PHILADELPHIA, PA — A new analysis by the PennPIRG Education Fund and PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center reveals that many manufacturers continue to withhold crucial repair resources from consumers, even as an increasing number of states adopt Right to Repair laws.
The report, titled Leaders and Laggards II, evaluates 25 products across five major categories to assess how readily consumers can obtain repair manuals and spare parts. Despite legal requirements in more than a dozen states, the findings show that significant gaps remain in manufacturers’ compliance.
According to the report, 40% of the products studied received a D or F grade for repair accessibility, indicating widespread shortcomings in providing necessary information and materials. By contrast, only 32% achieved an A grade, while 28% earned Bs or Cs. Researchers attempting to obtain repair documentation found that nearly half of the products lacked accessible manuals, and 44% had no spare parts available at all.
Nathan Proctor, senior director of PennPIRG Education Fund’s Right to Repair Campaign and co-author of the report, underscored the practical implications of these findings. “The premise of Right to Repair is simple: it’s our stuff, and we should be allowed to fix it — not just in theory, in the real world,” Proctor stated. He emphasized the need for stronger enforcement by state attorneys general to ensure manufacturers meet their obligations under the law.
The issue of repair rights has gained momentum in recent years. On July 1, 2024, California and Minnesota marked the first anniversary of their respective Right to Repair laws coming into effect — celebrated by advocates as “Repair Independence Day.” New York led the way with its consumer-focused law, which took effect in December 2023. Additional legislation in Colorado, Oregon, Connecticut, Texas, and Washington is scheduled to roll out over the next 18 months, further expanding consumer rights to access repair materials.
Despite this legislative progress, the report highlights persistent industry resistance. Among the most notable findings:
- No dishwasher evaluated received higher than a C grade, signaling limited support for repair in that category.
- Laptops performed better overall, with all models reviewed receiving A or B grades, reflecting substantial improvements in the sector.
- While smartphones and laptops have benefited from better repair material availability, tablets continue to lag behind.
- Several major gaming brands, including MSI, Atari, and Sony, failed to provide any repair materials for their consoles reviewed in the study.
The report’s authors argue that without comprehensive compliance, the promises of Right to Repair laws remain unfulfilled for many consumers. The findings call into question the effectiveness of current enforcement and suggest a need for more robust oversight to ensure that manufacturers meet their legal obligations.
As Right to Repair laws continue to spread, advocates stress that tangible access to repair resources is critical, not only to empower consumers but also to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainability. The report serves as a stark reminder that legislative victories alone are not enough; meaningful implementation and accountability must follow.
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