Consumer power has increased the need for consumer protection. Many defective products are sold under the mask of marketing. To address this rampant concern, the US legislature has come up with Consumer rights. As a part of the same attempt, Lemon laws are incorporated to address concerns regarding motor vehicles.
Illinois Lemon Law Chapter 815 Sec. 380 (815 ILCS 380/1) can be levied on new and leased vehicle. A vehicle would be considered a lemon, when it fails to perform from the time it is bought. An engine problem, non-functioning of brakes or back gear and other complicated problems can lead to the vehicle being labeled a lemon. It is called a lemon as it leaves a sour experience to the buyer. Through this the defect is addressed and the safety to the usage of the vehicle is assured. If the consumer reports nonconformity of a motor vehicle the manufacturer or seller should bear all the expenses for the repair of the vehicle, provided it is covered under warranty.
Illinois Lemon laws state that if the applicant’s claims are proved to be substantial then the manufacturer or the seller should ensure a replacement of the vehicle admitting to the non-adherence to the basic safety of the consumer. A cash reimbursement is also a feasible option if proven right. However, if the repair is caused due to the reckless usage by the consumer then the Illinois lemon laws do not apply. As the manufacturer also has to engage an attorney in their defense, the consumer has to bear that expense if the case is proven otherwise. If the consumer doesn’t want to file a case, they can settle for an informal dispute settlement procedure. For this the manufacturer should have been signed up for a dispute program. Illinois lemon laws can be claimed for as the consumer is given more importance in cases such as these.
