Automakers want to restrict access to repair data so consumers will be driven to use more expensive automaker parts and OEM dealerships for repairs
Washington, D.C.—According to a new national poll, more than 85% of Americans support the REPAIR Act (H.R 1566, S. 1379), which would create a national vehicle Right toRepair law, ensuring consumers’ right to choose how and where they fix their vehicles.
Seventy-nine percent also support technical amendments to patent laws that would give consumers more vehicle repair choices. Access to the data that vehicles collect is required for an increasing number of repairs, even for common parts, such as windshields.
“Automakers want to restrict access to that data so consumers will be forced to use automaker parts and automaker-affiliated dealerships for repairs, where prices are higher and choices are fewer,” stated the CAR Coalition in a news release.
The REPAIR Act would ensure that vehicle owners and the independent repair shops they chose have access to the data needed to fix their cars and trucks. Closing the design patent loophole would preserve protections in the new-car market while promoting greater choice and affordability for vehicle repairs. Aftermarket parts are subject to the same quality and safety standards and are up to 50% less expensive than OEM parts, said the CAR Coalition.
According to the poll conducted by The Tarrance Group, and commissioned by the CAR Coalition, support for vehicle right to repair is strongly bipartisan, with 82% of Republicans and 80% of Democrats supporting the REPAIR Act.
“The American people are united on this issue,” said Justin Rzepka, Executive Director of the CAR Coalition. “Car owners believe they — not automakers — should be in control when it comes to choosing who repairs their vehicle and accessing the data and parts needed to do so.
“This survey makes clear that support for common-sense vehicle repair solutions like the REPAIR Act crosses party lines, geographic regions, and ideological divides.”
Other key findings from the survey
▪ 99% of respondents said it is important to them to be able to choose where they get their car repaired.
▪ 88% said car owners should be able to access their own vehicle data.
▪ 85% of Trump voters and 86% of Harris voters support the REPAIR Act.
▪ 78% said independent repair shops should have access to vehicle data for repairs.
▪ 68% said automakers should be barred from restricting data access.
▪ A majority of car owners prefer using independent auto repair shops for vehicle repairs.
The survey was conducted February 20-23, 2026, among 1,000 national vehicle owners and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.
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