Acura ILX Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Acura ILX options? We analyzed 10 model years (2013–2022) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Acura ILX has 268 owner complaints and 36 safety recalls across model years 2013–2022. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2019 drew the most complaints; 2022 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- ILX
- Model years analyzed
- 2013–2022 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 268
- Safety recall campaigns
- 36
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Fire-related complaints
- 3
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2019 (36 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2022 (3 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Acura ILX: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe ACURA ILX has 268 NHTSA complaints and 36 recalls on record. 23 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 268 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 36 federal recall campaigns
- 23 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
36 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2013–2022. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 268 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
268 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I am experiencing what I believe to be unauthorized remote access/control of my 2022 Acura ILX. I suspect the extra set of keys provided by the dealership was given to unauthorized parties without my consent. The vehicle has exhibited sudden and unexplained changes in acceleration, braking, steering, and electronic functions while I am driving, as though being controlled externally. This creates a severe safety risk to me, passengers, and others on the road. I have also experienced tampering with electronic systems, tracking, and possible interference with the onboard computer. This has been ongoing for an extended period and may involve multiple parties, including a former employer and individuals tied to them. The risk of losing control of the vehicle is constant, and I believe this is a safety defect that requires immediate investigation.
I, [XXX] , entered into a car agreement with Carwise which assisted me with searching for cars that best suited my family and I. May of 2022 we finally found the car that we thought was a great fit for the family. A representative from Carwise showed up at my home with the Acura ILX A-Spec along with the proper documents to be signed so I could be ready to take the vehicle. I [XXX] along with the Carwise representative stood behind the vehicle to go through each document that needed to be signed, We were going through it and along that process, I was never informed the price of the vehicle was no longer the price that I was told initially before the car was brought. I was told the vehicle was around $32,000, I was told the car was new and had no issues, and I was told I didn’t have to put in a down payment which at first was true, no payment was given. Upon further research and investigation, I later found out that the down payment was added as an extra. When ready to complete the contract, the representative that was supposed to go through the contract thoroughly with me did not do so which resulted in me signing away to what turned out to be bait and switch. I contacted the lender to see if the car was repossessed and they confirmed they hired MC Trac towing company to pick up my vehicle. I had spoken to them, and they stated the car was repossessed at my home, which was inaccurate information. I have been suffering mentally due to so many issues arising with the lenders, the car dealerships, and everyone involved. I’ve been sent back and forth, and no issue seems to be resolved and the Acura is my only form of transportation. I am seeking to have my vehicle returned in the perfect state that it was, along with all payments that were made since its first purchase, along with all hardships and extra payments that were made through all processes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The paint on the vehicle is chipping away. There are a few spots on the vehicle that the paint is chipping away. This can lead to rust. I purchased the vehicle new and the vehicle does not even have 5k miles as of now.
Check airbag system light keeps coming on and worried airbag may rupture or explode
Check air bag system keeps turning on..
The contact owns a 2015 Acura ILX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic braking control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2015 Acura ILX. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the vehicle started pulling to the right. The contact was able to steer the vehicle and continued driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel abruptly jerked and violently turned to the left, causing the vehicle to pull to the left. The contact stated that he was unable to turn the steering wheel to the right. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal and came to a complete stop. The contact was then able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Takata front passenger side ceiling airbag and front passenger seat airbag deployed without impact or collision after I left my garage and drove less than a quarter of a mile. There was an excessive heat warning and higher-than-average humidity. I suffered auditory injuries due to the high-decibel explosion the Takata airbags produced in the sealed cab of my car. My insurance has ruled my vehicle a total loss (with no fault of my own). Still, I have yet to accept the insurance's total loss offer, and I wanted to provide an opportunity for further inspection of the Takata airbag system to help this ongoing crisis further. Two Acura representatives called after I registered my airbag deployment on Honda's website. The first representative treated me, "I can have you arrested." during our phone conversation on July 12th, 2023. The second representative requested that I turn over my vehicle to Acura "So we can do our internal investigation." I declined, and his rebuttal was to take my car from the bank since there was a lien on it. I replied that my vehicle has no lien; it's paid in full. My insurance company initially told me they were going to inspect the vehicle. However, I was offered a total loss settlement within 48 hours. I've requested an inspection report multiple times for the cause, but my insurance company has not provided me with anything other than a total loss, with "no fault of my own report." There were no warning lamps, messages, or anything to alert me before the faulty deployment of the airbags. No passenger was seated in the passenger seat at the time of this incident.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT PUSH TO START FAILURES WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.
LAST COUPLE MONTHS PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS AND UNLOCKS ON ITS OWN WHENEVER CAR STARTS. YESTERDAY DRIVER SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK CAR TO SHOP AND THEY ARE REPLACING DOOR LOCK AT THIS TIME.
