Demand Letter Under Illinois Lemon Law

If you want to pursue a claim under Illinois's Lemon Law, you must notify the manufacturer of the problem with your vehicle within 12 months of delivery of the vehicle or before the vehicle is driven 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The manufacturer has the opportunity to fix it one last time. You must send the notice via certified mail, with a return receipt requested.

If the problem still isn't fixed after the final repair attempt, you must file a request for arbitration with the manufacturer's dispute resolution process. You must file your request within 18 months of accepting delivery of your vehicle.

Sample Demand Letter

[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your telephone number]
[Date]

[Name of manufacturer]
[Manufacturer's address]

Dear Manufacturer:

Pursuant to Illinois Lemon Law, notice is hereby given of the need for repair of a continuing defect or condition, covered by the manufacturer's warranty:

[number] attempts have been made to repair the same defect or condition

The vehicle has been out of service for [number] or more business days

The problem [is/is not] one that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven.

Description of defects(s): [describe defects]

Vehicle make:
Vehicle model:
Vehicle year:
VIN:
Name, address, and city/state of dealer or leasing company:
Date of purchase:
Odometer reading at date of purchase:
Present odometer reading:
Name, address, and city/state of dealer(s) attempting previous repairs:

I am requesting that you [replace/repurchase] the vehicle described above within thirty (30) days from the receipt of this notice.

Sincerely,
[Your name]