2013 Acura Ilx

Routine

Owners filed 66 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

29 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 46,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags25
403
Electrical System9
000
Power Train6
000
Unknown or Other5
000
Suspension4
000
Engine4
000
Service Brakes2
200
Wheels1
100
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000
Visibility/Wiper1
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft20V770000
Filed Dec 10, 2020248,358 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 Honda Fit vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts' protective coating may not have been applied properly during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt, or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.

Risk. A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed February 2, 2021. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are P9M, PAV, BAY, TAX, CA0, and MAZ.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V500000
Filed Jun 27, 20191,558 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V182000
Filed Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V061000
Filed Feb 3, 20162,232,187 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights14V323000
Filed Jun 13, 201414,078 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. American Honda Motor Co., Inc (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles manufactured January 16, 2012 to March 1, 2013, ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured January 12, 2012 to February 7, 2013, and certain model year 2014 ILX vehicles manufactured May 2, 2013, to May 31, 2014, and ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 18, 2013 to February 19, 2014. Excessive heat temperatures around the headlight bulb and reflector unit may diminish the output of the headlight and cause smoke, melting, and fire. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk. The diminished light output may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additonally, the excessive heat coming from around the bulb and reflector could cause the headlights to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlights, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-862-2872. Honda's number for this recall is JE9.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch12V338000
Filed Jul 19, 2012172,837 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles. If the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being operated by an occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. There is a possibility that the cable can move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching.

Risk. If the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge. Additionally, the interior front door handles in certain Honda CR-Vs will also be replaced, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash
Filed Aug 4, 2026FL

​Component or system that failed/malfunctioned: Frontal Airbag Deployment System / Airbag Control Module (ACU). The vehicle is currently towed and available for inspection upon request before any insurance salvage disposition. ​Safety risk: The non-deployment exposed the driver to severe direct impact forces against the steering wheel and cabin structure during a high-force frontal collision, significantly increasing the risk of traumatic head, neck, chest, and internal injuries. ​Reproduction/confirmation by dealer or service center: No, the vehicle was involved in a collision yesterday and was towed directly from the scene. It has not yet been inspected by an authorized Acura dealer or service center. ​Inspections by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others: The vehicle was picked up today by a towing/body shop representative for insurance evaluation. It has not yet been inspected by Acura/Honda corporate representatives. Police responded to the crash scene. ​Warning lamps or symptoms prior to failure: No warning lamps (such as an illuminated SRS/airbag light), error messages, or pre-existing symptoms were present prior to the collision. ​On [XXX], my 2013 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX]) was involved in a frontal collision during a U-turn execution, resulting in severe structural deformation crushing the front end inward to the front tires. Despite the high-deceleration frontal impact, none of the frontal airbags deployed. No SRS warning lights or system fault indicators were acti

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 14, 2026CA

I am submitting this complaint to document what I believe is a recurring defect involving the air conditioning compressor on my 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid. Vehicle history: * 2013: Vehicle purchased new. * 2019: Original A/C compressor failed and required replacement. * 2026: Replacement A/C compressor has failed again. This means the vehicle is now on its third A/C compressor since new. Based on my experience, each compressor has lasted only about 4–6 years before failing. The first compressor replacement, performed by an Acura dealer in 2019, cost approximately $5,700. I have now been quoted approximately $3,600 by an independent repair facility and approximately $5,200 by an Acura dealer for the current repair. In addition to the extremely high repair cost, I have found that many independent A/C repair shops are reluctant to perform this repair because of the complexity and expense of replacing the compressor on this hybrid model. Replacement options are also very limited because this compressor is essentially an Acura OEM-specific component, with few, if any, widely available equivalent alternatives. The current failure began with a rattling/chattering noise whenever the A/C was engaged. Eventually, the compressor load became severe enough that the accessory belt was thrown off when the A/C engaged. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle, ruled out the belt tensioner, and concluded that the compressor is the source of the problem. While compressors are wear items, repla

