The Illinois lemon law covers new cars that are purchased or leased. It also covers light trucks and vans that weigh under 8,000 pounds and recreational vehicles, but not trailers. The vehicles must be purchased in Illinois, and they’re covered for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Determining Whether Your Car is a Lemon
Aside from the 12 month or 12,000 mile rule, a vehicle must have a nonconformity that substantially impairs the use, market value or safety of the vehicle that can’t be repaired by the dealer or manufacturer. At least four attempts must be made at the same repair. In the alternative, the vehicle must be out of service for a minimum of 30 business days for such repairs.
Making Your Illinois Lemon Law Claim
The only way that you can exercise an Illinois lemon law claim is through a third party dispute resolution program. Details regarding the program are in your owner’s manual. You must contact the specific manufacturer representative for the vehicle that you purchased or leased. That representative will forward appropriate information and claim forms to you.
The Dispute Board
Your claim will be referred to a dispute board, and if it rules in your favor, you will either receive another vehicle of like value, or the manufacturer will buy your vehicle from you, minus the value of the miles that you have driven. If you’re dissatisfied with the dispute board’s ruling, you can file a civil lawsuit to enforce your rights under the controlling statute. Manufacturers are not permitted to do that. Maintain a file of records and receipts of all work done on your vehicle. Those records will be important in proving your claim or lawsuit. Remember that you only have 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
