Proposed REPAIR Act Targeted Vehicle Data Access
Proposed federal legislation aims to restore your right to choose where your car is repaired by mandating data access.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Auto Parts
Live Poll
Should independent mechanics be granted full access to your vehicle's diagnostic data and repair tools?
Representative Neal Dunn introduced the REPAIR Act in the House to grant independent repair shops and vehicle owners access to diagnostic software currently restricted by automakers. This legislation seeks to resolve data limitations affecting repair services for vehicle models produced after 2020.
Why it matters
The proposed bill aims to ensure consumers maintain ownership of data generated by their vehicles, which would allow independent mechanics to perform services on newer models that are currently restricted to dealership systems. Proponents argue this restores competitive choice for routine household vehicle maintenance.
Currently, shops like Carroll's Automotive in Bristol, Tennessee, can only access standard repair information for vehicles manufactured through 2020. The bill would mandate that automakers share diagnostic software and tools for models produced after that cutoff date.
The players
Representative Neal Dunn
The Florida congressman representing the 2nd district who introduced the legislation in the House.
Carroll's Automotive
An independent repair shop in Bristol, Tennessee, currently impacted by restricted access to post-2020 vehicle data.
National Automobile Dealers Association
The trade organization representing franchised car dealerships that opposes the proposed REPAIR Act.
The details
The REPAIR Act would legally require automakers to provide independent repair shops and consumers with the same level of access to vehicle-generated diagnostic data currently held by dealerships. Without this access, independent mechanics struggle to perform standard maintenance on modern vehicles that rely on proprietary software for basic system functions. Automakers and the National Automobile Dealers Association have expressed opposition to the legislation.
Timeline
2020 marked the final model year for which independent shops currently have full access to standard repair information.
The Home Front
This bill follows an intensifying trend in the automotive industry regarding who controls the software-based maintenance of modern consumer goods. It seeks to standardize data access as a matter of property rights, mirroring similar shifts seen in the consumer electronics sector.
If you own a vehicle manufactured after 2020, consider checking with your local independent mechanic to see if they can currently service your specific make and model. Keep detailed service records to ensure your vehicle warranty remains valid regardless of which facility performs the work.
The takeaway
The REPAIR Act reflects an ongoing struggle to maintain consumer autonomy over vehicle maintenance as cars become increasingly digital. Vehicle owners should keep track of their car's production year to understand which repair service options may be available to them at independent shops.
Further reading
For more on managing vehicle maintenance and repair, visit our Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCYB.
Live Poll
Should independent mechanics be granted full access to your vehicle's diagnostic data and repair tools?