Electrical System
Filed Jun 8, 2026CA

While driving downhill and using regenerative braking, my 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid suddenly experienced a hybrid system malfunction. Immediately after the event, the vehicle displayed "Check IMA System" and "Check Charging System" warnings and began exhibiting drivability and electrical-system problems. Following the failure, the vehicle experienced reduced acceleration from a stop, rough engine restarts, loss of auto-stop functionality, charging-system issues, intermittent low-voltage behavior, and eventual no-start/jump-start conditions. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Acura dealership. Diagnostic testing identified fault codes P0A78 (Motor Power Inverter Internal Circuit Malfunction), P1440 (Motor Power Inverter Module Output Circuit Malfunction), and P1437 (Motor Power Inverter Module Short Circuit). The dealership determined that the Motor Power Inverter had failed and required replacement. The failure affected vehicle propulsion, charging-system operation, and regenerative braking operation. Reduced acceleration and unexpected hybrid-system malfunction while driving created concerns regarding vehicle safety and reliability during normal operation. The Motor Power Inverter was replaced by an Acura dealership and the warning messages, drivability concerns, and related symptoms were resolved. I am submitting this complaint to document a confirmed Motor Power Inverter failure involving a 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 1, 2026WA

My car has faulty code P0AE1 (Bypass Contractor Malfunction) that causes the 12v battery and hybrid battery failure. It also causes the brake less effective without hybrid assisting, and loss acceleration that are extremely dangerous while driving on road. This is well known issue for 2013 Acura ILX hybrid that triggers recall in Service Bulletin 20-021. My car has been inspected by Honda/Acura dealer, but the VIN is not in the recall campaign, so Acura denied the service warranty for this. I believe there are more vehicles that are effected that is not in the recall campaign VIN.

Engine
Filed Feb 16, 2026IN

IIU malfunction not valid for this vin, even though it is the exact issue that every other model faced. Acura REFUSED to complete the repair without paying $3400

Electrical System
Filed Jun 14, 2025GA

My 2013 acura ix hybrid does have issues as in service bulletin 20-021. Contacted dealer and got informed that was repaired recall and send me invoice for repairs in the amount of 2600 usd. Contacted manufacturer and been informed that no recall for my car vin is bot associated to recall above (20-021). Did check report from carfax and only repair on my car was some on battery in 2019 (attaching too). My car has exact same codes and diagnose from Nalley Acura service points to IMA inverter (p1440 & p1505) and needs to be replaced. As can be seen from my statements, entire diagnose points to exact same symptoms and car is also under same model and year but manufacturer didn’t include vin into recall to fix the issue. Please help me with resolving this issue and to get my car repaired under service bulletin as supposed to be from beginning. Attaching all conversations with manufacturer and also diagnose and dealer service advisor details.

Power Train
Filed Jan 3, 202583,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2013 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V770000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately come to a stop. The contact had to depress the brake pedal extremely hard to stop the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brakes had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 2, 2025TX

1. Bypass Contractor Malfunction causing multiple lights to be on due to faulty Intelligent Inverter UNIT (IIU)/Motor Power Invterter (MPI), causing error code P0AE1. Car is already repaired but still available for inspection if needed. 2. Car stalled on and off while getting onto freeway onramp 3. Yes, issue was reproduced by dealer and they recommended repairs 4. Vehicle was inspectd by Vandergriff Acura in Arlington, TX 5. There were no warning messages or indicators prior to the failure.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 22, 2024TX

The contact owns a 2013 Acura ILX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 5, 2024WA

Luz de faros delanteros poca vicibilidad

Power Train
Filed Aug 28, 2024CT

Power train issue the vehicle loses power while driving on the roads and highway. (i have a 1-year-old daughter) It has not been confirmed by a dealer/professional when i bought it in they can't diagnose without warning lights. the warning light were not on when I first brought it in a couple year ago, but the car still loses power frequently and now all the brakes system lights are on.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 14, 2024MD

Over the past few weeks the vehicle warning lamp states "Check Power Steering System." A customer service representative from Acura Dealer witnessed the problem. Then somehow it corrects itself for a while and steering is back to normal. My most recent diagnostic by an independent service center did not indicate a problem. However, 2 days later the problem reoccurred which caused the wheel to shake and stiffen while driving. The most difficulty experience is turning the wheel to park.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2024OK

