EU’s Directive – Right To Repair – Vehicles Not Included in New Law 2026. Subscriptions – Parts – Connectivity – VIN Locking. Automakers are LOCKING more features behind Subscriptions and Paywalls

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

The Software Trap
‘Access Denied’. Extortion
You own the vehicle but the manufacturer owns the Deeds to the software.

Automakers are LOCKING more features behind Subscriptions and paywall. ON Demand 0 – 60 power Upgrade. Registered parts only, software denying parts. “Feature-as-a-service,” Over-The-Air” (OTA) updates allow manufacturers to enable/disable features remotely. This is part of the growing debate around the Right To Repair – Vehicles Not Included, where consumers face limitations to repair and use features in their own vehicles.

Tesla: Full Self Drive – May not be passed on to new owner when you sell the car. Can cost up to €12,000 for new owner.

Software Says ‘Access Denied’.

You are no longer a priority, your subscription payment has been declined. You can no longer drive, repair or even sell your car until we unlock it.

Current Rights:
Repairs and Servicing New Cars

• You have strong consumer rights under Irish law (e.g., via the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission – CCPC – and the Consumer Rights Act 2022) if a new car develops a fault. For faults within the first 30 days, you can often get a full refund, repair, or replacement. Beyond that, remedies like repair or price reduction apply for a reasonable period (typically up to 2 years under EU sale of goods rules, with extensions possible).
  
• A key “right to repair” aspect already in place for many years is the EU Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (BER, including Regulation 461/2010). This allows you to service or repair your new car at any independent garage (not just the manufacturer’s authorised dealer) without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturers cannot restrict this or force you to use only their parts/network. Independent workshops can use matching-quality non-original parts.
  
• The CCPC actively enforces this: In 2025, they issued warnings to the motor industry against anti-competitive practices, such as misleading consumers that warranties are voided by using independent garages or non-original parts. Consumers and independent garages have the right to free choice in repairs, access to diagnostic tools, and use of equivalent parts.
  

EU-Wide Changes (Right to Repair Directive)The EU’s Directive.

These rules have been in effect for over a decade and apply fully to new cars in Ireland. Upcoming EU-Wide Changes (Right to Repair Directive)The EU’s Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods (Directive (EU) 2024/1799, often called the Right to Repair Directive) was adopted in 2024 and entered into force in July 2024. Member states (including Ireland) must transpose it into national law and apply it from 31 July 2026.

Cars/vehicles are not currently included

• This directive primarily targets specific consumer goods (e.g., appliances like washing machines or smartphones) listed in its annex, where ecodesign rules already require reparability features (spare parts availability, etc.).
  
• Cars/vehicles are not currently included in the main obligation-to-repair scope of this directive. It focuses on products with existing ecodesign reparability requirements, and motor vehicles do not fall under those for the core repair obligations (though batteries in electric vehicles have separate rules under the Batteries Regulation, with some reparability elements applying from 2027).
  
• However, related EU efforts (e.g., revisions to vehicle type-approval rules and calls for better spare parts access, software updates, and anti-repair practice bans) are ongoing. Advocacy groups are pushing for stronger vehicle-specific rules in upcoming regulations on vehicle design and end-of-life management to improve repair ability, especially for EVs.
  

Practical Implications
for New Cars in Ireland

• For now (early 2026), your main protections come from the Block Exemption (choice of repairer), general consumer guarantees (faulty goods remedies), and manufacturer warranties (often 3–7 years, sometimes longer with conditions).
  
• Manufacturers must not use software locks, part pairing, or other tactics to hinder independent repairs (though enforcement varies).
  
• From mid-2026 onward, if vehicles get added to broader ecodesign/repair scopes or if Ireland transposes the directive expansively, you could see enhanced obligations like cheaper/more accessible spare parts and longer repair guarantees.
  
• For electric/hybrid new cars, battery repair/replacement rules are evolving separately (e.g., better access and repair-ability targets under EU battery laws starting around 2027).
  

