Acura ILX problems on record are recall campaigns. The ones to clear first are the 2013–2016 Takata driver air bag inflator (16V061) and the 2016–2020 brake master cylinder recall from December 2025 (25V859). Other campaigns cover 2016–2019 half shafts, salt-state drive shaft corrosion on manual cars, 2013–2014 headlights and fuel pumps.
CarWhere lists 7 documented ILX issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
1st gen ILX problems (2013–2022)
Takata driver air bag inflator can rupture (recall 16V061) (2013–2016; ILX Hybrid 2013–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (2013–2022)
- Years:
- 2013–2016; ILX Hybrid 2013–2014
- Powertrain:
- All, incl. ILX Hybrid
Recall 16V061 replaces the dual-stage driver air bag inflator in 2013–2016 ILX and 2013–2014 ILX Hybrid models, among many Honda and Acura vehicles (2,232,187 total). Moisture can get in and, over time, make the inflator rupture. Recall 19V182 replaces some 2013–2016 ILX inflators that were themselves fitted as remedy or service parts.
Symptoms
- No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
- If any air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to an Acura dealer rather than driving the car
NHTSA recall: 16V061 (2016-02) · 2,232,187 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2]
Brake master cylinder seal can deform and reduce braking (recall 25V859) (2016–2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (2013–2022)
- Years:
- 2016–2020
- Powertrain:
- All
Contaminated brake fluid can deform a seal inside the brake master cylinder on 70,658 2016–2020 ILX models, causing an internal leak and reduced braking. Dealers replace the master cylinder free; owner letters were mailed May 4, 2026.
Symptoms
- Brake pedal sinks or feels soft
- Longer stopping distances
- Brake warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
NHTSA recall: 25V859 (2025-12) · 70,658 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Half shaft can disengage and allow rollaway (recall 19V424) (2016–2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (2013–2022)
- Years:
- 2016–2019
- Powertrain:
- All
Excess grease can stop the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging on 49,898 2016–2019 ILX models, letting the driveshaft separate. That causes a loss of drive and, if the parking brake is not set, the car can roll away in Park. Dealers inspect and replace the driveshaft and half shaft as needed.
Symptoms
- Clunk followed by loss of drive
- Car moves in Park without the parking brake
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
NHTSA recall: 19V424 (2019-06) · 49,898 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Manual-transmission drive shafts can corrode in salt states (recall 20V770) (2013–2015; ILX Hybrid 2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (2013–2022)
- Years:
- 2013–2015; ILX Hybrid 2013
- Powertrain:
- Manual-transmission models
The protective coating on the drive shafts of 2013–2015 ILX manual-transmission models and 2013 ILX Hybrids may not have been applied properly, so road salt can corrode the shafts until one breaks. The recall covers cars sold or registered in 22 salt states and Washington, D.C. (248,358 vehicles including Honda Fit and Civic Hybrid models).
Symptoms
- Clunk or vibration from the front axles
- Sudden loss of drive
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
NHTSA recall: 20V770 (2020-12) · 248,358 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Headlight heat can melt the housing or start a fire (recall 14V323) (2013–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (2013–2022)
- Years:
- 2013–2014
- Powertrain:
- All, incl. ILX Hybrid
Excessive heat around the headlight bulb and reflector on 14,078 2013–2014 ILX and ILX Hybrid models can dim the light and cause smoke, melting or fire, which also breaks federal lighting standard FMVSS 108. Dealers replace the headlights for free (campaign JE9).
Symptoms
- Dim headlight
- Melted or discolored headlight housing
- Burning smell at the front of the car
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
NHTSA recall: 14V323 (2014-06) · 14,078 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Deformed fuel tank can cause a wrong fuel gauge reading (recall 19V052) (2014–2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (2013–2022)
- Years:
- 2014–2019
- Powertrain:
- All
A deformed fuel tank on 4,455 2014–2019 ILX models can raise the fuel pump and let the fuel level float stick, so the gauge may show more fuel than is in the tank. Dealers inspect and replace the tank if needed.
Symptoms
- Fuel gauge stuck or reading higher than expected
- Running out of fuel with fuel showing
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
NHTSA recall: 19V052 (2019-01) · 4,455 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]
Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 21V215, 23V858) (2019; other years by VIN)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (2013–2022)
- Years:
- 2019; other years by VIN
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 21V215 replaces the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump on certain 2019 ILX models and many other Honda and Acura vehicles (624,552 total). Recall 23V858 later added more 2013–2023 Honda and Acura models, including some ILX units, so check by VIN.
Symptoms
- Engine will not start
- Stalling while driving
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
NHTSA recall: 21V215 (2021-03) · 624,552 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8][9]