Repairing our car has become the focus of a heated argument for the hundreds of millions of Americans who own vehicles. More recent automobiles are increasingly reliant on software, complex electronics, and rigorous standards to meet federal emissions requirements, making them difficult to service either personally or cheaply in repair facilities outside of franchise networks. This has sparked nationwide interest in the “Right to Repair” a movement aiming to ensure consumers have greater access to maintain the products they buy.

The White House has responded with a presidential memorandum, “Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix.” The memorandum, issued by President Donald Trump on June 29, 2026, aims to eliminate some regulations that have increased complexity, as well as cost, of automotive repairs. “Allowing for competition in repair of vehicles will lead to more choices for consumers and lower costs of maintenance,” stated a White House fact sheet.

More Than Just a Car Issue The memorandum is framing the auto repair rules changes within a larger initiative designed to tackle the increasing cost of living. For example, the initiative suggests changes that can reduce the cost of repairs like “making it easier to access certifiably designed, manufactured, or remanufactured automotive replacement parts” and “increasing competitive service options at auto repair shops and dealerships.” While the rule won’t be able to fix everything about modern auto repair, it will continue the conversation of how to make car repairs accessible to consumers.

1. A Federal Push to Expand Repair Freedom

“Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix” memorandum is one of the most consequential efforts that the White House has taken in many years to broaden consumers’ access to fix and maintain their own vehicles. The directive is tasking federal agencies to study federal regulations that might be interfering with competition in the automobile repair marketplace. The White House claims that removing these barriers would bring down the price of repair and expand consumers’ options about when, where and how their vehicle is serviced.

Key Goals of the Freedom to Fix Initiative:

• Lower vehicle repair costs
• Increase consumer repair choices
• Support independent repair shops
• Improve parts availability
• Encourage fair market competition

Your vehicle’s sophisticated computer system uses a combination of electronics, specialized software, vehicle emission controls, and computer components. These are not only essential to today’s high-tech performance and safety features but they have also made vehicle repair largely contingent upon having specific dealer tools, specialized equipment and software programs to even access the proper information. With that reality it is not difficult to see why more and more owners of today’s vehicles have decided to make repairs more and more involved.

The memorandum also looks to create a more competitive repair market without sacrificing any federal environmental and safety standards. More broadly, through better access to repair information, parts, and tools, this administration intends to boost competition among the repairers and after-market parts makers and as a result lower the cost of upkeep and repair services.

2. President Trump’s Comments Spark National Attention

The release of the “Freedom to Fix” memorandum came in the wake of multiple, well-publicized remarks made by President Donald Trump following a meeting with executives of various car manufacturers. Trump reported he discussed the matter with the CEOs of General Motors and Ford, and billionaire Roger Penske, adding that several auto executives reportedly advocated policies which would have more severely restricted the consumer ability to repair a vehicle. News of the remarks promptly circulated through auto manufacturers, independent repair shops and the right-to-repair advocates.

Highlights From the Discussion:

• Right to Repair debate
• Consumer ownership rights
• Industry leadership meeting
• Independent repair concerns
• Growing public attention

President Trump questioned during a White House Oval Office event why a vehicle owner shouldn’t be able to “rebuild the property that you legally own,” he recounted. Trump also shared an anecdote about growing up with a group of mechanically gifted classmates who “couldn’t get an ‘F’” in the classroom to emphasize the practical importance of knowing how to work on a car.

The president also shared a story about a person purportedly having problems with the law for fixing his car, a story that has not yet been confirmed. After the meeting, Ford said that an employee had participated in discussions about auto repairs without further comment, and GM also said they had no statement on the discussion. No matter how they reacted to the discussion, the conversations certainly raised public awareness of the administration’s planned “Right to Repair” legislation.

3. EPA Guidance Aims to Reduce Regulatory Confusion

One element of the “Freedom to Fix” memo requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue updated guidance in the next 30 days explaining to consumers, independent shops, and aftermarket part makers what they can legally do when it comes to the repair or replacement of vehicle emissions related parts without violating the Clean Air Act.

What the EPA Guidance Seeks to Improve:

• Clarify emissions repair rules
• Reduce regulatory uncertainty
• Support independent repair shops
• Encourage aftermarket competition
• Improve consumer confidence

Automotive aftermarket companies and repair shop owners and mechanics have all faced ambiguity around the federal emissions rules for many years. Many consumers didn’t know if specific aftermarket parts or repair techniques complied with federal laws, and aftermarket part manufacturers struggled with approvals prior to releasing products into the marketplace. This lack of transparency has hindered competition, stymied innovation, and increased repair expenses.

The administration’s objective is to clarify regulations and eliminate uncertainty, thereby fostering a more competitive aftermarket repair marketplace. This framework of transparency could streamline the ability for independent repair facilities and aftermarket part producers to bring compliant repair solutions into the marketplace and enhance consumers’ assurance that essential maintenance or use of the right replacement parts are within federally approved parameters to avoid emission pollution.

