Illinois Lemon Law
Illinois lemon law protections for defective vehicles — how many repair attempts qualify, the coverage period, and what refund or replacement you can demand.
Standard state lemon law protection.
Illinois Lemon Law applies only to new motor vehicles. Used vehicles are covered only by the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act if there is misrepresentation.
Lemon Law Thresholds in Illinois
Available Remedies
- ✓Refund (purchase price less usage allowance)
- ✓Replacement vehicle
- ✓Consumer can choose refund or replacement
Illinois has one of the shorter lemon law protection windows — 12 months or 12,000 miles. Consumers must first use the manufacturer's arbitration program (if certified by the state) before filing in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many repair attempts qualify as a lemon in Illinois?
4 attempts. Four or more repair attempts for the same defect, OR vehicle is out of service 30+ business days — during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Does Illinois lemon law cover used vehicles?
Generally no. Illinois Lemon Law applies only to new motor vehicles. Used vehicles are covered only by the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act if there is misrepresentation.
How long is the Illinois lemon law protection period?
12 months or 12,000 miles. Illinois lemon law protection applies only within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles — one of the shorter protection windows nationally.
What remedies can I get under the Illinois lemon law?
Refund (purchase price less usage allowance); Replacement vehicle; Consumer can choose refund or replacement.
What counts as "out of service" under Illinois lemon law?
30 days. 30 or more business days (not calendar days) out of service for any defect or combination of defects during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles.
How do I file a lemon law claim in Illinois?
Start by documenting all repair attempts with written records from the dealer. Send a certified letter to the manufacturer notifying them of the defect and your lemon law claim. If the manufacturer does not resolve it, you can file with Illinois Attorney General — Lemon Law or proceed to arbitration or court.