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Illinois Lemon Law – Know Your Rights

Vehicles Covered Under Illinois Lemon Law

Illinois’ Lemon Law protects consumers who buy defective new vehicles by ensuring they get a refund or replacement, and an Illinois Lemon Law Attorney can help.

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New Vehicles

Passenger cars, light trucks, and vans under 8,000 pounds purchased or leased in Illinois.

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Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

 Excluding trailers

🚨Not Covered

  • Used Cars
  • Motorcycles and Boats
  • Altered or Modified Vehicles
Check If Your Car Qualifies in Seconds
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If Your Car is Defective, You Have Rights.

“Lemon Law protects owners and lessees of vehicles with persistent defects.” –– Joseph Novel, Esq.
Josep Novel, Esq. — Founding Lemon Law Attorneys
The Lemon Reps — Lemon Law Attorneys Beverly Hills

Joseph Novel, Esq.

founding attorney

Learn how Illinois's Lemon Law protects you.

Who Is Covered?

  • ✔ Consumers: The purchaser or lessee (for more than one year) of a new motor vehicle, any person to whom the motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of an express warranty, or any other person entitled by the terms of the warranty to enforce its obligations. ​
Speak with a legal Attorney –– For FREE!

⚠️ What Vehicle Defects Qualify?

To qualify under Illinois’ Lemon Law, your vehicle must have a nonconformity that:
  • Substantially Impairs Use, Value, or Safety

    A defect or condition that significantly affects the vehicle's operation, market value, or safety.​

Examples of Defects:
  • Engine Problems

    Stalling, misfires, loss of power.

  • Brake Malfunctions

    Inconsistent braking, total brake failure.

  • Electrical Issues

    Power steering loss, infotainment system failures.

  • Transmission Defects

    Jerky shifting, slipping gears.

  • Overheating Problems

    Persistent cooling system failures.

⏳ How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

  • 12 Months or 12,000 Miles

    Whichever occurs first, starting from the date of delivery. ​

  • Issues after warranty expires?

    Call us now! You may still qualify.

🔨 What Is the Manufacturer’s Duty to Repair?

  • Attempt Repairs: The manufacturer or its authorized dealer must repair the defect after being notified by the consumer. ​
  • Reasonable Number of Attempts: This is presumed if, within the express warranty term or within 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever occurs first):​
    • The same defect has been subject to repair 4 or more times without success.​
    • The vehicle is out of service for repair for a cumulative total of 30 or more business days due to defects.

What Happens If They Can’t Fix It?

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Refund

Full refund, incl. taxes, fees, & remaining loan balance.

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Replacement

You’ll receive a new car of equal value.

Find out what you're owed—call now.

Frequently Asked Question:

Does the Illinois Lemon Law cover leased vehicles, or only purchased new cars?

Yes! The Illinois Lemon Law covers both purchased and leased new vehicles, as long as the lease is for at least one year and the vehicle is used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Both buyers and lessees are recognized as protected consumers under the Illinois Lemon Law, so if your leased car keeps having the same problem, you may have a real case. Don’t assume leasing puts you outside the Illinois Lemon Law’s protection.

The Illinois Lemon Law is designed to protect personal-use vehicles, not commercial or fleet vehicles. If your work truck is personally owned but also used for family purposes, it could still qualify depending on how the vehicle is primarily used. When in doubt, consult an Illinois Lemon Law attorney to evaluate your specific situation.

Absolutely. A “no problem found” write-up doesn’t automatically kill your Illinois Lemon Law case. Under 815 ILCS 380/4, the Illinois Lemon Law presumes a reasonable number of repair attempts has occurred if the same defect has been repaired 4 or more times and still exists, or if the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more business days. Keep every repair order, because they’re your strongest evidence under the Illinois Lemon Law.

For a strong Illinois Lemon Law claim, hold onto every repair order and invoice, your purchase or lease agreement, warranty documents, and personal notes tracking dates, mileage, and how long your vehicle was out of service each visit. Under 815 ILCS 380/3, the Illinois Lemon Law’s statutory warranty period covers the first year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, so documenting issues early is critical. The better your paper trail, the stronger your Illinois Lemon Law case will be.

If your vehicle qualifies under the Illinois Lemon Law, you’re entitled to either a full refund or a comparable replacement vehicle. The refund covers your full purchase price or lease cost, including collateral charges, minus a reasonable allowance for prior use. Don’t leave money on the table and contact an Illinois Lemon Law attorney today to pursue the full remedy you deserve.