Illinois

Top-Rated Illinois Lemon Law Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights

  • Covers new and used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty — including cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, and more.
  • Compensation options include a full refund, replacement vehicle, or a fair cash settlement — and no upfront legal fees.
  • Not covered: Minor cosmetic issues, damage from misuse, or vehicles not under warranty.

Check if your vehicle qualifies

Get Started

Illinois’ Lemon Law protects drivers who buy or lease new vehicles that turn out to be defective and can’t be fixed under the manufacturer’s warranty.

If your vehicle qualifies, the manufacturer must offer a replacement, a full refund, or a cash settlement — and in some cases, you may be entitled to extra compensation for the inconvenience.

Illinois Lemon Law: What It Can Do For You

The Illinois Lemon Law offers consumers protection when their new vehicle repeatedly fails to meet expectations. If you’ve tried to get your car repaired multiple times and it’s still defective, you could be entitled to:

  • A replacement vehicle of equal value
  • A full buyback, including taxes, registration, and loan payments
    • A cash settlement for inconvenience and loss of vehicle value
  • Legal fees covered by the manufacturer — not you

We’ll guide you through the entire process, with no upfront fees to you.

What Vehicles Are Covered by Illinois Lemon Law?

To qualify for Illinois Lemon Law, the defect must:

  • Substantially impair the vehicle’s use, market value, or safety.
  • Arise during the statutory warranty period — the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first (815 ILCS 380).
  • Remain unrepaired after four or more attempts at the same repair, or leave the vehicle out of service for a total of 30 or more business days within that period.

Am I Eligible Under Illinois Lemon Law?

You could be eligible if:

  • The defect affects your vehicle’s safety, value, or use
  • The defect has been attempted to be fixed 2 or more times
  • The vehicle has been out of service for 30+ days due to the defect
  • Report the defect while the vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty or within your state’s lemon-law rights period — these periods vary by state and can be as short as one year.

If this sounds familiar, we’ll be happy to review your repair records and help you get started.

Common Defects Under Illinois Lemon Law

Typical issues that qualify under Illinois Lemon Law include:

  • Transmission issues (slipping, jerking, or delayed shifting)
  • Brake malfunctions or steering problems
  • Fluid leaks or engine overheating
  • Electrical problems (warning lights, battery issues, or dashboard failures)
  • AC or heater system malfunctions
  • Dead battery or alternator issues
  • And more…

If your vehicle has had multiple repairs for any of these issues, you may have a lemon.

Illinois Lemon Law and Used Cars

Illinois Lemon Law generally does not cover used vehicles, but some certified pre-owned cars may qualify under the manufacturer’s original warranty. To qualify:

  • The used car must still be under the original warranty
  • The issue must occur within 18 months or 18,000 miles
  • There must have been attempts to fix the problem

Let us review your vehicle and confirm if it qualifies — it’s free!

Why Illinois Residents Choose Our Lemon Law Attorneys

Lemon Law Experts: Extensive experience with Illinois cases

  • No upfront fees: We only get paid if we win your case
  • 24/7 Availability: Always available to answer your questions
  • Full-service legal support: From filing the claim to securing compensation
  • Aggressive Representation: We push for the maximum compensation you’re owed

No upfront fees.
No upfront fees. No hidden charges. Your agreement explains any costs.

Cities We Serve in Illinois

How it works

01

Free Case Review

Provide us with your vehicle details and repair history for a quick review.
02

Claim Process

We handle all legal paperwork and communication with the manufacturer.
03

Get Compensated

You may receive a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.

Don’t Let a Defective Car Take Control of Your Life

We know the frustration of dealing with a lemon. Let our experienced Illinois attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve.
Start your free claim review now!
or Call (213) 531-2056

FAQs

FAQ Icon
How do I start arbitration under Illinois Lemon Law?

Contact the manufacturer’s designated representative (listed in your owner’s manual) within 12 months of purchase/12,000 miles. The manufacturer must use an informal dispute settlement procedure (arbitration program). You cannot initiate through the dealer—must go directly to manufacturer’s arbitration program.

What documents should I bring to an Illinois lemon law attorney?

Purchase/lease agreement, manufacturer’s warranty/owner’s manual, all repair orders with dates/descriptions, written correspondence with dealer/manufacturer, out-of-service documentation calendar (30-day rule), vehicle registration, and receipts for towing/rental costs incurred due to defects.

How does Illinois calculate 30 business days out of service?

Counts 30 business days (not calendar days) when the vehicle is unavailable due to repairs for nonconformities during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles. Each day at the shop for warranty-covered repairs counts toward this threshold.

What remedies can I get under Illinois Lemon Law refund replacement or repair?

After 4+ repair attempts or 30+ business days out of service, manufacturer must either replace with comparable vehicle OR refund full purchase price (minus reasonable use offset) plus collateral charges, towing, rental costs. Repair is no longer an option once threshold met.

How long do I have to file an Illinois Lemon Law claim after purchase?

Critical deadlines: Report defects within 12 months of purchase OR 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). File lawsuit within 18 months from original delivery date. Missing the 12-month reporting deadline eliminates your lemon law remedy.