Automobiles are the only category of product where a formal right to repair exists in the U.S., thanks to a law passed in 2012 by voters in Massachusetts. But that right is under threat. After voters in Massachusetts expanded a 2012 law in November 2020 to include access to telematics data, automakers challenged the law in federal court. That has prevented its implementation for more than two years. A decision in that case is expected soon. 

In the meantime, manufacturers like Tesla are increasingly using access to software and administrative features to stymie owner and independent repair and servicing of their vehicles and establishing de-facto monopolies on parts and maintenance. Where do things go from here? We invited three people who are on the front lines of the fight to repair your car. They are: 

• Catherine Boland, VP, Legislative Affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
• Justin Rzepka, Executive Director, CAR Coalition
• Michael “Mike” O’Neal, President, Diamond Standard Parts