Model year

2021 Acura ILX

Sedan, gasoline, 4x2, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Sep 2, 2021 to Mar 20, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints11Close to the median 2021 sedan
Severity index27.32021 sedans average 7.9
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 Acura ILX peaked in 2024, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01232021202220232024320252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

36% of complaints about the 2021 Acura ILX name driver assistance

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Driver assistance
4
Lighting
3
Airbags
2
Electrical system
1
Seat belts
1
Suspension
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2021 Acura ILX

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 Acura ILX

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

11 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Mar 20, 2026Failure Jan 30, 2026Anaheim, CAExterior lighting, Blind spot detection, Warning

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11725735
  2. Filed Mar 20, 2026Failure Jan 30, 2026Anaheim, CAExterior lighting, Blind spot detection, Warning

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11725734
  3. Filed Dec 19, 2025Failure Jul 10, 2025Port Aransas, TXAir bagsCrash

    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)

    NHTSA complaint 11706024
  4. Filed Jul 30, 2024Failure Jul 30, 2024North Hills, CABlind spot detection, Warning, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11605515
  5. Filed Feb 29, 2024Failure Nov 15, 20239,600 milesLahaina, HIWindshield

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11574756
  6. Filed Jan 22, 2024Failure Jan 21, 2024Wanaque, NJHeadlights

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11567077
  7. Filed Oct 20, 2023Failure Oct 2, 2023Cordova, TNSuspension, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11551027
  8. Filed Oct 2, 2023Failure Feb 11, 2023San Jose, CASeat belts

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11547853
  9. Filed Dec 23, 2022Failure Dec 21, 2022Virginia Beach, VAElectrical system, WarningsCrash

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11498700
  10. Filed Jan 13, 2022Failure Oct 26, 20212,000 milesaurora, COAir bagsCrash1 injured

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11447356
  11. Filed Sep 2, 2021Failure Aug 27, 2021Hockley, TXUnknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11431446
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

36 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • B24040A May 1, 2024 · Other
    Service News - Due to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board Diagnostic monitors are now included in the EGR/VVT OBD Monitor Readiness statu…
  • B23-012 Aug 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - Vehicle owner notices condensation or moisture trapped inside one or both headlight assemblies that does not evaporate from the lamp due to the headlight making contact with a body panel creating a separation in the adhesive between the h…
  • B23-012 Jun 9, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - The headlight making contact with a body panel can create a separation in the adhesive between the headlight lens and the housing, allowing moisture to enter the headlight.
  • BTI&12062022 Dec 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2022 ILXs with a client complaint of moisture/condensation in the headlights. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior t…
  • BTI&11282022909 Nov 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2022 ILXs with a client complaint of moisture/condensation in the headlights. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior t…
  • BTI&11122022908 Nov 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2022 ILXs with a client complaint of moisture/condensation in the headlights. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior t…
  • B98015 Mar 18, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
  • BTI&02222022905 Feb 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • BTI&02172022902 Feb 17, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • BTI&02032022902 Feb 3, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • BTI&01222022901 Jan 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs & 2022 MDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better understand the caus…
  • BTI&01192022905 Jan 19, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • BTI&01032022907 Jan 3, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs & 2022 MDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better understand the caus…
  • BTI&01032022905 Jan 3, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • BTI&12152021901 Dec 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • BTI&12142021 Dec 14, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs & 2022 MDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better understand the caus…
  • BTI&11292021907 Nov 29, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • BTI&11292021906 Nov 29, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs & 2022 MDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better understand the caus…
  • BTI&11162021906 Nov 16, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • B21100A Nov 11, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ServiceNews Article - There are several possible causes for the SRS DTC U3000-49 (Internal Failure of the SRS Unit) to be stored. If you can duplicate the DTC, the troubleshooting will take you through the step-by-step process in isolating the faulty compon…
  • BTI&11032021 Nov 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021-2022 RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor with a client complaint of the Tire…
  • BTI&10292021 Oct 29, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021 RDXs and 2021-2022 TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the ca…
  • BTI&10252021 Oct 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs & 2022 MDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better understand the caus…
  • BTI&10132021903 Oct 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs, 2022 MDXs & 2017-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better und…
  • BTI&10072021 Oct 7, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2019-2022 ILXs, 2022 MDXs, 2021 RDXs and 2021-2022 TLXs with a client complaint of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the ca…
  • BPaS10052021 Oct 5, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs, 2022 MDXs & 2017-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better und…
  • BPaS09072021901 Sep 7, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs, 2022 MDXs & 2017-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better und…
  • BPaS08192021901 Aug 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs, 2022 MDXs & 2017-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. To better und…
  • B21-011 Aug 6, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC U0155 (Lost Communication with Gauge Control Module).
  • BTI&07282021902 Jul 28, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs with a client complaint of a clunk or rattle noise coming from the front suspension. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect sp…
  • BTI&07072021901 Jul 7, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs with a client complaint of a clunk or rattle noise coming from the front suspension. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect sp…
  • BTI&06012021905 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 ILXs with a client complaint of rattle, clunk or other noise coming from the front suspension. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to colle…
  • BPaS05102021902 May 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 ILXs with a client complaint of rattle, clunk or other noise coming from the front suspension. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to colle…
  • BPaS04192021 Apr 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 ILXs with a client complaint of rattle, clunk or other noise coming from the front suspension. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to colle…
  • BPaS04082021 Apr 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 ILXs with a client complaint of rattle, clunk or other noise coming from the front suspension. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to colle…
  • B21-011 Mar 26, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC U0155 (Lost Communication with Gauge Control Module).
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.