If you’re facing a specific issue with a new car (e.g., denied independent repair or warranty threats), contact the CCPC (ccpc.ie) for advice—they handle motor industry complaints frequently.

For the latest official updates, check CCPC, Citizens Information, or EU sources like the European Commission. The landscape is improving toward more consumer-friendly repair options, but vehicles lag behind some other products.

Yes, several major global car manufacturers are increasingly adopting subscription-based models (and other pay-to-unlock strategies) for features in new vehicles, similar to how John Deere has restricted repairs and monetized tools/services on tractors through software locks, subscriptions, and dealer-only access.

John Deere is currently facing significant legal challenges from farmers and regulators over its repair policies, primarily related to the “right to repair” movement. Watch video below.

This creates ongoing revenue streams after the initial purchase, often by “locking” hardware that’s already installed behind software paywalls.This trend has sparked significant consumer backlash, much like the John Deere controversy (where farmers face high repair costs and limited independent fixes due to restricted diagnostic tools and parts). In cars, it’s often called “software-defined vehicles” or “feature-as-a-service,” where over-the-air (OTA) updates allow manufacturers to enable/disable features remotely.

Key Examples from Major Automakers (as of early 2026)

• BMW — Pioneered controversial subscriptions for heated seats and steering wheels (e.g., in some markets like the UK/Germany a few years back), plus features like high-beam assist, remote start, parking assistants, and even 360-degree cameras in newer models like the 2026 iX3. After heavy criticism for “paying double” (hardware included but locked), BMW dropped heated seats subscriptions in many regions but continues defending and offering others as “ongoing services” with server costs.
  
• Volkswagen — In the UK/Europe, the ID.3 electric hatchback locks extra horsepower (e.g., boosting from 198-201 hp to 225-228 hp) behind a subscription ($22/£16.50 per month or annual/one-time fees). This hardware is already present but capped via software.
  
• Mercedes-Benz — Offers acceleration boosts and performance upgrades (e.g., for EQ electric models) at high annual costs ($600–$1,200/year), plus connectivity bundles like remote features, live traffic, and navigation.
  
• Tesla — Longtime leader in this: Full Self-Driving (FSD) as a subscription ($99/month after cuts from higher prices), Premium Connectivity ($9.99/month), and they’ve even shifted some Autopilot basics behind paywalls in recent updates.
  
• Others — Ford in the US made the frunk (front trunk) a $495 paid option on the 2026 Mustang Mach-E (previously standard). Various brands charge for navigation updates, remote app access, advanced driver aids, or remote engine start.
  
  

Consumers often feel this undermines true ownership — you’ve bought the car (and its hardware), but must keep paying to use it fully, with risks if subscriptions lapse or the company changes terms.

Comparison to John Deere

John Deere’s US model is analogous:

Software Locks and Access Restrictions:

• John Deere uses tools like Service ADVISOR (proprietary diagnostic software) that’s historically restricted to authorized dealers. Farmers often can’t clear error codes, reprogram ECUs, or install certain parts without dealer intervention, leading to “limp mode” issues or downtime during critical seasons.

Tractors have built-in tech (e.g., engine control units), but diagnostic/repair tools, software updates, and critical fixes are restricted to authorized dealers via subscriptions (e.g., thousands per year for access) or locks.

This forces farmers into expensive dealer repairs, delays during critical seasons, and limits independent options — leading to FTC lawsuits in the US alleging monopolistic practices and inflated costs.In cars, similar tactics include:

• Software locks on performance, safety, or comfort features.
• Potential restrictions on independent diagnostics/repairs (tying into right to repair concerns).
• Ongoing subscriptions for “connected” services that could include remote features or updates.

In Ireland/EU Context

As an EU country, Ireland benefits from strong consumer protections, but subscriptions aren’t outright banned yet. The EU’s Right to Repair Directive (effective July 2026 after national transposition) focuses on physical goods like appliances and pushes for accessible parts/info, but vehicles aren’t fully in scope (though related ecodesign rules and battery regs apply to EVs).

