Automakers and Consumers Battle Over Car Telematics Data

Right-to-Repair laws in Massachusetts and Maine give owners and independent mechanics access to vehicle data, but automakers are fighting the changes.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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As cars become more connected, automakers are controlling the flow of real-time vehicle data, which mainly goes to dealerships. This makes it difficult for independent mechanics to diagnose and repair issues, potentially leading to higher repair costs for consumers. Only Massachusetts and Maine have strong Right-to-Repair Telematics laws that require automakers to give owners and independent repair shops access to the wireless vehicle data needed to repair today's complicated cars and trucks.

Why it matters

Controlling access to vehicle data gives automakers more power over the repair process, potentially steering customers to dealerships where repair costs may be higher. Independent mechanics argue that consumers should have the right to access data on their own vehicles and choose where to have them repaired.

The details

Automakers have fought the legality of Massachusetts' Right-to-Repair Telematics law, but a federal judge upheld it in 2025. Maine also passed a similar law, though automakers challenged it. A federal bill called the REPAIR Act, which has bipartisan support, aims to ensure consumers have access to data and repair information for their vehicles. Automakers support an alternative bill called the SAFE Repair Act, which focuses on ensuring repairs meet manufacturer standards rather than consumer access to telematics data.

  • Massachusetts' Right-to-Repair Telematics law was enacted in 2020 for 2022 and new cars.
  • A federal judge upheld Massachusetts' law in early 2025.
  • Maine passed a Right-to-Repair Telematics law, though automakers challenged it.
  • The REPAIR Act was introduced in the U.S. Congress in February 2025.

The players

Bob

A consumer who drives a 2024 Bulgemobile.

PIRG

The Public Interest Research Group, which makes right-to-repair laws a priority and issued a report called "My Car, My Data" to shed light on the situation.

Jack Frimet

A PIRG right-to-repair associate who is the principal author of the "My Car, My Data" report.

Kevin Nehez

An independent auto repairer who has worked 38 years at Maier's Garage in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Alliance for Automotive Innovation

A group representing automakers that opposes the federal REPAIR Act.

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What they’re saying

“These are our cars, and we should be allowed to fix them wherever we want.”

— Jack Frimet, PIRG right-to-repair associate

“It's your car, so having that data is your right. You should be able to give it to anyone you want, and that includes your mechanic. What they're doing is a game to get you to the dealership.”

— Kevin Nehez, Independent auto repairer

“Big corporations have a history of gatekeeping basic information that belongs to car owners, effectively forcing consumers to pay a fixed price whenever their car is in the shop. 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.”

— Josh Hawley, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.