A Guide to the Illinois Lemon Law

When you purchase or lease a new vehicle, you expect it to be dependable and covered by the manufacturer's warranty. But if your vehicle continues to experience serious problems despite multiple repair attempts, you may have rights under the Illinois Lemon Law.

Illinois enacted its Lemon Law to protect consumers from vehicles with recurring defects that substantially affect their use, value, or safety. If a manufacturer cannot repair a qualifying defect within a reasonable number of attempts, it may be required to replace the vehicle or provide a refund.
 

What Vehicles Are Covered?

The Illinois New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act generally applies to new passenger vehicles, including many cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans. The vehicle must be purchased or leased primarily for personal, family, or household use.

The law generally does not apply to:
  • Motorcycles
  • Recreational vehicles
  • Certain commercial or heavy-duty vehicles
  • Used vehicles purchased without a manufacturer's warranty
 

What Qualifies as a Lemon?

A vehicle may qualify as a lemon if it has a defect or condition that:
  • Is covered by the manufacturer's warranty
  • Substantially impairs the vehicle's use, market value, or safety
  • Cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts

Examples may include:
  • Engine or transmission defects
  • Electrical system failures
  • Steering or braking problems
  • Repeated stalling
  • Persistent warning lights
  • Safety system malfunctions

Minor cosmetic concerns generally do not qualify unless they significantly affect the vehicle's value.
 

What Is a Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts?

Under Illinois law, a vehicle may qualify if:
  • The manufacturer or authorized dealer has attempted to repair the same defect four or more times and the problem continues, or
  • The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more business days during the eligibility period

The defect generally must occur within:
  • The first 12 months after delivery, or
  • The first 12,000 miles of operation

Whichever occurs first.
 

Manufacturer Responsibilities

If the manufacturer cannot repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, it may be required to:
  • Replace the vehicle with a comparable new vehicle, or
  • Repurchase the vehicle and provide a refund

The refund may include:
  • Purchase price
  • Sales tax
  • Registration fees
  • Finance charges
  • Other qualifying costs

A reasonable allowance for use may be deducted based on the mileage driven before the defect first occurred.
 

Documentation Is Critical

Consumers should keep detailed records, including:
  • Repair orders
  • Service invoices
  • Warranty documents
  • Communications with the dealer or manufacturer
  • Records showing how long the vehicle was unavailable

Strong documentation can help establish eligibility if a dispute arises.
 

How BBB AUTO LINE Can Help

If you believe your vehicle may qualify under the Lemon Law, BBB AUTO LINE offers a no-cost, independent dispute resolution program that can help you avoid the hassle of going to court. 

We can help you: 
  • File a claim against the manufacturer 
  • Resolve eligible complaints efficiently through mediation and arbitration

Connect with a knowledgeable Dispute Resolution Specialist who will explain the process, answer questions, help determine whether a claim may be eligible, and guide consumers through each step.
 

Need Assistance? 

BBB AUTO LINE may be able to help. If your manufacturer participates in the program, you can file a claim today.  

Start a BBB AUTO LINE claim at bbbprograms.org/complaints 

Or call 1-800-955-5100