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 266 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
- 266
- Safety recall campaigns
- 36
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Fire-related complaints
- 3
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2019 (35 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 266 NHTSA complaints and 36 recalls on record. 22 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 266 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 36 federal recall campaigns
- 22 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: Jul 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
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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 266 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
266 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.
am reporting a serious safety defect in my 2021 Acura ILX involving the front headlight assembly. Water is entering the headlight housing due to what appears to be a manufacturer sealing defect, with visible condensation inside. This is causing electrical malfunction, including intermittent failure of the turn signal (blinker) and inconsistent headlight operation. The components are available for inspection upon request. This defect creates a significant safety hazard. The turn signal will fail to activate or activate randomly, preventing other drivers from knowing when I am changing lanes and increasing the risk of collisions. The headlight also intermittently dims or shuts off at night, reducing visibility and creating dangerous driving conditions. This issue also affects driver-assist safety systems, including blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning, which rely on proper signaling and visibility. When the lighting system malfunctions, these systems are less effective, increasing the risk of unsafe lane changes. The problem is ongoing and reproducible, especially after exposure to moisture. The malfunction occurs intermittently but frequently enough to make the vehicle unsafe. The vehicle has not yet been formally inspected, but inspection is being pursued. There were no warning lights prior to failure. The first symptom was condensation inside the headlight, followed by increasing failure of the blinker and headlight. This does not appear to be an isolated issue and may indicate a broader manufacturing defect. Because this directly impacts visibility and signaling, it is a critical safety concern. This issue should be urgently investigated for a recall to prevent accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
I am reporting a severe and hazardous safety defect in my 2021 Acura ILX involving water intrusion into the headlight assembly, resulting in electrical failure of critical lighting and signaling components. Due to an apparent manufacturing defect in the headlight sealing, moisture is entering the housing and is visibly present as condensation, directly causing system malfunction. This defect leads to intermittent and unpredictable failure of the turn signal (blinker), including failure to activate and spontaneous activation without driver input. As a result, surrounding drivers cannot accurately determine my intended movements, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. Additionally, the headlight intermittently dims or shuts off at night, creating dangerously reduced visibility and unsafe driving conditions. The defect also compromises essential driver-assist safety systems, including blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning, which rely on consistent visibility and signaling. When these systems are impaired, the risk of unsafe lane changes and crashes is substantially elevated. The issue is ongoing, reproducible, and worsens with normal environmental exposure such as rain or humidity. There were no prior warnings. The failure began with visible condensation and has progressed into repeated electrical malfunction affecting multiple safety-related systems. This is a failure of federally required safety equipment, not a cosmetic issue. Loss of lighting, signaling, and safety system reliability presents a clear and unacceptable risk of crash, injury, or fatality. This defect does not appear isolated and may indicate a systemic manufacturing or design failure. Immediate investigation is necessary, and recall action is warranted to prevent further harm to drivers and the public.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX] ) that has been unreleasable for an extended period due to manufacturer inability to supply a required safety component. The vehicle was involved in an accident on July 6, 2025 and delivered to Caliber Collision in Corpus Christi, Texas. All accident-related repairs have been completed. However, the vehicle cannot be released because a required airbag and/or airbag module is unavailable. American Honda Motor Company, Inc. has advised that the safety component is unavailable to be sold and that no estimated time of availability exists. Due to the safety nature of the missing component, the repair facility has confirmed the vehicle cannot be legally or safely released. The delay is no longer accident-related and is solely due to manufacturer unavailability of a safety-critical, non-cosmetic part. I have requested interim solutions including buyback, rental assistance, or a dealership loaner, and no temporary or permanent solution has been provided. This complaint is submitted to document manufacturer inability to supply a required safety component resulting in extended loss of vehicle use. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Read 14 more owner reports
My vehicle continues to accelerate when I press the gas pedal, and it sometimes makes clicking noises from underneath during acceleration. Occasionally, it veers to one side even when I keep the steering wheel straight. At times, it gives a warning and vibrates as if I'm merging into another lane. When I press the gas, the engine revs, but the car doesn't accelerate. Issues have been ongoing but dealership where I got the car from wants to charge me inspection fees per symptom.
The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the white lines on the road appeared curved through the windshield. The contact then noticed that the windshield was distorted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the windshield was delaminating and needed to be replaced. The windshield was replaced under warranty; however, the replacement windshield was also defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 9,600.
Upon and after raining the headlights leak and water enters the inside of the headlights. It my cause a short. Unsafe driving conditions at night.
