May 11, 2021—The Federal Trade Commission has released a 54-page report, titled “Nixing the Fix,” detailing that manufacturers in the auto industry, and other industries, are making repairs more difficult and expensive than necessary for independent shops, The Verge reported.
The report found “there is scant evidence to support manufacturer justifications for repair restriction” and stated that the FTC “stands ready to work with lawmakers, either at the state or federal level, to ensure that consumers have choices when they need to repair products that they purchase and own.”
In response, the FTC wants to develop new laws and rules surrounding repairs, but it also wants better enforcement of existing legislation like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA).
“The Auto Care Association is proud of its efforts to secure right to repair legislation both on a state and federal level and we hope that this report will be the beginning of increased efforts by the commission to join us in addressing the anti-competitive actions of vehicle manufacturers," ACA President and CEO Bill Hanvey said in a statement. "We fully support the FTC’s efforts in ensuring that consumers continue to have choices on where they have their vehicle repaired.”
The full report can be read here.
