In a rare show of bipartisan unity, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) have taken aim at the nation’s top automakers, accusing them of undermining car owners’ right to repair their own vehicles. In letters sent to General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Stellantis, Honda, Nissan, Tesla, Subaru, and Volkswagen, the lawmakers denounced industry practices that limit access to crucial diagnostic data and tools, effectively forcing customers to rely on dealership repairs.
The senators argue that these restrictions stifle competition, drive up costs, and harm independent repair shops. They also highlighted findings that independent mechanics typically offer better prices and higher customer satisfaction than dealerships, which consistently rank poorly on price in consumer surveys.
“As gatekeepers of vehicle parts, equipment, and data, automakers have the power to block necessary tools and information for repairs,” the lawmakers wrote. “This entrenches their dominance while eliminating competition from independent repair shops.”
Automakers claim the restrictions are necessary for cybersecurity, but a Federal Trade Commission study and analysis from cybersecurity experts dispute this, attributing cyber vulnerabilities to poor software quality rather than the availability of repair tools.
The senators also called out the industry’s double standard, noting that while automakers resist sharing repair data with independent shops, they have no qualms selling sensitive consumer data to insurance companies and other third parties, often without clear consent.
“The industry’s cited concerns over data sharing appear hypocritical when they profit from selling personal data,” the lawmakers said, labeling the practice as anti-consumer and profit-driven.
The senators urged automakers to comply with right-to-repair laws, protect consumer privacy, and clarify their data-sharing practices. Their push adds to growing momentum for right-to-repair legislation, which advocates say is critical for consumer choice, fair competition, and local economies.