John Deere Settles Right-to-Repair Lawsuit for $99 Million

(KNSI) — Deere & Company announced it has reached a $99 million settlement agreement to resolve the multidistrict “right to repair” litigation.

The settlement addresses the issues raised in the 2022 complaint and “brings this case to an end with no finding of wrongdoing,” according to an announcement on the company website.

John Deere was accused of monopolizing repair services, conspiring with dealers and forcing farmers to use corporate services to fix machines and equipment that they could have fixed themselves or used an independent alternative.

This was not Deere’s first attempt to address concerns about repair access. In 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was filed with the American Farm Bureau Federation, saying the company would allow access to software and tools in exchange for the bureau not pursuing legislation. Deere & Company was still facing federal pressure and a lawsuit accusing it of a monopoly on repair services. The company did provide tools, but according to its website, continued to ban customers from modifying software related to emissions, engine performance and safety, citing “risks related to the safe operation of equipment, emissions compliance, engine performance, data security, warranty validation, and resale value.”

Minnesota was one of several states to sue the company, calling out what it called John Deere’s “unfair practices that have driven up equipment repair costs for farmers while also depriving farmers of the ability to make timely repairs on critical farming equipment, including tractors.”

“As we continue to innovate industry-leading equipment and technology solutions supported by our world-class dealer network, we are equally committed to providing customers and other service providers with access to repair resources,” said Denver Caldwell, vice president of Aftermarket and Customer Support. “We’re pleased that this resolution allows us to move forward and remain focused on what matters most — serving our customers.”

As part of the settlement, Deere will deposit funds into a class settlement fund to be distributed to class members and used to cover administrative and legal fees. The company says it will also continue to support customers and other service providers with access to repair resources, including tools, manuals, and diagnostic software.

Caldwell added that the settlement “reaffirms Deere’s commitment to customer choice of how they want their equipment supported and access to the tools that enable it.”

The settlement remains subject to approval by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

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