The Illinois Lemon Law

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

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.

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.

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.

If you have an unresolved dispute involving a defect that is covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty, BBB AUTO LINE may be able to assist you. BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court mediation and arbitration dispute resolution process in which many automobile manufacturers participate.