By
Counterman
Lawmakers and aftermarket leaders pressed the case for the REPAIR Act during a congressional hearing, warning that restricted access to vehicle data is driving up repair costs, limiting consumer choice and creating new safety concerns as vehicles become increasingly software-driven.
The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) hearing focused on how modern vehicles rely on telematics, secure gateways and software-controlled systems that can prevent independent repairers from accessing essential repair and maintenance data. Supporters said the
link hidden, please login to viewwould establish clear protections to ensure vehicle owners and their chosen repairers can access that data on fair and reasonable terms.
No vote was taken during the hearing. Congressional Subcommittee members said they will continue reviewing additional testimony, member questions and letters submitted for the record related to the REPAIR Act.
Consumer Ownership and Data Access
Rep. Diana Harshbarger framed the issue as a matter of basic vehicle ownership, pointing to how routine maintenance tasks have shifted from mechanical components to software-controlled systems.
“It used to be when you wanted to check your oil, you just raised a hood and you got the dipstick and you stuck it in there to check it yourself,” Harshbarger said. “Some new cars don’t have them and the dashboard screen alerts you to the oil level.”
Harshbarger questioned whether automakers’ control over vehicle data threatens consumers’ ability to maintain and repair the vehicles they purchase.
“Does this gatekeeping of data pose a challenge in the future?” she asked, adding later, “If I buy a car, I buy a car and I want the data as well.”
Supporters of the REPAIR Act said those concerns reflect a growing reality for vehicle owners as automakers increasingly determine who can access repair information and under what conditions.
Economic and Safety Impacts
link hidden, please login to viewPresident and CEO Bill Hanvey told lawmakers that data restrictions are already having measurable consequences for consumers, independent repair shops and small businesses that depend on vehicle uptime.
“Our industry performs more than 70% of the out-of-warranty repairs,” Hanvey said, noting that telematics and secure gateways have limited access to repair and maintenance data over the past decade.
“Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly restricting access to repair and maintenance data, forcing vehicle owners into franchise dealers where costs are on average 36% higher and repair wait times are significantly longer,” he explained.
Hanvey described the REPAIR Act as a consumer safety measure rather than a purely competitive issue.
“The Repair Act represents the most complete and thoroughly reviewed bill that will immediately enhance safety for vehicle owners,” he said.
He added that automakers currently control vehicle-generated data regardless of vehicle ownership.
“It may be your car, but currently it’s the manufacturer’s data to do with it whatever they choose,” Hanvey said.
Costs, Choice and Community Impact
Hanvey cited survey data showing independent repair shops are frequently forced to send vehicles back to dealerships because they cannot access necessary data.
“A survey of independent repair shops concluded that they send on average one to five vehicles each month back to the dealership due to data restrictions, costing consumers millions in added repair expenses,” he said.
He warned that the problem will intensify as vehicles continue to evolve.
“This problem will only get exponentially worse if Congress does not act,” Hanvey said.
Hanvey also pointed to the real-world impact on small businesses and workers who rely on a single vehicle.
“Imagine the plumber who has one truck and has to wait three days to get it fixed at the dealership because the local repair shop can’t access the truck’s data,” he said. “That is three days of lost productivity and many disgruntled customers.”
Public Fleets and Broader Legislative Context
The hearing also addressed how restricted data access could affect public-sector fleets. Hanvey said limited access makes it harder for state and local governments to manage vehicles operated by police, fire departments and public works agencies.
“It prevents states from being able to track a lot of the data they need to manage their fleets appropriately,” he said.
In addition to the REPAIR Act, lawmakers discussed several related proposals, including the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, the DRIVER Act and the AV Safety Data Act. Those measures focus on modernizing vehicle safety oversight, expanding access to vehicle data and improving transparency around advanced vehicle technologies.
Committee members emphasized that the hearing was part of an ongoing review process. Additional testimony, written questions and stakeholder letters submitted for the record will continue to inform discussions around the REPAIR Act and related legislation as the committee considers next steps.
Hanvey’s Statement Following Hearing
Hanvey underscored the importance of including the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (H.R. 1566) in the safety title of the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act. He highlighted that the bipartisan legislation, supported by 42 cosponsors and more than 83% of American voters, would immediately enhance safety by ensuring vehicle owners can choose where and how their vehicles are professionally repaired.
“Today’s
link hidden, please login to view made clear that vehicle safety, consumer choice and affordability are inseparable—especially as vehicles become more technologically complex,” Hanvey said. “Modern cars and trucks are computers on wheels, and when vehicle owners and independent repairers are denied access to the data needed to fix them, repairs are delayed, costs rise and safety suffers.
“The Auto Care Association appreciates the Subcommittee’s leadership in examining bipartisan solutions that recognize this reality. Ensuring safe, professional and timely repairs requires fair access to repair and diagnostic data, whether a vehicle is owned by a family, a small business or a commercial fleet.
“We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers on the REPAIR Act to protect consumers, preserve competition and ensure America’s vehicles can be safely repaired—now and in the future.”
Learn more about the REPAIR Act and send a letter to Congress today at
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