Legislative Efforts Renewed to Enhance Consumer Control Over Vehicle Repair Data
The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act has been reintroduced in the U.S. Congress by Representative Neal Dunn, alongside co-sponsors from both parties. This legislation aims to empower vehicle owners and independent repair facilities with access to crucial repair data while maintaining stringent cybersecurity standards. The bill faced challenges in 2024 but has returned with improvements aimed at protecting the aftermarket industry. Concurrently, a new coalition has emerged to advocate for consumer rights over vehicle-generated data, highlighting the ongoing debate around automotive repair and data access.
On February 25, 2023, Representative Neal Dunn reintroduced the REPAIR Act, which previously encountered obstacles in October 2024 when it failed to advance past a House committee. The revised bill seeks to ensure that vehicle owners and their chosen repair facilities can maintain and repair vehicles under the same cybersecurity, intellectual property, and safety standards as those used by manufacturers' dealerships. Advocates argue that this will prevent automakers from monopolizing repair information and services, thereby promoting a competitive market for vehicle repairs.
Supporters of the REPAIR Act include organizations such as the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Lisa Foshee, senior vice president of government affairs at the Auto Care Association, emphasized the importance of granting diagnostic tool manufacturers access to critical repair data. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to safeguard aftermarket suppliers from restrictions that could limit their ability to serve consumers. Paul McCarthy, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, noted that the core language remains unchanged but has been strengthened to better protect the industry.
A nationwide survey conducted by Hanover Research in April 2024 revealed significant challenges faced by independent repair facilities. More than 60% of respondents reported difficulties with routine repairs due to barriers imposed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Consequently, over half of these facilities send up to five cars per month to dealerships because of data restrictions, leading to higher costs and inconvenience for drivers. Congressman Dunn stressed that American consumers should have full control over their vehicle repair and maintenance data to find the best service at reasonable prices.
In contrast, the SAFE Repair Act was proposed just a week before the reintroduction of the REPAIR Act. This alternative legislation, backed by organizations like the Automotive Service Association and Society of Collision Repair Specialists, seeks to codify an agreement made in 2023 that grants independent repair shops access to the same diagnostic and repair information available to authorized dealership networks. However, critics argue that the SAFE Repair Act does not address the broader issue of automaker control over vehicle data. Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, pointed out that insurers are often the ones imposing restrictions on following OEM procedures, rather than the automakers themselves.
Meanwhile, the formation of the American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA) on February 25 underscores the growing interest in policies that protect consumer property rights and foster competition in the automotive repair sector. Comprising eight founding members, including rental car companies and consumer advocacy groups, AVOA aims to work with Congress to ensure vehicle owners retain control over their vehicle data. While not explicitly endorsing either the REPAIR or SAFE Repair acts, AVOA Executive Director Richard Ward stated that the coalition will support legislation that ensures vehicle owners have access to and control of all their vehicle data.
The reintroduction of the REPAIR Act and the emergence of AVOA reflect the complex landscape of automotive repair legislation. Both initiatives aim to enhance consumer choice and protect the rights of vehicle owners while addressing concerns about data security and market competition. As these legislative efforts progress, they will likely continue to shape the future of the automotive repair industry and consumer access to repair data.