FTC to Champion Consumers’ Repair Right

FTC to Champion Consumers’ Repair Right

According to autobodynews.com, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) claims it stands ready to work with lawmakers, either at the state or federal level to ensure consumers have choices when they need to repair their products that they purchase and own.

FTC has been reviewing how manufacturers may limit repairs by consumers and repair shops, and how those limitations may increase costs, limit choice and impact consumers’ rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.”

Under the direction of Congress, FTC issued a new report to Congress and identified numerous types of repair restrictions, such as using adhesives that make parts difficult to replace, limiting the availability of spare parts and making diagnostic software unavailable.

In addition, the report pointed out that “there is scant evidence to support manufacturers’ justifications for repair restrictions,” are primarily based on responses to the FTC’s requests for public comments and empirical research issued in connection with its July 2019 workshop, “Nixing the Fix: A Workshop on Repair Restrictions.”

The report also explores means of expanding consumers’ repair options and how the FTC could assist in that expansion, consistent with its statutory authority.

Related:

• ETIRA Joins Parliamentarians to Fight for Right to Repair
• Consumers to Get Repair Rights in Europe

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