Illinois Lemon Law Summary
STANDARDS OF THE ILLINOIS LEMON LAW
New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act
The following is a brief explanation of most relevant provisions of the Illinois lemon law.
The complete text of the lemon law can be found at 815 Ill. Comp. Stat. Sec. 380/1-8.
VEHICLES COVERED
The Illinois lemon law covers the following new motor vehicles:
1. Passenger cars;
2. Motor vehicles with a vehicle weight of under 8,000 pounds that are designed for
carrying more than 10 persons or used for living quarters, for pulling or carrying
freight, cargo or implements of husbandry;
3. A vehicle purchased or leased by a fire department or fire protection district; and
4. Specified recreational vehicles.
Does not cover used vehicles.
CONSUMERS COVERED
An individual who purchases or leases for a period of at least one year a new vehicle for
the purposes of transporting himself and others, as well as their personal property, for
primarily personal, household or family purposes, and a fire department or fire
protection district that purchases or leases for at least one year a new motor vehicle.
VEHICLE CONVERTERS
The lemon law applies to vehicle converters.
PROBLEMS COVERED
The lemon law covers vehicle “nonconformities.” A nonconformity is defined as a
vehicle’s failure to conform to all express warranties applicable to such vehicle, which
failure substantially impairs the use, market value or safety of that vehicle.
The lemon law does not cover problems if the manufacturer can show that they are the
result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations.
MANUFACTURER’S DUTY TO REPURCHASE OR REPLACE A VEHICLE
The lemon law requires that a manufacturer repurchase or replace a vehicle if the
manufacturer (including its agents and dealers) is unable to conform the new vehicle to
any of its applicable express warranties after a reasonable number or attempts.
REASONABLE NUMBER OF REPAIR ATTEMPTS
The Illinois lemon law establishes a presumption that a reasonable number of repair
attempts have been made if either of the following occurs during the period of one year
More at: bbb.org/us/auto-line/state-lemon-laws/
