What Are Your Options When a Dealership Won't Fix Your Car?

 Posted on December 15, 2025 in Civil Litigation

Many people have had the experience of buying a car from a dealership that immediately or shortly thereafter has problems. The check engine light comes on repeatedly; the transmission slips; strange noises come from under the hood; it won’t start up in cold weather. Many conscientious dealerships will agree to remedy cars they have sold that have early-onset problems. But unfortunately, frequently dealerships say these issues are normal, or refuse to fix them under warranty. So what can you do when a car dealership won’t fix your car? Will hiring an attorney help? 

At the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C., our Hillside, IL civil litigation attorney can help you deal with an uncooperative car dealership without going to court. Whether you need to have a warranty reviewed to understand your rights, negotiate for a fair cost of repair or replacement, or simply let a car dealership know you can’t be bullied around, we can help. We are a small firm, and we have always had a strong emphasis on highly-personalized customer service. Call 708-449-7404 today.

Can a Lawyer Help Resolve Disputes With Car Dealerships and Auto Repair Shops?

Many general practice and civil litigation attorneys assist with consumer law cases. When you’re dealing with a problematic car matter, you are likely to benefit from negotiation strategies that help resolve disputes without going to court. Many dealership problems can be resolved through negotiation. This saves everyone time and money compared to litigation.

An attorney can:

• Review your purchase documents;

• Check your warranty terms; and,

• Go over your repair records.

Taking the above 3 steps will help your attorney understand whether the dealership has violated your rights. An attorney can also check whether your situation qualifies under the Illinois "Lemon Law", or federal warranty protections. This helps you understand the strength of your case and what outcomes are realistic.

A consumer law attorney may also talk with dealerships on your behalf. Dealerships often take consumer complaints more seriously when an attorney is involved. A letter from a lawyer stating your legal rights and the dealership's obligations can prompt action that months of your own complaints could not achieve.

When Should You Negotiate With a Dealership Instead of Going to Court?

Negotiation makes sense as a first step in almost all dealership disputes. Court cases can take months, or even years, to get resolved, and they involve high costs. Even if you have strong claims, litigation is stressful and unpredictable. Negotiation offers the possibility of faster resolutions, and lets you have more control over the outcome.

Unsuccessful Repairs

Consider negotiating when the dealership has made some effort to fix your vehicle but the repairs have been unsuccessful. The dealership may need to be pressured to try different solutions, or to consider a buyback or replacement vehicle.

Disputed or Unclear Warranty Coverage

Negotiation is also appropriate when warranty coverage is unclear or disputed. Sometimes dealerships and consumers interpret warranty terms differently. Negotiation can clarify coverage and reach compromises without a judge deciding.

Financing Disputes

Dealerships often have final financing terms that don't match what was promised at first. Higher interest rates or longer loan periods than you agreed to are very common. Sometimes, dealerships use misleading price guarantees where advertised deals suddenly include hidden fees or add-ons.

What Is Illinois’ "Lemon Law?"

The Illinois "New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act", found at 815 ILCS 380/1, protects consumers who buy or lease defective new vehicles. This law applies when a new vehicle has a defect or condition that substantially impairs its use, market value or safety, and the manufacturer or dealer cannot fix the problem after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

If your vehicle qualifies as a "lemon", the manufacturer must either replace it with a comparable new vehicle or refund your purchase price. They are entitled to deduct a reasonable sum for your use of the vehicle.

The Illinois lemon law applies only to new vehicles. Used cars are not covered, unless they are still under the manufacturer's original warranty. However, other laws may protect you, including general consumer fraud statutes.

Call an Oak Park, IL Out-of-Court Civil Negotiation Attorney Today

Contact the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. at 708-449-7404 for a no-charge legal consultation about your dealership dispute. Our Hillside, IL civil dispute negotiation attorney has over 38 years of legal experience. We can evaluate your situation and explain your options for trying to get the resolution you want.