Auto Care Association Sends Letter to EPA on Freedom to Fix

BETHESDA, Md. - July 14, 2026 - In a letter sent to Administrator Zeldin today, the Auto Care Association praised the EPA's leadership in supporting automotive right to repair for emissions systems and urged the White House to work with and encourage Congress to fully protect this freedom to fix for all vehicle systems.

"Repair restrictions are real and growing," said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. "Most independent shops (63%) already experience difficulties making routine vehicle repairs on a daily or weekly basis. Half (51%) are forced to send up to five vehicles a month to automaker repair networks thanks to vehicle data restrictions. The EPA has correctly enforced the 'freedom to fix' for vehicle emissions systems, and the FTC has correctly enforced right to repair to stop John Deere from monopolizing repair. Now Congress must finish the job and protect competition and affordability in car repair."

The letter highlights ongoing challenges posed by automakers restricting access to repair data, especially via telematics, and calls for legislative action to ensure competitive and affordable vehicle repairs nationwide:

• President Trump believes Americans should have the right to repair their vehicles.
• EPA and FTC support right to repair: The EPA has advanced right to repair for vehicle emissions systems and the FTC has acted to protect farmers' repair rights.
• Need for comprehensive repair data access: Consumers and independent shops require equal access to repair tools and information for all vehicle systems, not just emissions, to maintain affordability and competition over a vehicle's lifespan.
• Manufacturers restrict telematics data: Automakers sell vehicle data to third parties but deny independent shops and consumers equal access to telematics repair data, aiming to limit competition and steer repairs to franchised dealers.

The Auto Care Association urges Congress to complete the important work of ensuring safe, affordable and accessible vehicle repairs for consumers by passing the REPAIR Act.

Learn more about the Auto Care Association's right to repair efforts and the REPAIR Act at autocare.org/righttorepair.