4. Challenging Bottlenecks in Aftermarket Parts Certification

Part of the impetus behind the “Freedom to Fix” memo is the lengthy certification process of vehicle aftermarket parts, particularly those for emissions. The White House states that the current approval system is unnecessarily bureaucratic, delays compliant parts from entering the marketplace and stymies competition for repairs, leaving motorists with fewer choices and higher costs of car repairs.

Key Goals of the Proposed Changes:

• Faster parts certification
• Increase aftermarket competition
• Expand testing organizations
• Lower repair costs
• Improve parts availability

The memo mentions the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and its certification process. California’s emissions standards serve as de facto national standards in about half of the states, making CARB’s approval process critical to whether California motorists and the rest of the country will have access to aftermarket parts designed to control emissions. It can take longer than a year to gain approval.

To strengthen competition and protect public health, the President instructed the EPA to assist with, and expedite the processing of applications for organizations that meet the criteria to perform Clean Air Act certification testing of aftermarket parts. Additional approved test centers would expedite certification processes, expand the number of compliant aftermarket replacement parts available, and allow consumers to purchase cheaper, quality repairs while maintaining stringent emissions standards and environmental safeguards.

5. A New Approach to Repair Enforcement

The second section of the “Freedom to Fix” memorandum address the enforcement by federal agencies when regulations pertaining to repairs of vehicle systems related to vehicle emissions. In instead of primarily enforcement against those engaged in honest vehicle maintenance, this administration promotes targeting by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) those that may have deliberately and purposely engaged in illegal violations of the nation’s federal emissions laws to separate vehicle owners who are acting in their vehicles interest for the purpose of repairs.

Key Features of the New Enforcement Approach:

• Focus on intentional violations
• Protect good-faith repairs
• Reduce regulatory uncertainty
• Support independent mechanics
• Preserve environmental standards

Specifically, the memo instructs the EPA to explore lowering civil enforcement penalties for individuals who are working in good faith to repair or maintain their own vehicles. This is because, the administration said, many owners, hobbyists, and repair mechanics were merely trying to get their cars working properly, and were not trying to avoid regulations. The administration wants to assure law-abiding car owners that they should not have any legal troubles with federal agencies for completing such a repair.

This change in policy direction may also offer more assurance to automotive consumers, auto body technicians, andDIY mechanics. Opponents of stricter emissions compliance rules claimed that the uncertainty over emissions enforcement stifles the repair business and discourages many consumers from pursuing legal repairs. By allowing for enforcement that focuses on practical application of the regulations while upholding consumer rights, and in no way undermining the emissions protections the EPA put in place by the clean air act.

6. Independent Repair Groups Welcome the Initiative

Support for “Freedom to Fix” was abundant from companies that supply repair shops with replacement parts, including the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA). The association called the new measures a positive step that expands consumers’ options and spurs competition in the repair marketplace. Making more repair information available to consumers and providing them with a choice of parts and qualified repairers will lead to more-affordable vehicle ownership, according to ABPA.

Why Independent Repair Groups Support the Plan:

• Increase consumer choice
• Lower repair expenses
• Encourage market competition
• Support aftermarket innovation
• Improve vehicle affordability

“Broadening availability of high-quality aftermarket parts is advantageous to all stakeholders in the repair cycle,” said Edward Salamy, executive director of the ABPA. The association notes that robust competition leads to innovation and increased supply of replacement components as well as more affordable repairs. Independent repair shops, vehicle owners and manufacturers all could win in a more competitive market that makes parts available for less than what’s sold under original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brands.

The ABPA further highlighted its own studies, which indicate that an increasing repair costs are now causing more vehicles to be total loss vehicles, though they are easily repairable at reasonable costs. According to the association, it believe that policies to promote competition and a higher availability of certified aftermarket parts could contribute to lowering the unnecessary repair costs and to increase road presence for vehicles.

7. Automakers Express Support While the Broader Debate Continues

John Bozzella, president and chief executive of Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the voice of the majority of U.S. Automotive manufacturers, agreed that many of the memorandum’s stated goals aligned with the alliance’s own efforts. He mentioned efforts to increase vehicle affordability and expand consumer choice, in addition to giving vehicle owners the ability to repair and maintain their automobiles.

Key Industry Responses:

• Support consumer repair rights
• Expand repair information access
• Balance innovation and safety
• Maintain cybersecurity protections
• Continue industry collaboration

“Auto manufacturers have recognized the need for access by the independent aftermarket for many years, evidenced by industry agreements reached in 2003, and then again in 2014 and 2023, that afforded the same service information to independent repair facilities as is provided to dealers,” Bozzella stated. “This long-term track record indicates that the industry does not oppose consumer repair rights but understands the need to safeguard the safe operation of vehicles, maintain cybersecurity, and adapt to vehicle systems that are becoming exponentially more complicated.”

