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Massachusetts Right to Repair Cases Need Three Things

How Right to Repair Restrictions Can Affect You

Higher Repair Costs

Dealership repairs can sometimes cost more than services offered by independent mechanics. When you're unable to shop around, you may lose the opportunity to find more affordable options.

Limited Repair Choices

You should be able to choose a mechanic you know and trust. When automakers restrict access to necessary repair information or technology, independent shops may be unable to perform services they could otherwise provide.

Unnecessary Dealership Visits

Something as simple as routine maintenance or a diagnostic check shouldn't automatically require a trip to the dealership. Manufacturer restrictions may leave you with fewer options for getting your car serviced.

Longer Wait Times

Dealership service appointments aren't always available when you need them. If your local mechanic can't complete a repair, you may have to wait longer to get your vehicle back on the road.

Unexpected Transportation Expenses

Traveling farther for repairs, arranging rides, or paying for alternate transportation can create additional expenses when your preferred mechanic isn't able to service your vehicle.

Delayed Vehicle Maintenance

When your repair options are limited, scheduling necessary maintenance can become more difficult. Delaying service may create additional inconvenience and potentially lead to other vehicle problems.

Lost Time and Productivity

Taking time off work, rearranging appointments, and making multiple trips to a dealership can interfere with your daily responsibilities, especially when a local repair shop could have been more convenient.

Reduced Competition

Independent mechanics help give consumers more choices when comparing repair services and prices. When manufacturers restrict their ability to compete, car owners may be left with fewer options.

Difficulty Accessing Vehicle Information

Modern vehicles rely on sophisticated software and diagnostic systems. Without access to necessary vehicle data, independent mechanics may be unable to identify problems or complete certain repairs.

Loss of Control Over Your Vehicle

Owning a car should come with the freedom to make decisions about its maintenance. When manufacturers control who can access essential repair information, your ability to choose who services your vehicle may be unfairly limited.

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In Their Words

Real clients share their experience.

When it came to negotiating, they didn't just settle for anything. They definitely went to the bat for me.

Lashondra
lashondra
Wistia

They took care of me, and now we're doing okay. Thank God that I went to Morgan & Morgan.

Ray
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Wistia

The company handled absolutely everything from start to finish.

Sean
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Wistia

Lashondra

lashondra

Ray

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Sean

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Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Based on select nationwide reviews.

Ways We Can Help

Restricted Access to Diagnostic Tools

Modern vehicles use computerized systems to identify mechanical problems and perform repairs. If an automaker improperly restricts access to diagnostic equipment or software needed by independent mechanics, our attorneys can investigate whether those restrictions violate Massachusetts law.

Dealership-Only Repair Restrictions

If your local mechanic told you that a repair could only be completed at an authorized dealership because of manufacturer-imposed restrictions, you may have legal options. We can examine why the independent shop couldn't perform the work and determine whether the restrictions were lawful.

Vehicle Data Access Disputes

Massachusetts' Right to Repair law includes protections involving access to certain mechanical data used for vehicle maintenance and repairs. Our attorneys can investigate whether an automaker improperly withheld information that should have been available to you or your chosen repair shop.

Restricted Software and Repair Information

Independent mechanics may need manufacturer-specific software, technical information, and other resources to complete certain repairs. We can evaluate whether an automaker failed to provide access required under applicable law.

Unnecessary Repair Expenses

If unlawful restrictions forced you to pay additional repair costs or incur other financial losses, our attorneys can investigate the circumstances and determine what compensation or other remedies may be available.

Right to Repair Class Action Claims

When an automaker's practices affect numerous Massachusetts vehicle owners, legal action may provide an opportunity to challenge those practices collectively. Our attorneys can evaluate potential claims and determine whether class action litigation or another legal approach may be appropriate.
FAQ
  • What is Massachusetts' Right to Repair law?

    Massachusetts' Right to Repair law is designed to give vehicle owners and independent repair shops access to certain diagnostic information, repair tools, and mechanical data that automakers make available to their authorized dealerships.

    The law was updated in 2020 to address newer vehicle technologies, including certain systems that transmit mechanical information wirelessly.

    These protections are intended to help consumers choose where their vehicles are serviced rather than being unnecessarily limited to dealership repairs.

  • Can I file a claim if my mechanic couldn't repair my car?

    Potentially. If your mechanic couldn't perform maintenance or repairs because the vehicle manufacturer restricted access to necessary diagnostic tools, software, or mechanical data, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

    However, not every repair that requires dealership service violates the law. The reason your mechanic couldn't complete the work, the type of vehicle, and the nature of the restriction all matter.

    A Morgan & Morgan attorney can review your situation and help determine whether your rights may have been violated.

  • Does Massachusetts' Right to Repair law apply to newer vehicles?

    Yes. Massachusetts' Right to Repair protections include provisions addressing newer vehicles and their increasingly sophisticated diagnostic and electronic systems.

    The state's 2020 law expanded certain vehicle data access requirements for manufacturers using telematics systems, beginning with model year 2022 vehicles.

    Whether a specific restriction violates the law depends on your vehicle, the information or tools involved, and the applicable legal requirements.

  • Can I receive compensation if my Right to Repair rights were violated?

    Potentially. Massachusetts law provides legal remedies for certain violations involving access to vehicle repair information and mechanical data.

    Depending on the circumstances, qualifying vehicle owners may be able to pursue compensation or other available remedies when manufacturers unlawfully restrict access.

    Our attorneys can investigate what happened, evaluate whether the manufacturer's conduct violated the law, and help determine what legal options may be available.

  • Why should I choose Morgan & Morgan for my Massachusetts Right to Repair case?

    You shouldn't have to fight a major automaker just to exercise your legal rights as a vehicle owner. When manufacturers restrict consumer choice, holding them accountable can require significant legal resources.

    As America’s Largest Injury Law Firm™, Morgan & Morgan has the resources to investigate complex consumer protection claims, review manufacturer practices, evaluate potential violations of Massachusetts law, and pursue legal action against powerful companies.

    Your case begins with a free, no-obligation consultation. And with The Fee is Free®, you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win for you.

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