The Motor Vehicle Block Exemption already protects your right to independent servicing without voiding warranties.

However:

• Software locks/part-pairing could clash with upcoming anti-obstruction rules.
  
• The CCPC (Ireland’s consumer watchdog) has warned the motor industry against anti-competitive practices, including misleading warranty claims or restricting repair choices.
  
• Backlash is growing globally (e.g., some US states like New York considering bans on hardware-based subscriptions), and EU regulators are watching subscription “dark patterns” under consumer law reviews.
  

If buying a new car in Ireland, check the fine print for subscriptions (e.g., via the manufacturer’s app/site or dealer disclosure). Many offer free trials (1–3 years), after which features may require payment or become unavailable.

Advocacy groups push for clearer rules to prevent this becoming the norm, especially for EVs where software is central. For specific models, contact the CCPC or check EU consumer sites for the latest updates.

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Community Resource Network Ireland (CRNI)

Repair Acts, Ireland

Right to Repair Europe Campaign (repair.eu) repairacts.ie

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John Deere – Is this on the way here?

Monopolistic Practices

John Deere’s monopolistic practices primarily revolve around its control over the repair market for its agricultural equipment (like large tractors and combines), which the FTC and multiple states allege violate antitrust laws.

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Extra Info:

Common Dark Patterns in Tech/Repair Contexts:

• Roach Motel — Easy to enter (buy the product), hard to exit (repair or escape dependency).
• Misdirection/Obscuring — Burying key info (e.g., repair limitations) in fine print or complex processes.
• Forced Action/Steering — Designs that limit choices, making official/expensive paths the only viable one.
• Software Locks/DRM as Barriers — Using tech to disable features unless through approved channels, often without clear upfront disclosure.
• False or Partial Promises — Offering “access” that’s deliberately limited/inferior to maintain control.

John Deere’s Alleged Dark Patterns in Right to Repair – Deere’s practices are often framed as creating a “repair trap” analogous to
dark patterns:

• Limited/Inferior Tool Access — Farmers get a stripped-down version of Service ADVISOR software, lacking full diagnostics, calibrations, or ECU reprogramming. This “half-baked” access misleads owners into thinking they have repair freedom, but forces dealer reliance for critical fixes—steering toward high-cost services.
  
• Software Locks & VIN Locking/DRM — Parts require dealer “unlocking” codes; unauthorized parts trigger restrictions or “limp mode.” This exploits ownership illusions (you “own” the tractor but not full control), pushing users to official channels.
  
• Partial Concessions as Misdirection — The 2023 MOU with Farm Bureau promised better access, but critics (e.g., Sen. Elizabeth Warren, advocates) call it shoddy/non-binding—creating false hope while maintaining monopoly.
• Economic Impact — These tactics allegedly cost farmers ~$4.2 billion/year in inflated repairs/delays, per FTC/class action claims.

The FTC’s 2025 lawsuit explicitly calls these “unfair corporate tactics” and “unlawful steering,” accusing Deere of monopolizing repairs through exclusionary conduct.

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Disclaimer:
Please note: All information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. For personalised legal clarification or guidance, please consult a qualified legal advisor or professional in your jurisdiction.

DMCA – 1201- Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Used in US to stop people using vehicle software.

DMCA US 1201- Digital Millennium Copyright Act – has no legal force in Ireland, its conceptual twin (InfoSoc Article 6) provides similar protections for TPMs—though EU policy trends (right to repair, digital markets) increasingly limit its reach compared to the U.S. For specific scenarios (e.g., Tesla in Ireland)

TPMs (Technological Protection Measures), also known as technical protection measures or sometimes DRM (Digital Rights Management) in broader contexts, are digital or software-based tools that copyright holders use to control access to, copying of, or use of copyrighted works. They prevent unauthorized actions even if those actions might otherwise be lawful (e.g., fair use, private copying, or repair).