While memorandum found many advocates in different segments of the auto sector, it didn’t answer all the tough questions on how to fix today’s modern vehicle. “The aftermarket community welcomed this effort for the Administration’s role in offering some more regulatory clarity and the fostering of competition and the manufacturers saw it as a solidification of existing policies around repair,” said. At the same time, many observers noted that as vehicles evolve with new connectivity, software-systems, cybersecurity regulations, and IP rights, they will remain topics of debate for the foreseeable future in the right to repair discourse.

8. Digital Technology Remains the Biggest Repair Challenge

The “Freedom to Fix” memorandum has been generally greeted enthusiastically by advocates, but most proponents of the larger Right to Repair movement claim it tackles only one piece of the overall issue. As Nathan Proctor of U.S. PIRG wrote in the context of the earlier directive: “While this move directs the agencies to look for more repair access, it doesn’t solve for modern car problems with car software, interconnected networks, or the complex digital vehicle technology that has emerged as one of the most significant obstacles to car owners and independent shops today.”

Why Digital Repairs Are More Difficult:

• Software-controlled vehicle systems
• Restricted diagnostic tool access
• Manufacturer-controlled software updates
• Cybersecurity and privacy concerns
• Ongoing Right to Repair debate

Modern cars today are basically a computer on four wheels. Software and data transmission power the engine controls, emission management systems, vehicle dynamics and active safety features as well as infotainment. Access to the manufacturer’s diagnostic software, wireless communication links to vehicles and other vehicle data are thus increasingly needed to diagnose issues with many modern cars.

Automakers claim that some access is withheld because it would pose cybersecurity risks, compromise customer privacy and threaten their intellectual property. In contrast, the independent repair industry and many consumer advocates say the limitations limit the market for aftermarket products, restricts their access to certain diagnostic and repair tools, and drive car owners to dealers for a range of services that could be done by others. In the meantime, however, much of the discussion contained in this memorandum is related to emissions, as well as other aftermarket part standards. Future Right to Repair policy likely will need to deal with data, connectivity, and software.

9. Repair Reform as Part of a Broader Economic Strategy

White House claims “Freedom to Fix” memo saves consumers cash “The freedom to fix” memorandum the White House has placed in the “broad economic plan aimed at reducing day-to-day costs for the American public.” As an economic incentive it adds to White House initiatives on “promoting affordability and expanding choice.” “Vehicle repair costs account for one of the single largest household expenses each year,” stated a White House brief.

How Repair Reform Fits the Broader Strategy:

• Lower household transportation costs
• Increase market competition
• Expand consumer repair options
• Support affordable vehicle ownership
• Reduce unnecessary regulations

“The repair initiative aligns with other administrative priorities designed to lower the cost of many products for working families,” a fact sheet released with the memorandum said, citing programs like assisting farmers in repairing agricultural equipment, reforming some emissions rules for motor vehicles, and opposing the state of California’s regulations on electric vehicle use. “Eliminating burdensome regulations can spark innovation, boost competition, and empower Americans to fix what they own.”

The measure could help millions of vehicle owners see substantial savings if consumers get better access to certified aftermarket auto parts and if there are more avenues for the independent repair of automobiles. More competition could help drive down auto repair costs, the availability of parts and consumer choice, as well as manufacturer choices. From the standpoint of the executive branch, allowing more competition in this arena provides a practical approach to lower costs of car ownership and remain compliant with federal environment standards and regulations.

10. What the Memorandum Means for Vehicle Owners

While “Freedom to Fix” executive order does not alter current federal laws and does not solve the issues surrounding the repair of vehicles of modern make and technology, this change in direction for the federal government should signal support for consumers and increased competition in the automobile repair market. The order commands government agencies to ease regulatory guidebooks, provide more opportunities for aftermarket part certification and revisit specific enforcement practices.

What It Could Mean for Drivers:

• Greater repair freedom
• More affordable maintenance options
• Stronger aftermarket competition
• Better access to replacement parts
• Clearer repair regulations

The memo offers an element of hope to vehicle owners, independent repair shops and aftermarket parts makers that subsequent rulemaking is more likely to be sensible and workable. Expanded availability of certified replacement parts, updated federal guidelines, and increased competition among service providers eventually could reduce the expense of vehicle upkeep and give vehicle owners more choice over who fixes their car and what they pay. And those adjustments could continue to spur innovation in the automotive aftermarket.

And, the larger Right to Repair conversation is nowhere near done. As our vehicles grow increasingly connected, software dependent, and integrated with digital systems, debates over cybersecurity and access to vehicle data will inevitably be at the forefront of policy talks for years to come. Nonetheless, this memo is an important win for consumer choice and consumer access to take care of vehicles that are rightfully their own. And, while the automobile manufacturers, policymakers, independent repairers and consumers continue to navigate this path, the memo is an excellent example of how opening up access to repairs will help build more competitive markets, decrease costs and build a stronger and more competitive vehicle repair sector.