Nov 11, 2021 14:00:00

Some functions of Subaru cars are restricted, and in response to the right to repair

It is reported that the connected car technology ' SUBARU STARLINK ' developed by SUBARU may violate the 'Law on the Right to Repair' enacted in Massachusetts, USA, so the provision of functions will be suspended in the state. Has been done.

Right-to-Repair Victory Forces Subaru to Tweak Things in Massachusetts
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/11/right-to-repair-victory-forces-subaru-to-tweak-things-in-massachusetts/

Many electronic parts are installed in automobiles produced in recent years, and when repairing these electronic parts, it is necessary to access the parts by software and refer to the repair information. However, when electronic components first appeared, the method of accessing the components differed depending on the manufacturer, and there was a problem that repair companies other than authorized dealers could not access the information on the electronic components. To alleviate this situation, Massachusetts enacted a law in 2013 requiring manufacturers to make electronic components accessible to everyone.

After that, connected car technology with functions such as 'transmitting vehicle data wirelessly to the manufacturer' from each automobile manufacturer appeared. Massachusetts amended the above legislation in 2021 to accommodate connected car technology as well. The amendment of the law requires automakers selling vehicles with diagnostic data wireless transmission technology in Massachusetts after 2022 to provide auto owners and repairers with access to diagnostic data.

SUBARU STARLINK provided by SUBARU is a connected car technology equipped with an automatic notification function in an emergency and a notification function in the event of a failure, and is subject to the laws and regulations of the state of Massachusetts because it also has a wireless transmission technology for vehicle diagnostic data. I am. However, according to The Truth About Cars , a car-related media, SUBARU is not ready to provide information to owners and repairers. Therefore, it became impossible to provide SUBARU STARLINK in Massachusetts after 2022.

As of October 2021, SUBARU STARLINK is compatible with 'Legacy Outback ' and ' Levorg'.