Under Illinois lemon law (815 ILCS 380/ (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act)), your vehicle qualifies as a "lemon" if the same defect persists after 4 repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 cumulative days — within a 1 year / 12,000-mile window from delivery.
Key Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Repair Attempts Required | 4 attempts |
| Days Out of Service | 30 cumulative days |
| Coverage Window | 1 year / 12,000 miles |
| Covered Vehicles | New vehicles purchased or leased in Illinois |
| Key Statute | 815 ILCS 380/ (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act) |
| Last Updated | 2025-01 |
What You Need to Know — Illinois
- 4 repair attempts for the same defect, OR 30+ days out of service
- Coverage window: 1 year / 12,000 miles — one of the shorter windows
- Arbitration strongly encouraged before pursuing court action
- Manufacturer has one final opportunity to fix after arbitration determination
- Illinois does not have a separate used-car lemon law
How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Illinois
If your vehicle meets the threshold above, here are the general steps to pursue a lemon law claim in Illinois:
- Document every repair attempt. Keep all repair orders, invoices, and written communications with the dealer. Each attempt must be documented with a date and description of the defect reported.
- Notify the manufacturer in writing. Send a certified letter to the manufacturer (not just the dealer) describing the defect and the number of repair attempts. This creates a paper trail and triggers any final-repair opportunity the manufacturer is entitled to.
- Attempt informal dispute resolution. Illinoisrequires (or strongly encourages) participation in the manufacturer's certified arbitration program before filing a lawsuit. This is often free for consumers.
- File with the state or sue. If arbitration fails, you can file a lawsuit in Illinois court. Many consumers hire a lemon law attorney — attorney fees are recoverable from the manufacturer if you prevail.
Time matters. Lemon law claims must be filed within the coverage window (1 year / 12,000 miles from delivery). Act promptly once you believe your vehicle qualifies.
Think You Have a Lemon in Illinois?
Lemon law cases are often taken on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win. Manufacturer attorney fees are recoverable.
Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois Lemon Law
How many repair attempts are required under Illinois's lemon law?
Illinois's lemon law requires 4 repair attempts for the same defect, or 30 cumulative days out of service within the coverage window of 1 year / 12,000 miles.
What vehicles does Illinois's lemon law cover?
New vehicles purchased or leased in Illinois
What is the coverage window for Illinois's lemon law?
The coverage window in Illinois is 1 year or 12,000 miles from the date of original delivery — whichever comes first.
What statute governs lemon law in Illinois?
Illinois's lemon law is codified at 815 ILCS 380/ (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act).
Do I need an attorney to file a lemon law claim in Illinois?
You are not required to hire an attorney, but most lemon law cases are taken on contingency by experienced attorneys at no upfront cost to you. If you prevail, the manufacturer is typically required to pay your attorney fees — making legal representation effectively free.