Right-to-Repair Fight Gains Momentum as Automakers and Independent Shops Battle Over Access to Vehicle Data

Bipartisan support for REPAIR Act as automakers propose alternative "Safe Repair Act"

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:14am

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The right-to-repair movement is gaining traction, with 85% of Trump voters and 86% of Harris supporters backing the REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566/S. 1379) that would require automakers to provide consumers and independent garages full access to vehicle diagnostic data. While automakers argue they already provide adequate access, independent shops say the dealer-first access model allows them to direct customers to their own service bays, limiting competition. The REPAIR Act is expected to get a full House Energy and Commerce Committee markup this spring.

Why it matters

The right-to-repair fight is a political issue with broad bipartisan support, as consumers and independent shops seek greater access to vehicle data and the ability to make repairs without relying solely on authorized dealerships. This has implications for consumer choice, small business competitiveness, and environmental sustainability through extending vehicle lifespans.

The details

The REPAIR Act would require automakers to provide consumers and independent garages full access to onboard trouble codes and other diagnostic information to give them choices for vehicle maintenance, service, and repair. Automakers have proposed an alternative "Safe Repair Act," arguing they already provide adequate access, while critics say the dealer-first model allows them to steer customers to their own service bays. Simple repairs now often require accessing a vehicle's computer, with independent shops having to invest in expensive scanners and software to keep up.

  • The REPAIR Act is expected to get a full House Energy and Commerce Committee markup as early as March 25, 2026.
  • In 2023, a California law required manufacturers to diagnose, maintain or repair products over $100 for seven years, and under $100 for three years.
  • In 2023, a deal was reached between automakers and "right to repair" advocates, which the National Auto Dealers Association claims guarantees independent shops the information they need.

The players

REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566/S. 1379)

Proposed legislation that would require automakers to provide consumers and independent garages full access to vehicle diagnostic data.

Safe Repair Act

An alternative proposal from automakers that they claim already provides adequate access to vehicle repair information.

CAR Coalition

A group representing independent auto parts makers, insurers, and retailers that supports the REPAIR Act.

Auto Alliance

An association that represents automakers and opposes the REPAIR Act, claiming they already provide adequate access to repair information.

National Auto Dealers Association (NADA)

An organization that agrees with the Auto Alliance's position on the 2023 agreement providing independent shops the information they need.

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What they’re saying

“Simple repairs like doing brakes or changing tires now requires access to the computer. And if we don't have access to the tools we need to plug in, a lot of time and resources are wasted.”

— Dustin Brown, Co-owner, Brown's Automotive

“We get 400 cars a month in here because people know us. But the only thing crazier than health care is auto repair. A front-end alignment that used to cost less than $100 is now several hundred, because it requires accessing the vehicle's computer with a scanner that costs thousands of dollars and needs regular software updates costing hundreds. They have you by the throat, and they take advantage of it.”

— Mark Foppe, Owner, AutoTech Auto Center

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 right-to-repair fight highlights the broader political and economic tensions around consumer choice, small business competitiveness, and environmental sustainability in the automotive industry. The outcome of the REPAIR Act could have far-reaching implications beyond just vehicle repairs.