John Deere Settles Right-to-Repair Suit for $99 Million
John Deere agreed to a $99 million settlement in a right-to-repair class action lawsuit by farmers.
Why it matters: The settlement is a significant milestone for the right-to-repair movement, which challenges manufacturers' restrictions on consumers’ ability to fix their own equipment. The outcome could prompt regulatory changes and alter industry practices, impacting not only agriculture but technology and consumer goods sectors.
- John Deere will pay $99 million to resolve allegations of repair service monopolization.
- The class action claimed Deere forced farmers to use its authorized dealers by restricting access to repair software and tools.
- Affected customers may receive compensation for repairs paid from January 10, 2018, through preliminary settlement approval.
- Deere agreed to provide farmers with necessary repair tools and software for the next 10 years.
John Deere’s $99 million settlement ends a landmark right-to-repair lawsuit brought by U.S. farmers. The class action, filed in 2022, accused Deere of restricting access to essential repair software and diagnostic tools, forcing customers to pay higher repair costs via its authorized dealer network.
- Under the agreement, Deere will form a fund to reimburse users who paid for repairs between January 10, 2018, and the preliminary settlement approval date.
- The company also committed to provide farmers with digital repair tools and software access for a decade, meeting a core demand of the right-to-repair movement. Details on how Deere will implement this are yet to be disclosed.
- The settlement awaits final approval in court. Deere, which continues to deny wrongdoing, stated that resolving the case allows it to focus on customer service. "This settlement addresses the issues raised in the 2022 complaint and brings this case to an end with no finding of wrongdoing," the company said.
- Vice President of Aftermarket and Customer Support Denver Caldwell added, "We’re pleased that this resolution allows us to move forward and remain focused on what matters most – serving our customers."
The right-to-repair debate has intensified in recent years as industries from agriculture to consumer electronics face legal and regulatory pressure to remove proprietary barriers. In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission sued Deere, alleging unfair practices that burdened farmers with increased repair costs and equipment downtime.
The settlement sets an influential precedent for equipment makers and could drive future changes as the legal landscape evolves.
By the numbers:
- $99 million — total settlement paid by Deere & Co.
- 10 years — duration Deere must provide repair software/tools to farmers.
- January 10, 2018 to settlement date — period covered for repair compensation.
Yes, but: The court still needs to grant final approval before payouts begin or new repair access policies are enforced.
What's next: The settlement faces a final court approval process, and implementation details for Deere's repair tool commitments are expected in coming months.