint alleges that SiriusXM's promotional offers—often bundled with new vehicle purchases—failed to clearly disclose automatic renewal terms, causing subscribers to be charged full subscription rates after trial periods ended without meaningful consent. Additionally, plaintiffs allege SiriusXM imposes a variety of undisclosed fees, including a 'U.S. Music Royalty Fee' and administrative charges, which inflate the advertised subscription price by as much as 20–25% at the point of billing.
The lawsuit further alleges SiriusXM employs deliberate 'dark pattern' tactics to prevent subscribers from cancelling: requiring cancellations to be made exclusively by phone (not online or via app), routing callers through extended hold times, and subjecting them to aggressive retention scripts designed to wear down cancellation requests. These practices allegedly violate the FTC's Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA), the FTC's newly strengthened Click-to-Cancel Rule (effective 2025), and multiple state consumer protection statutes including New York's General Business Law §349. The Federal Trade Commission has separately investigated SiriusXM's cancellation practices, adding regulatory momentum to the private class action. Plaintiffs seek restitution of all improperly charged fees, statutory damages, and injunctive relief requiring SiriusXM to offer a simple online cancellation mechanism.
Who May Qualify
U.S. residents who subscribed to SiriusXM (including through vehicle trial subscriptions), were automatically charged upon trial expiration without clear prior disclosure, were billed undisclosed fees above the advertised subscription price, or encountered unreasonable barriers when attempting to cancel their SiriusXM subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue SiriusXM for charging me after my trial ended?
Potentially yes. The class action specifically targets SiriusXM's alleged failure to clearly disclose automatic renewal terms to trial subscribers. If you were charged full-price subscription fees after a promotional or vehicle trial period without clear prior notice, you may be eligible to join the lawsuit.
Why is it so hard to cancel SiriusXM?
The lawsuit alleges this is intentional. SiriusXM allegedly requires phone-only cancellations with long hold times and aggressive retention tactics—practices the plaintiffs and the FTC characterize as 'dark patterns' designed to prevent subscribers from successfully cancelling. The FTC has separately opened an investigation into SiriusXM's cancellation practices.
What are the extra fees SiriusXM charges that aren't advertised?
The complaint specifically calls out SiriusXM's 'U.S. Music Royalty Fee' and administrative charges, which can add 20–25% to the advertised monthly subscription price. Plaintiffs allege these fees are not clearly disclosed at the time of enrollment, constituting deceptive pricing under federal and state law.