REPAIR Act would ensure right to vehicle repair and data access

Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico have introduced the REPAIR Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding car owners’ rights and options for vehicle repair. The legislation is designed to give vehicle owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket manufacturers secure access to essential repair and maintenance data.

Hawley said large corporations often restrict access to diagnostic and service information, forcing consumers to rely on authorized service providers and limiting repair choices.

“The bipartisan REPAIR Act would end corporations’ control over diagnostics and service information and give consumers the right to repair their own equipment at a price most feasible for them,” Hawley said.

Luján emphasized the need to give consumers better repair options. “Vehicle owners deserve to have options when it comes to safe, dependable, and affordable auto repairs,” Luján said. “Giving vehicle owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket manufacturers access to vehicle repair and maintenance data is critical to improving repair options.”

The bill addresses the growing complexity of vehicle technology, which increasingly requires access to proprietary software, components, training, and advanced diagnostic tools. The REPAIR Act aims to ensure owners and repair providers have equal access to these resources without compromising cybersecurity, intellectual property, or vehicle safety.

Under the proposed REPAIR Act, the following consumer protections would be established:

• Prohibits automakers from restricting vehicle owners or their designees from accessing repair data.

• Prohibits restrictions on access to repair information, tools, or parts by aftermarket parts manufacturers, remanufacturers, diagnostic tool makers, and motor vehicle repair facilities.

• Requires manufacturers to provide vehicle data to consumers or their chosen repair providers.

• Mandates access to “Critical Repair Information, Tools, and Parts” for all independent repair entities and equipment makers.

• Prevents Over-the-Air (OTA) updates from disabling or hindering the use of aftermarket parts.

• Bans manufacturers from requiring the use of specific brands or manufacturers for tools, parts, or equipment.

The bill is supported by both parties and targets increased repair affordability, consumer choice, and repair industry competition.

Read the full bill text here.

Post Views: 32

Related