Acura ILX Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used Acura ILX options? We analyzed 10 model years (2013β2022) 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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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Acura ILX has 217 owner complaints and 25 safety recalls across model years 2013β2022. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- ILX
- Model years analyzed
- 2013β2022 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 217
- Safety recall campaigns
- 25
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Fire-related complaints
- 3
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (23 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (9 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 β 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 β 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 217 NHTSA complaints and 25 recalls on record. 17 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 217 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 25 federal recall campaigns
- 17 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: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
25 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
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
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:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2013β2022. 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 217 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
217 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.
The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle. The contact stated that the airbags did not deploy during the crash. The contact did not sustain injuries at the scene and no medical attention was provided immediately following the crash. However, the contact later experienced lower back and neck injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed after the crash. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, approximately half of the fuel would disappear after the vehicle was started, with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer for bodywork repairs related to the rear-end damage. The contact was informed that repairs had been completed to the fuel pocket area of the vehicle however the vehicle was not diagnosed related for the fuel system failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,815
The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system became inoperable and failed to function properly while attempting to stop the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable and needed to be ordered. After a follow-up inquiry, the dealer stated that the parts were still not available and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. Another local dealer, Jeff Wyler Acura of Dayton (60 Loop Rd, Dayton, OH 45459); was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and another dealer were contacted and confirmed that parts were on a national back order. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I am filing this complaint regarding the inadequacy of American Honda's recall remedy under NHTSA Campaign 25V-859 (Acura Campaign RN5) for my 2016 Acura ILX (109,000 miles). This recall addresses a defective brake master cylinder that can reduce braking performance and increase stopping distances, posing an unreasonable risk of crash or injury. Despite this acknowledged safety defect, American Honda is refusing to perform the recall repair, stating that parts are limited and repairs are being prioritized only for vehicles already exhibiting symptoms of failure. My case (#16165247) has been closed with no remedy provided. I have contacted American Honda approximately five times over the past two months and receive the same answer. No repair, no loaner vehicle, no interim safety guidance, and no timeline for parts availability has been offered. Their guidance was "we can prioritize your repair once you notice your brakes begin to fail." My local Acura dealer was uncooperative, stating they have no parts and telling me to get American Honda to provide parts, placing the burden of obtaining them on me as the consumer. The defect symptoms (degraded braking and increased stopping distances) mean the vehicle is already unsafe by the time failure is detectable. Requiring owners to continue operating vehicles with a known braking defect until failure occurs exposes my family, including young children, to the exact crash risk this recall was issued to prevent. It's negligent and endangers the consumer due to failure of the manufacturer. I am requesting that NHTSA open a Recall Query into Honda's handling of 25V-859 and exercise its authority under the Safety Act to compel American Honda to either expedite the recall repair on my vehicle or provide a manufacturer-funded replacement vehicle or rental until the remedy is completed. The recall remedy is not being provided within a reasonable time, and no adequate interim safety measures have been offered.
Read 14 more owner reports
I am reporting a safety concern involving my vehicle, a 2016 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX]), which is currently subject to an active brake system safety recall involving the brake master cylinder (Acura Recall Code RN5). The recall describes a defect in which contamination of the brake fluid system may cause the master cylinder seal to swell and reduce braking pressure, allowing the brake pedal to travel toward the floor and increasing stopping distance. The failure condition described in the recall is currently occurring in my vehicle. When braking, the brake pedal travels significantly toward the floor before the vehicle stops, which raises serious safety concerns regarding the ability to stop the vehicle in normal traffic conditions. I began contacting Acura dealerships in December 2025 after receiving the recall notice. I was informed that the required recall repair parts were not yet available and that I would be contacted when parts became available. Multiple dealerships in Massachusetts and Connecticut provided the same information. As of March 2026, I have not been contacted by any dealership regarding repair availability, and the vehicle continues to exhibit the braking condition described in the recall notice. Because the defect affects the braking system, I do not feel the vehicle can be safely operated while awaiting the recall repair. The vehicle remains financed and insured and is relied upon for daily transportation. This complaint is being submitted to document that the recall defect appears to be actively occurring in the vehicle and that the recall remedy has not yet been made available after several months. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Airbag light on per dealership needs driver airbag replaced was on recall, then retracted from recall
My car is fine Lyft company has stopped me because I have a recall for you . And I need a document from you that says that I don't need no recall . Plus I just had the inspection this morning. And my car is perfect. Can you please help me with a document to get back to work
I own a 2016 Acura ILX and recently discovered multiple federally mandated safety recalls affecting my vehicle, including a brake master cylinder recall, fuel pump recall, driveshaft separation recall, and Takata airbag recall. I have owned this vehicle for over seven years and was never notified by mail or otherwise at my correct address that these safety recalls existed. One recall is currently active, but the dealership advised they cannot perform the repair due to parts unavailability until March, leaving me to operate a vehicle with a known brake-related safety defect. The remaining recalls are listed as not active, yet were never completed, and the dealer refused to perform them. I am concerned that required safety defects were not properly communicated or remedied, placing me and others at risk.
The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that it had been over a month since the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact stated that her husband, an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Codep0087 the car loses power from acceleration and stalls and is scary in busy intersections with children in the car i search with my vin as there is a recall and mine is not connected when it needs to be replaced and under recall
Paint peeling around rear window. Moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving.
My car does not start, before that the car start to misfire and loss power at 60 mph on the highway ,and then take it to fix it, put a new high pressure fuel pump because i had a p0087 dtc, it say low pressure on the fuel rail, after the change the car does the same and see a recall for that problem online
I was driving on an busy intersection about 45mph and my 2016 Acura ilx all of a sudden drop speed to 20mph. It was dangerous and I had my kids in the back seat. Took my car to a local shop and told me is Low pressure fuel pump. Code P0087.
The exterior paint around the front windshield of my daughters vehcle is peeling off. There is a recall on this problem but I was told my Vin# was not included in the recall. Acura stated since my vin is not listed there is nothing that can be done. Acura TSB #ONL6P811202020. NHTSA TSB #10182987. I can not understand why if they know there is a problem that all vehicles with the problem are not fix.
Drive Shaft Recall, and Truck is jammed due to Son sitting on it with his 3 friends smoking pot. The trunk has been jammed since 2017. I have reported it to Carmax in Garland.
Noticed loss of power, car would randomly go into limp mode while driving, Iβd have to pull off to the side and restart the vehicle. Sometimes would hesitate or jerk.(this happened on the free way since Iβm frequently on them) driveshaft feels likes itβs not performing 100%
My sunroof shattered while I was driving on the highway.
Showing 20 of 217 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 β hereβs 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 β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Acura ILX has 217 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 25 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. 17 of the Acura ILX's 217 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β 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 β 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 β 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 β 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 β frequently asked questions
Is the Acura ILX reliable?
Poor. The Acura ILX has 217 NHTSA owner complaints and 25 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: 2018 (23 complaints), 2017 (20 complaints), 2020 (9 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 (74 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (33 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28 complaints).
Does the Acura ILX have recalls?
Yes β 25 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.