State lemon law guide
Illinois Lemon Law
What counts as a lemon in Illinois, whether used cars are covered, and how to get a refund or replacement.
Illinois lemon law in one sentence
Under Illinois’s lemon law (815 ILCS 380 (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act)), a new vehicle is presumed a lemon if the same defect is not fixed after 4 repair attempts or it has been out of service for 30 days during the first 1 year or 12,000 miles.
Illinois lemon law at a glance
- Statute
- 815 ILCS 380 (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act)
- Coverage period
- 1 year or 12,000 miles
- Repair attempts
- 4 for the same defect
- Days out of service
- 30 days
- Used cars covered
- No
How to file a lemon law claim in Illinois
- Keep every repair order showing the problem, the date and the mileage.
- Confirm you meet Illinois’s threshold: 4 attempts or 30 days within 1 year or 12,000 miles.
- Send written notice to the manufacturer by certified mail and give it a final chance to repair.
- If it is not fixed, request the manufacturer’s arbitration program or contact a lemon law attorney.
Summary of 815 ILCS 380 (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act). Laws change — confirm with the Illinois attorney general’s consumer protection office. Not legal advice.
Illinois lemon law FAQ
How many repair attempts make a car a lemon in Illinois?
4 attempts to fix the same defect.
How many days out of service qualify under Illinois lemon law?
30 days for repairs during the coverage period.
Does Illinois lemon law cover used cars?
No. Illinois’s lemon law covers new vehicles. Used-car buyers rely on the remaining manufacturer warranty and federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protections.
How long does Illinois lemon law protection last?
1 year or 12,000 miles after delivery, whichever comes first where a mileage limit applies.
What can I get under Illinois lemon law?
Usually a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, minus a reasonable allowance for use, plus collateral costs. Check the statute for state-specific rules on fees and arbitration.