It’s Time to Protect Your Right to Repair

Consumers should have the right to choose where and how to repair the products they purchase.

Car repair prices are on the rise, squeezing consumers who are keeping their vehicles for longer than before. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, vehicle repair costs have more than doubled since 2000. Cost increases are due in part to tactics used by manufacturers, including patent misuse, to steer more business toward their networks – ultimately, limiting consumer options. Automakers are drastically increasing the number of patents they apply for and are granted – roughly 250% in at least one case – which hinders the aftermarket parts industry from providing access to critical and affordable replacement parts. 

The time to act is now. Americans have a right to access their car’s data, the right to choose the parts they want, and the right to have their car repaired at any locally-owned business of their choosing.  

Tell Congress to pass the SMART and REPAIR Acts! 

Consumers should have the right to choose where and how to repair the products they purchase. However, Americans looking to repair their devices – from cars to smartphones – face increasing restrictions on access to data, tools, and parts. 

The SMART (H.R. 1707) and REPAIR (H.R. 906) Acts are two critical bills in the growing, consumers-first right to repair movement. By providing consumers with more quality and affordable aftermarket part choices, the SMART Act will empower consumers to make the decisions that are right for them when fixing their cars. The REPAIR Act is another key piece of legislation that will give vehicle owners and their repairers of choice equal access to repair and maintenance tools and data. 

Americans are ready for a change when it comes to the car repair process. A recent, national survey from the CAR Coalition shows that 78% of vehicle-owning voters support federal right to repair legislation like the SMART and REPAIR Acts.  

Tell Congress to protect your right to repair your car. 

Sign a letter asking your officials to support the SMART Act and related legislation, like the REPAIR Act, on the right side of this page. 

Learn more about the REPAIR Act on the CAR Coalition’s main website HERE.