The Fight Over Your Car’s Data

With the rise of connected cars, consumers are sending out a steady stream of real-time information on the condition of their vehicles. In all but two states, this detailed telematics flow goes mainly to the dealers. While enterprising consumers can get some input into trouble codes and access data through the OBD II port, they won't likely know that the wiper motor in their car is still working but starting to fail.

This lack of transparency can lead to higher repair bills for consumers. Massachusetts and Maine have strong Right-to-Repair Telematics laws that require automakers to give owners and independent repair shops access to the wireless vehicle data needed to repair today's complicated cars and trucks. Independent mechanics are able to access the data in these states through a standardized platform.

However, automakers don't like right-to-repair laws, arguing otherwise. They fought the legality of Massachusetts' legislation with a lawsuit, but a federal judge upheld it in early 2025. State laws like this are popular with the public, and the Bay State ballot initiative on the issue got 75% of the vote, updating a 2012 law.

The Public Interest Research Group makes right-to-repair laws a priority, and their report 'My Car, My Data' sheds light on the situation. Consumer advocates argue that when manufacturers control where products are repaired, they can steer consumers to their authorized dealers, leading to higher costs. In contrast, automakers support alternative legislation like the Safety as First Emphasis (SAFE) Repair Act, which aims to ensure all repairs meet manufacturer standards.