RECALL ON AIRBAGS 3/14/2019 AND I PURCHASED CAR USED 4/17/2019 NOT KNOWING ABOUT THE RECALL. FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSING CAR NOT TO START. MECHANIC FOUND IT BURNED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 ACURA ILX. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND TRIED TO SELL THE CONTACT A NEW VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT CLAIM THE VEHICLE FIRE AS A SAFETY MATTER, THEY WOULD NOT LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION. THE FIRE EVENT WAS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER'S TOTAL LOSS DEPARTMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
MY CAR HAS A INTERMITTING SHUT OFF PROBLEM THAT JUST RANDOMLY HAPPENS AS I AM DRIVING I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE LOCAL TEMECULA ACURA DEALERSHIP WHICH I EXPERIENCED HORRIBLE SERVICE AFTER THEY HAD MY CAR 2 WEEKS THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM THEY COULD ONLY SUGGEST A MAJOR TUNE UP AND CHANGING SPARKPLUGS COST OVER $500 WHICH AS THEY TOLD ME MAY NOT FIX MY PROBLEM. I WORTE ACURA CORPORATE THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING I SIMPLE WANT TO REPORT THIS ISSUE MY CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS ISSUES WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE. THE CAR JUST CUTS OUT AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER ACURA THEY COULD NOT FIX MY PROBLEM WHICH IS THERE PRODUCT. I TRIED TO FILE WITH BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND I COULD NOT BECAUSE OF THE YEAR OF THE CAR.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 12/28/16 *BF
TAKATA RECALL. I CONTACTED TWO DEALERSHIPS, BOT SAID THEY WOULD HAVE THE PART IN THIS SUMMER AND WOULD CALL ME WHEN THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. TWO LETTERS FROM ACURA STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER; YET, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM EITHER DEALERSHIP AND MY AIRBAGS HAVE NOT YET BEEN REPLACED.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/01/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP NEVER ORDERED THE PART. *TR
WAS TOLD BY MY AURA DEALER THAT MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN MAY 2016. IT HAS BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE SINCE THAT TIME, AWAITING PARTS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE TAKATA AIRBAG. I LEASED THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2014, AND WAS NOT TOLD OF THE RECALL UNTIL MAY 2016, NOR WAS I TOLD THAT THE CAR HAD A TAKATA AIRBAG WHEN I ENTERED INTO THE LEASE. FOR A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, ANYONE OF MY FAMILY DRIVING THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN ENDANGERED IF THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I REQUESTED A MORATORIUM ON LEASE PAYMENTS FROM ACURA LEASING, UNTIL THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE, WHICH THEY REFUSED TO DO. I ASKED THE DEALER, NAPLETON ACURA TO SWAP OUT THE CAR/LEASE FOR ANOTHER CAR/LEASE WITHOUT THE AIRBAG PROBLEMS, WHICH THEY WOULD NOT DO WITHOUT A SIGNIFICANT MONETARY PENALTY. THE TAKATA AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM DATING BACK TO 2001 FOR HONDAS, AND 2003 FOR ACURAS SO THIS IS A LONG STANDING ISSUE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR AGENCY ALLOWS ACURA & HONDA TO CONTINUE TO SELL VEHICLES WITH TAKATA AIRBAGS ESPECIALLY IN HIGH HUMIDITY LOCALES SUCH AS FLORIDA, WHERE I LIVE. YOUR AGENCY SEEMS TO BE PROTECTING THE CAR MANUFACTURERS AND RELATED DEALERS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PUBLIC THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTING. IRONICALLY AN AIRBAG IS A SAFETY COMPONENT, NOT ONE THAT EXPOSES THE DRIVER TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THE CAR BACK TO ACURA, AND TERMINATE THE LEASE WITHOUT PENALTY.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT COMPENSATION FOR HAVING MY VEHICLE SIT IN MY PARKING LOT FOR 2 TO 6 MONTHS AND I'M PAYING MY CAR PAYMENT AND I'M NOT DRIVING MY CAR, IF I WANT TO DRIVE ANOTHER CAR OTHER THAN MY ACURA I WOULD PURCHASE THAT, NOW I'M DRIVING A RENTAL THEY TURNED OFF ALL THE FEATURES, NO EXPLANATION. I THINK I SHOULD AT LEAST GET REIMBURSE FOR MY CAR NOTE ATE LEAST HALF. I DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR FOR ME NOT HAVING MY LUXURY CAR TO DRIVE DIDN'T EVEN GET TO ENJOY MY CAR HAVEN'T EVEN DRIVEN MY CAR FOR 6 MONTHS GOT MY CAR IN LATE OCT 2015 & FEB RECALL SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU *TR
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED ON THE INTERIM NOTIFICATION THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MID SUMMER 2016. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE SECOND NOTIFICATION LETTER WOULD BE MAILED INDICATING THAT THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
LESSOR DID NOT FORWARD A COPY OF THIS NOTICE TO US (LESSEE) WITHIN THE 10 DAYS.
Showing 20 of 268 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Acura ILX
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Acura ILX, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Acura ILX has 268 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Acura ILX has 36 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 23 of the Acura ILX's 268 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Acura ILX vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Acura ILX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Acura ILX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Acura ILX by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Acura ILX.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Acura ILX reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Acura ILX reliable?
Poor. The Acura ILX has 268 NHTSA owner complaints and 36 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Acura ILX years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2019 (36 complaints), 2018 (23 complaints), 2017 (20 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Acura ILX problems?
Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (78 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (46 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (32 complaints).
Does the Acura ILX have recalls?
Yes — 36 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Acura ILX. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.