Lemon-law claims generally come down to the same things: repair attempts, days out of service, and whether you're still inside the eligibility window. Organize those facts and get a free letter outline; the full demand letter is in the $39 Case Pack.
| Eligibility window | 12 months or 12,000 miles from delivery, whichever comes first |
|---|---|
| Repair-attempt presumption | 4 repair attempts |
| Days-out-of-service presumption | 30 days (business days) |
| Citation | 815 ILCS 380/1 et seq. (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act) |
Source: 815 ILCS 380/1 et seq. (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act)
The Illinois New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act requires a manufacturer that cannot repair a new vehicle's substantial defect within a reasonable number of attempts to replace the vehicle or make restitution to the buyer. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same nonconformity has been subject to repair four or more times, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative business days, within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership - one of the shortest windows of any state. Consumers must first resort to the manufacturer's certified informal dispute settlement procedure, if one exists, before filing suit. The Act covers new passenger cars, light trucks (under roughly 8,000 pounds per one source), and recreational vehicles used for personal, family, or household purposes; it excludes motorcycles and does not cover used vehicles. The statute of limitations to bring suit is 18 months from original delivery.
Wherewithal is an organizational tool only. Not legal advice. Consider consulting a licensed attorney.