US FTC States Repair Restrictions Imposed by Manufacturers Impact Consumer Rights, Small Businesses
US FTC notes manufactures claim liability, intellectual property, safety, and other reasons for anti-repair practices. By Vineet Washington | Updated: 8 May 2021 17:50 IST
Photo Credit: iFixit
Highlights
US Federal Trade Commission submitted the report to Congress
It also mentioned actions that can be taken for anti-repair practices
US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has submitted a report examining consumer protection and antitrust issues relating to repair restrictions that manufacturers impose, especially in the mobile phone and car industry. These repair restrictions include using adhesives that make it difficult to replace parts, making diagnostic software unavailable, and limiting the availability of spare parts. These repair restrictions hurt small businesses as well as impact consumer rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It also s
US FTC report finds large companiesâ anti-repair restrictions hurt small businesses and consumers
A new report has been published on Thursday by the United States Federal Trade Commission which validates anti-repair tactics used by large-scale companies.
iFixIt has spent a lot of time advocating for the consumersâ Right to Repair as well as provide tools and documentation for the repair of most of todayâs mainstream tech.
iFixIt s teardown of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Major findings in the report mention a few topics that are concerning for consumers: âWarranties are being routinely voided in violation of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Actâ. This act, established in 1975, governs warranties on consumer products. The violation in question is the voiding of warranties caused by a product being handled or repaired by a third party or âunauthorized serviceâ. Next, âThe burden or repair restrictions may fall more heavily on communities of color a
FTC publishes study addressing R2R issues
FTC publishes study addressing R2R issues
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WASHINGTON, D.C. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a report on anti-competitive repair practices in the automotive and other industries that concludes there is scant evidence to support manufacturers justifications for repair restrictions.
The 56-page report,
Nixing the Fix: An FTC Report to Congress on Repair Restrictions, explores means of expanding consumers repair options and how the Commission could assist in that expansion, consistent with its statutory authority.
In addition, the FTC notes that it 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 they purchase and own.
Photo: Alex Cranz/Gizmodo
After nearly two long years of waiting, the Federal Trade Commission released its “Nixing the Fix” report on restrictions employed by manufacturers on product repairs. Folks, it does not mince words, saying there is “scant evidence” justifying the obstacles companies put in place to limit consumers’ options when it comes to repairs.
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The lengthy report initially spawned out of a 2019 FTC workshop, which then prompted Congress to call on the agency to continue its investigation into the issue. While right-to-repair advocates have been banging the drum that manufacturers have unfairly rigged the game against independent repair shops and consumers, manufacturers have retorted that the market works fine as is. The bipartisan FTC report categorically disagrees. “Although manufacturers have offered numerous explanations for their repair restrictions,” the report concludes, “the majority are not supported by the record.”
HOUSTON A couple is suing American Honda Motor claiming their new Honda Pilot is defective and unrepairable.
Roberto Ayala Hernandez and Mirian Cruz filed a complaint April 20 in Harris County District Court against American Honda Motor Co., alleging breach of warranty, breach of implied warranty and breach of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
The plaintiffs purchased a new 2020 Honda Pilot from an authorized dealership on Dec. 2, 2019, that included a three year/36,000-mile bumper-to bumper warranty and a five year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty, according to their complaint.
They allege that shortly after purchase, they noticed numerous defects with the vehicle that included clicking and squealing from the transmission, leaking radiator fluid, overheating and various transmissions issues. The plaintiffs claim that authorized dealerships have attempted repairs but that the defects on the vehicle still exist and that despite being under service for at least 59 da