Illinois lemon law covers new self-propelled vehicle primarily designed for use on public highways with a serious mechanical problem that was purchased or leased in Illinois. The Illinois lemon law states that the mechanical problem should be first reported within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The Illinois lemon law covers:
- New Cars both purchased/leased
- Light Trucks and vans that weigh less than 8,000 pounds
- Recreational vehicles excluding trailers
- Vehicles purchased in Illinois
The Illinois lemon law does not protect:
- Used Cars
- Altered or modified vehicles
- Motorcycles and boats
- The cosmetic flaws in a vehicle
- Defects occurred due to the negligence on the part of the owner
- Defects occurred as a result of an accident involving the vehicle
- Problems resulted from modification or repair performed by a non- authorized person or facility
To qualify to get the protection from the Illinois lemon law the mechanical problem in the vehicle must
- Substantially impair the use, market value, or safety of a motor vehicle
- Render the motor vehicle nonconforming to the terms of an applicable manufacturer’s warranty
The Illinois lemon law states that:
- The vehicle is in the custody of the manufacturer or its authorized dealer for repairs over a cumulative period of 30 calendar days or more
- Mechanical problem should be first reported within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first
- The manufacturer is given a reasonable number of (4) chances to repair the mechanical problem in your vehicle
- You must send a certified letter to the manufacturer informing them of the nonconformity of the manufacturer’s warranty
According to the Illinois lemon law an Industry Third Party Dispute Resolution Program evaluates your claim. You can find information about this program in your vehicle ownership manual. To initiate action under the Illinois lemon law, contact the designated manufacturer representative for your vehicle. This representative will forward the required information and forms to you to claim your Illinois lemon law rights. The Illinois lemon law claims cannot be initiated directly through the dealer. Many consumers have lost their Illinois lemon law rights because they waited longer than 12 months from the purchase date, the time period in which The Illinois lemon law complaints must be filed, all the while believing they were proceeding under the Illinois lemon law through their dealer. Under the Illinois lemon law if the Dispute Board rules in your favor, you can expect one of the following compensations:
- You will receive a replacement vehicle of the similar value
- The manufacturer will buy your vehicle back from you, less the value for miles driven
If you are dissatisfied with the decision of the Dispute Board, you may bring a civil action to enforce your rights under this Act. The manufacturer, however, may not dispute the board’s decision. There are also other Federal and Illinois laws that deal with contracts and warranties for new products. Before deciding on a particular course of action, you are strongly urged to consult expert Illinois lemon law attorney to determine the best course of action for your situation. Keep all receipts and records concerning repairs to your vehicle. Note the purpose and date of all repairs along with the length of time your vehicle is in the shop. It is extremely important that you file with your Illinois lemon law attorney before your Illinois lemon law rights to do so expire.