Illinois lemon law help when your new car keeps failing

How many repair visits count in Illinois?

Illinois counts 4 repair visits for the same defect under Illinois's lemon law. Tell the service writer when a defect feels unsafe, and make sure it is on the order. Get a written repair order every time, even when the dealer says nothing was found.

How many days in the shop?

The other test is time in the shop: 30 days in total, and they do not have to be in a row. Write the drop-off date and the pick-up date on every visit. The repair log adds the days up for you.

The problem must first show up within 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, per the Illinois rule. A car delivered on January 1, 2026 leaves that window on January 1, 2027. The window is when the defect must first appear; the deadline to file is a separate clock, and your attorney checks both on the call.

The time limit to file, in Illinois's own words: 12 months from the purchase date.

Does Illinois lemon law cover used cars?

Illinois does not make dealers fully warranty a used car. Dealers must still pay part of the cost of power train repairs. A used car sold with a written warranty can also go under the federal warranty law in every state.

What Illinois lemon law gives you back

Your attorney works out the refund from your contract.

Who pays your Illinois lemon law attorney?

The federal warranty law lets an owner who wins recover reasonable attorney fees. That is why the case review is free and there is no fee unless you win. More on what a lemon law lawyer costs.