The End May Be Nigh for Automakers’ Monopoly on Car Repair Data

In this Daily Signal article, EJ Antoni argues that automakers are using control over vehicle repair data to steer customers away from independent repair shops and toward more expensive dealership service.

• Antoni says modern vehicles increasingly require proprietary software and diagnostic tools even for routine repairs and maintenance.
• The article argues that automakers’ control over repair data creates a practical monopoly by limiting where consumers can get their cars fixed.
• Independent repair shops are reportedly struggling because they often cannot access the data, software, tools, or parts needed to service newer vehicles.
• Antoni frames the issue as a “right to repair” fight, saying vehicle data should belong to the person who bought the car or truck.
• The article points to the bipartisan REPAIR Act as a possible congressional fix that would preserve legitimate intellectual property protections while preventing automakers from using IP claims to block competition.
• Industry opponents argue the bill is unnecessary because repair data is already available through existing systems, but Antoni counters that many independent shops still have to send customers to dealerships.
• The piece claims independent repair shops historically perform most out-of-warranty repairs and that dealerships are significantly more expensive.
• Antoni warns that by 2035, limited repair choices could affect 155 million vehicle owners and add roughly $200 per year to average repair bills.
• The article concludes that fair access to repair information would protect competition, small businesses, and consumer choice instead of concentrating power with automakers and dealerships.

Read the full story: https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/05/18/automakers-monopoly-car-repair-data/