Acura ILX
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2017β2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database β the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Acura ILX? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
β 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.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
AI Interpretation
Medium ConfidenceAverageNHTSA complaint data for the Acura ILX (2017β2026) shows 99 total complaints, with the highest concentration in the 2017β2019 model years. The most frequently reported components are the fuel system and service brakes, together accounting for a significant portion of complaints. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 9, and there are 15 recalls across the model range.
- Fuel system complaints total 21, with 21 also under gasoline, indicating a possible overlap.
- Service brakes have 19 complaints, making them the second most reported component.
- Model year 2019 has the highest number of complaints at 34, followed by 2018 with 22.
- Model years 2023, 2024, and 2025 have zero complaints, though this may reflect low sales volume or recent release.
- Fuel system issues, including gasoline-related complaints, are the most common.
- Service brake problems are a recurring theme, with 19 complaints.
- Electrical system concerns appear in 7 complaints.
Model years 2017β2019 have the highest complaint counts, with 2019 being the worst at 34 complaints. Fuel system and service brake complaints are the primary drivers in these years.
Model years 2020β2022 show relatively few complaints (0β2 per year), and 2023β2025 have zero complaints, suggesting these later years may have fewer reported issues.
- Inspect the fuel system for any signs of leaks or performance issues.
- Have the service brakes checked, including pads, rotors, and hydraulic components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
15 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.
Safety Recall
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 99 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
99 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 didnβt 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. Iβve 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.
The contact owns a 2018 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Car stopped working, engine replaced than broke down again told it was better but than it was exhaust. Every light was on in the car
The vehicle began experiencing a steering and suspension malfunction that made the car difficult to control, particularly at low speeds and when turning. There was increased vibration, unusual noise from the front end, and a noticeable pull to one side. These symptoms created a safety risk because loss of steering stability could have led to a crash, especially in traffic or on highways. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealership for diagnosis. The dealership did not inform me of an active Acura safety recall related to the issue and stated that they βdo not check Acura recalls.β Based on their assessment, I proceeded with repairs at my own expense. I paid approximately $435 for the replacement part purchased from an Acura dealership and about $300 in labor to an independent repair shop. After the work was completed, I later learned that the same issue was covered under an active Acura safety recall. The problem has since been confirmed by both the independent repair facility that performed the work and an Acura dealership that verified the recall applies to this vehicle. When I requested reimbursement under the recall, Acura offered approximately $312.91, which does not cover my actual repair costs. Prior to the failure, there were clear warning signs including steering vibration, noise, and handling instability that worsened over time. No dashboard warning lights appeared before the failure. The replaced component is available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I have not received any notification to get this recall repaired.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
THE RECALL DATE WAS 12/18/2023. I CALLED TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THEY ARE REFUSED BECAUSE THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I RAISED THE ISSUE THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE DID NOT START A SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON BEFORE AND I FEEL UNSAFE FOR DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE REP NAMED "SEVRI" FROM HONDA OF MANHANSSAT ADVISED CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IF I WANT TO BRING THE VEHICLE FOR A CHECK UP, I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR $175 CHECK UP FEE.
Possibility of incorrect vin number. I first noticed this issue when I tried to schedule an appointment with an Acura dealership. I was asked to enter my Vin number for my vehicle and when I did so it showed a different higher level trim than what I have. After conducting some research and purchasing couple of reputable detailed VIN reports using the Vin number on my car I saw that the vin on my vehicle does not match the trim level of the vehicle I am driving. The vin number appears to match a 2018 Acura ILX with a technology package. I do not have a technology package. My car has a premium package. I have reported the issue to my state attorney general office. Given this issue, I am unsure of whether or not there are any open recalls on the actual vehicle Iβm driving because I am unsure if the Vin number is correct. I am experiencing problems related to certain recalls on this year make & model vehicle. It would appear that there is a strong possibility that there is a recall on my vehicle, but the Vin number does not show that possibly due to an issue with a falsified Vin number that is attached to my vehicle. I am unsure how to proceed. An investigation is being conducted by my states attorney generalβs office.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
While driving up the hill it started to hesitate and then stalling. This had happened multiple times on different occasions.
Car stoped working due to low gas, on the dealership they have a recall in the fuel pump.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact's daughter was driving approximately 10 MPH and accelerating after stopping at a traffic sign when the vehicle was crashed by another vehicle. The contact's vehicle had the front bumper removed. There were no injuries and both vehicles were drivable. The contact's daughter had exited the vehicle and retrieved the front bumper. She got back into the driver's seat and attempted to strap the seat belt on, and found that the seat belt had become locked and would not deploy normally. The contact had taken the vehicle to a collision repair shop who advised that the seat belt was not available and the vehicle could not be released due to the failure of the driver's seat belt. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Fuel gauge is off, car goes through gas fast, and there is some stalling/ jumping at times
Showing 20 of 99 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Acura ILX
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
π Understanding This Data
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 99 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 15 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. 9 of the Acura ILX's 99 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 AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Average) 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. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision β always verify with 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.