Lemon Law In Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

If you live in Illinois and you recently purchased a new car, you might have heard about the lemon law. The lemon law is a consumer protection law that aims to protect car buyers from defective vehicles. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about lemon law in Illinois.

What is Lemon Law?

Lemon law is a law that protects consumers who buy or lease new vehicles that have persistent and significant defects that cannot be repaired by the dealership. Lemon laws vary from state to state, but they typically provide a remedy for consumers who have purchased a defective vehicle.

Who is Covered by the Lemon Law in Illinois?

In Illinois, the lemon law covers any person who buys or leases a new car, truck, or motorcycle. The law does not cover used cars or vehicles that have been modified after purchase.

What Constitutes a Lemon Vehicle?

A vehicle is considered a lemon in Illinois if it has a nonconformity that impairs its use, value, or safety and meets the following criteria:

  • The nonconformity is covered by the vehicle’s warranty
  • The nonconformity was reported to the dealership within the warranty period or during the first year of ownership, whichever comes first
  • The dealership was given a reasonable opportunity to repair the nonconformity

How Many Repair Attempts are Required?

In Illinois, a vehicle is considered a lemon if it has been subject to four or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity or if it has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more days during the warranty period.

What are the Remedies for Lemon Law in Illinois?

If your vehicle meets the criteria for a lemon in Illinois, you may be entitled to one of the following remedies:

  • Replacement of the vehicle with a comparable new vehicle
  • Refund of the purchase price
  • Payment of the difference between the purchase price and the fair market value of the vehicle

What is the Arbitration Process?

Before you can file a lawsuit under the lemon law in Illinois, you must first go through the arbitration process. The arbitration process is a way to resolve disputes without going to court. The process is voluntary, but both the consumer and the manufacturer must agree to participate.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Illinois?

If you believe that your vehicle is a lemon, you should first contact the manufacturer and inform them of the problem. The manufacturer may offer to repair the problem or provide a remedy under the lemon law. If the manufacturer refuses to provide a remedy, you can file a lemon law claim with the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

Tips for Filing a Lemon Law Claim in Illinois

If you are planning to file a lemon law claim in Illinois, here are some tips to help you:

  • Keep all records of repair attempts and other relevant documents
  • Be polite but firm when dealing with the manufacturer
  • Consider hiring a lemon law attorney to represent you

Conclusion

The lemon law in Illinois is designed to protect consumers who purchase new vehicles that turn out to be lemons. If you believe that your vehicle meets the criteria for a lemon, you should take action to protect your rights. Follow the tips in this article and seek legal advice if necessary.