Illinois's lemon law and your rights as a buyer

What the lemon law protects, what it doesn't, and what rights you keep when you buy used. With the state's exact deadlines.

This guide summarizes the recorded scope for Illinois (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act, 815 ILCS 380). Eligibility, deadlines and notice requirements depend on the law and applicable coverage; read the state conditions below, including used-vehicle conditions where relevant.

What it covers

New cars, bought or leased (at least one year) in Illinois for personal, family or household use; light trucks and vans under 8,000 pounds; motorized RVs (not trailers). The defect must substantially impair use, market value or safety.

Rights period: 12 months or 12,000 miles from delivery, whichever comes first (the "statutory warranty period"). Any lawsuit must be filed within 18 months of original delivery.

When it is presumed a lemon

Four or more unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect, or 30 or more cumulative business days out of service, within the 12-month/12,000-mile period. It applies only if you gave the manufacturer prior direct written notice and a chance to repair (815 ILCS 380/3(h)).

The presumption does not replace the other requirements. Check the official conditions and procedure for your situation.

The process

It does not start with the dealer. First the manufacturer's informal dispute program (required before demanding replacement or refund, 815 ILCS 380/4). The program is required only if the manufacturer set one up and gave you written notice that it exists. If you disagree with the decision you may sue; the Attorney General states the manufacturer may not dispute the board's decision. The Attorney General advises and takes complaints but does not arbitrate.

Who handles it: Illinois Attorney General — Consumer Protection Division.

Hotline: 1-800-386-5438 (Chicago) · 1-800-243-0618 (Springfield) · 1-800-243-0607 (Carbondale) · 1-866-310-8398 (español).

What you get if you win

A new vehicle of like model line, if available, or a refund of the full price (or lease cost) with collateral charges, minus a reasonable allowance for use.

What it does not cover

Used cars; motorcycles and boats; trucks, vans and other second-division vehicles weighing 8,000 pounds or more; altered or modified vehicles (the modifier answers only for its parts); defects from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications; towable trailers and campers.

I bought used: what do I have left

More than it seems, even if it isn't the lemon law:

• The Buyers Guide (FTC). The guide states the dealer warranty. "As Is" describes that warranty; it does not by itself resolve other state-law rights or remaining manufacturer coverage. The federal rule applies in 48 states (Maine and Wisconsin have their own equivalent rules). If the sale is conducted in Spanish, the dealer must post a Spanish-language Buyers Guide.
• Remaining manufacturer warranty. Check the warranty contract and its duration and transfer conditions; vehicle age does not guarantee coverage.
• In Illinois: Implied powertrain warranty of 15 days or 500 miles on dealer-sold used cars with 150,000 miles or less (815 ILCS 505/2L; you pay half of the first two repairs, up to $100 each; notify the dealer no later than 2 business days after the period ends; excludes rebuilt or flood titles, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,000 pounds or more, and antique or collector vehicles; it also does not apply if the dealer gives an express warranty equal to or greater than this one, or discloses a specific defect in writing and you sign to accept it). Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505), with complaints to the Attorney General. Legally capped documentary fee. There is no 3-day right to cancel.