REPAIR Act Seeks to Address Rising Costs and Complexity of Modern Car Repairs
A proposed bipartisan bill, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, aims to mandate that automakers provide independent repair shops and car owners with access to the essential digital diagnostics, software tools, and repair information needed for modern vehicles. Independent mechanics report increasing difficulty in servicing technologically advanced cars due to manufacturer-controlled data, often forcing consumers to dealerships where repair costs can be significantly higher. Supporters, including the Auto Care Association (ACA), emphasize the bill's importance in protecting consumer choice and fostering a competitive auto repair market.
Modern automobiles, equipped with extensive software, sensors, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), are becoming increasingly complex to repair. Independent auto repair shops report facing significant roadblocks from automakers, which include difficulties in accessing the specialized digital tools and data necessary to diagnose and fix these vehicles.
The REPAIR Act proposes a nationwide standard requiring car companies to share crucial data, repair information, and tools with vehicle owners and independent repair facilities. According to Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association (ACA), automakers are installing "gateways" in new cars that restrict independent mechanics' access to essential repair data.
This restriction often compels consumers to take their vehicles to dealerships for servicing, where the average cost of repairs can be up to 36% higher than at independent shops. Hanvey noted that while independent shops are technologically capable, they are barred from accessing the necessary data through these manufacturer-installed gateways. For instance, replacing a car battery in some newer models may require software updates or programming for the vehicle's computer to recognize the new part, a process often limited to dealerships.
New vehicle technology contributes to higher repair bills. A 2026 report from CCC Intelligent Solutions, a provider of software and data for auto insurance firms, indicated that the average total repair cost for vehicles six years old or newer was over 50% higher than for older cars. This increase includes expenses such as ADAS calibrations, which averaged approximately $486, the report found.
The complexity also impacts repair timelines. An ACA survey of around 700 independent repair shops revealed that about half reported sending three to five vehicles back to dealerships each month after spending an average of four labor hours attempting to diagnose issues. Supporters of the REPAIR Act state that the legislation is vital for preserving consumer choice in vehicle repair and ensuring a fair marketplace.
(Source: Business Insider)
