What Are The Possible Outcomes?

If it has been determined that your vehicle is a lemon, you may choose either a refund or a replacement (with a similarmodel new vehicle).

A replacement vehicle shall be a new vehicle of similar model line if available, or a comparable vehicle if the former is not available.

In your refund, the manufacturer is entitled to deduct a reasonable allowance for vehicle use, based on number of miles driven from date of delivery. Beyond that, you are entitled to receive the full purchase price plus collateral charges.

If the following conditions prevail, you are not eligible for legal remedy under the Lemon Law:

The manufacturer proves that it has not had a reasonable opportunity to repair your car. For example, they prove that the number of repair attempts was not reasonable because you did not follow the terms of the warranty or some event (such as a labor strike, war, or natural disaster) prevented timely repairs.
If the manufacturer proves that no problem exists or that the problem does not substantially impair the vehicle`s use, value, or safety.
If the defect was the result of abuse, neglect, unauthorized alterations or modifications, or an accident.

Other Illinois Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: This law covers passenger cars, trucks, and vans that weigh less than 8,000 pounds, as well as recreational vehicles, that were bought in the state of Illinois. The … More
Q: What Is The Lemon Law Term Of Protection?
A: The term of protection is for the first one year or 12,000 miles from date of delivery, whichever ends first. This term of protection may be extended by any period of … More
Q: What Types Of Defects Are Covered?
A: The Lemon Law covers defects that substantially impair the use, safety, or market value of the vehicle, and that are not the result of an accident, abuse, neglect, or … More
Q: What Do I Need To Do Before I Can Claim That My Car Is A Lemon?
A: The vehicle must have been taken in for a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect(s). It is already presumed that your vehicle has undergone a reasonable … More
Q: What If My Problem Does Not Fit The Requirements Of My State's Lemon Law?
A: You still may be able to invoke the Lemon Law as long as you can justify that the number of repair attempts or days out of service you encountered were unreasonable. … More
Q: What Are My Options For Action Under The Lemon Law?
A: If the manufacturer does not repair the defect, or if the repairs are unsuccessful, you have the following options: Manufacturer`s Arbitration Program: Although you … More
Q: Does The Manufacturer Have To Tell Potential Purchasers Of The Car That It Was Deemed A Lemon?
A: Yes, the manufacturer is prohibited from selling the vehicle again unless it has repaired the defect(s) in question, and it must issue a disclosure statement to the … More
Q: Does The State Of Illinois Have A Used Car Lemon Law?
A: No.
Q: Where Can I Get More Information About The Lemon Law?
A: Office of the Illinois Attorney General 100 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60601 3128143000 or 8003865438 www.ag.state.il.us Illinois State Bar … More