It is Acura ILX 2021. The current mileage is 17,480. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? *Driveshaft/suspension is broken after inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *Intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle. Worn out u-joints, couplers or carrier bearings can cause the driveshaft to vibrate and make noise when passing over bumps and potholes. If not fixed, it can lead to further damage to other drivetrain components. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? * Not sure for 2021 model. However, there is a recall history for model 2016-2019 Acura ILX. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? * The vehicle was inspected and waiting for remedy. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? * No there is no sign of warning. Due to extreme noise, the vehicle was inspected.
The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, he became aware that the driver's seat belt was stuck and would not uncoil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the seat belt assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical Failure. Safety was an issue with vehicle needing constant jumps. Problem was checked at dealer. My concern was continuously overlooked. Warning lamps didn't warn.
The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the airbag deployed without impact which resulted in the contact crashing into a pole. The contact sustained a hurt knee and headaches that required medical treatment. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was awaiting repairs. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Vehicle suddenly decelerated without warning. Transmission would not shift to a higher gear causing the vehicle rev. Warning lights on the dashboard started going off at the same time. Lanes departure and adaptive cruise control warning went off. Had to have vehicle towed to dealership. Lucilky this happened on a rural backroad and not on the freeway or busy road as someone could have rear-ended the vehicle. Dealership was given video of incident and couldn't replicate the issue and we were told that the car did not store any of the error codes for the warning lights that came on the dash. The evening before the brake lights would not turn off when when the vehicle was turned off. Dealership said it was an adjustment that needed to be made to the switch on the brake pedal. Car is unsafe to drive as if this were to happen again on a busy highway or road without notice the persons behind would not be expecting the vehicle to suddenly drastically drop speed and not be able to accelerate.
I am experiencing an issue with my brakes. When I am at a red light and I brake, I find my brakes start to descend. So it's brake, then the brake moves a bit down towards the floor. Then it moves down a bit more. I am still able to brake but I find that the brake pedal moves down a few times while I am sitting at a red light. I am greatly concerned.
[XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] Subject: CarMax auto and CarMax auto finance RE: CarMax auto finance [XXX] Phone: 18009253612 Website: carmax auto finance Transaction Date: 10/23/2023 Amount Paid: 29976 Payment Method: Credit Card I bought a car with Carmax Finance and from the beginning of the car was lemon so I request change. It was denied then I’ll be sending a letter from then I’ll be have issues mechanic paint depreciation I’ll be sending the letters to every single complain organization looking for help and nothing CarMax finance INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I live in a colder climate, we’re were experiencing temperatures in the 20’s with ice storms. While driving the rear window completely shattered, the rear defroster was on during the time of the incident. I contacted the manufacturer for a remedy, they informed me there is no remedy for my particular vehicle. They suggested I pay out of pocket at a certified Acura dealership to get a dignostic and to get the window fixed. I decided to have the window replaced by Safelite. There is a very big and well known problem with the 2020 Acura RDX for this same scenario happening. There was warning light or indication something was going on with the window. Acura needs to address the problem with the rear defroster as this poses a huge public safety risk when this happens while the vehicle is being driven.
the back glass burst for no reason; no impact.
Smart Unit failure caused constant triggering of the alarm at all hours, headlights would not turn off, dashboard controls shorting out.
My Acura ILX 2020 has less than 40.000 miles and has a mechanical problem that can not be fixed and it is dangerous for my self and others. In my opinion this is related to the stearing of the car and it is very dagerous knowing that you take your car to be repair and the dealer does not know how to fix it. It makes clicking noise when turning. It is a rattling type noise coming from what sounds like the front, right side of the car. I usually hear it over little bumps but as the day goes on the noise gets louder and the bumps do not have to be that big. I'm not a car technical person, but any type of noise coming from my car is concerning. Other people feedback "I've been to the dealership on three occasions to try to fix the problem. On two of the occasions I was put in an ILX loaner with the exact same noise. " It does matter of what parts is gets change the car keeps making a rattling type noise coming from what sounds like the front. Please refer to this web site for more testimonies of the on going problem with the steering system of the Acura ILX cars, specially my Acura the ILX 2020 model. https://acurazine.com/forums/ilx-382/ilx-suspension-noise-869859/
Showing 20 of 266 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 266 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. 22 of the Acura ILX's 266 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.
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Acura ILX reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Acura ILX reliable?
Poor. The Acura ILX has 266 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 (35 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 (76 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.