Issue had not been persistent, on Sunday, May the 12th, 2024, while driving home, I was on a slight downward slope coming to a halt at a red light, when the car jolted slightly and the warning lights came. The auto-shutoff feature on the vehicle stopped working immediately. I was able to drive the car home, but after parking - the vehicle wouldn’t start again. Electronic screen on the radio came on and I could see error codes P1437 & P15A5. Also warnings on the dash to check IMA system, check charging system, check battery, check breaking system. Power steering locked up due to the voltage shortage. What is the reason/explanation provided by the dealer, as to what caused this issue? DTC'S P0A78 - MPI INTERNAL CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION, P1440 - MPI OUT CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. MPI FAILING INTERNALLY, CAUSING 12V BATTERY TO LOSE CHARGE. Previously parts involved were recalled in Dec 2020, since American Honda didn’t not include my VIN they have refused to be of any assistance - monopolizing on being the only available source to change the parts. Had I received the recall, I would have had it addressed prior to the part going out. I’m 6330 miles over what they would have covered because I had no idea this was an issue until I found the safety bulletin which exactly described the recall and what happened to be my experience. Same issues, but I’m being told I couldn’t be included. They are charging me over $1400 for the part alone and then service which includes a complete removal of my bac

Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2023MO

Engine failure

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 24, 2023TN

Hi - My driver's side door keeps unlocking and registering as if I am opening it as I am driving. I've attempted to have this fixed (stopped unlocking for about a year) but it has started back up within the last month. It's now come to my attention that upon searching for safety recalls on my car, that there was a recall back in 2012 (12V338000) on my car for what sounds exactly like the issue I've been having. I have an appointment to get Driveshaft Corrosion (20V-770) recall fixed on 11/6, but they do not have the other safety recall associated with my VIN number. Therefore, they are refusing to look at it without payment. I would hate to have to pay for a temporary fix again and I am extremely concerned that I cannot drive my vehicle without it unlocking and am really hoping this reaches the right audience. I am looking for assistance in having this resolved. Thank you!

Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 2023PA

On July 20th, 2023, while driving home from work, my vehicle without warning made a sudden jerk and all the warning light s came on the dash board. The car had reduced power and acceleration and an automated voice from the dash board warned to pull over the car. I pulled over into a garage who performed a diagnostic. They stated the error codes indicated MPI failure (IMA power moter invertor). They also stated there was a Service Bulletin 20-021 for tis issue with this car (same year /model). When a VIN check was performed, the vehicle did not come up on this TSB. I had the car towed to an acura dealer and they ran a diagnostic. They confirmed error codes P1440,P15A5,P0AE1,P0DA8 - all codes listed in the service builletin 20-021 for this vehicle year, make and model. I have no doubt, as the data indicates, this failure/incident was caused by the same issues which are covered under TSB 20-021 and this VIN should be included.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 14, 2023IL

There were two different times my Acura 2013 ILX was involved in two different accidents and the airbags didn’t deploy. 1. Back on 4/2018 brakes didn’t respond properly, then ceased to another vehicle and airbags didn’t deployed. No major injuries, but high bills. 2. January 2019, my husband was rear ended by an Audi, was sent to the opposite side of the street, car was total loss, airbags never deployed. He suffered MAJOR injuries, couldn’t walk for two months, used a walker after that for over two years, suffered dislocated discs, neck and his whole body is not the same anymore. Can’t tell anymore how many procedures he has been through.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 20, 2022NC

The car jerked while braking and then gave the code p1440. The ima light, check engine light, and brake light all came on. The car feels like it is dragging and does not have the same power. The battery is no longer charging nor is it indicating the battery is being used. It continues the have a jerk at rhe end of braking. It seems there is an extension warranty for certain Vins of this same year and make but mine is not included even though it has having the same problem

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 7, 202191,000 milesVA

The contact owned a 2013 Acura ILX . The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle in front of her suddenly stopped. The driver depressed the brake pedal however, was unable to stop in time and crashed into the rear of an unknown Audi. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the chest, neck, and head. The driver believes the impact knocked her unconscious. The contact stated she was in pain and had to seek medical attention. A Police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

Power Train
Filed May 4, 2021IL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V770000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED NAPLETON ACURA (745 W LAKE ST, ELMHURST, IL 60126, (630) 559-0447) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. 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.

20 of 66 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20223000Routine
202111000Routine
202010200Routine
201936500Routine
201823400Routine
201720400Routine
201652600Routine
201519410Routine
201429520Routine
2013 — this page66600Routine

Compare every Ilx year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 10, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.