Key facts
- The REPAIR Act aims to ensure independent repair shops and car owners have access to vehicle data, software, and repair information.
- Automakers use "gateways" in modern cars that restrict access to necessary diagnostic and repair tools.
- This restriction forces consumers to dealerships, where repair costs can be significantly higher.
- Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and other technologies increase the complexity and cost of vehicle repairs.
- President Donald Trump has voiced support for the right-to-repair movement.
- Automakers argue that broader data access raises safety, privacy, and cybersecurity concerns.
Modern vehicles, increasingly reliant on complex software and digital diagnostics, are becoming more difficult and expensive to repair, particularly for independent mechanics. The REPAIR Act, a bipartisan bill, aims to address this by requiring automakers to provide car owners and independent repair shops with access to the necessary data, software tools, and repair procedures.
According to Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association (ACA), automakers are implementing "gateways" in advanced vehicles that restrict access to critical repair information. This forces consumers to seek repairs at dealerships, where costs can be approximately 36% higher than at independent shops. Hanvey noted that independent shops have already invested significantly in specialized tools, but access to manufacturer-specific software remains a barrier.
The increasing complexity of vehicles, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), contributes to higher repair costs. A 2026 report from CCC Intelligent Solutions indicated that the average repair cost for vehicles six years old or newer was over 50% greater than for older cars, with ADAS calibrations alone averaging around $486.
Nikhil Naikal, CEO of Kinetic, a repair shop specializing in sensor calibration, stated that modern cars necessitate a new type of repair infrastructure beyond traditional service centers. Hanvey added that these access roadblocks can also prolong repair times, with about half of surveyed independent shops reporting they send three to five vehicles back to dealerships monthly after spending an average of four labor hours attempting diagnosis.
Supporters of the REPAIR Act emphasize consumer choice, allowing car owners the freedom to select their preferred repair provider. President Donald Trump has also acknowledged the issue, calling it "strange" for industry leaders to propose barring people from fixing their own cars. Automakers and dealers, however, have opposed broad right-to-repair proposals, citing potential risks to safety, privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. The REPAIR Act attempts to mitigate these concerns through a "parity model," ensuring independent repairers receive the same information provided to dealerships.
The REPAIR Act is currently progressing through legislative channels, having been voted on by voice to be sent to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee. It requires further approval from the committee, the House, the Senate, and the President to become law.