2021 Acura ILX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2021 Acura ILX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
11 complaints3 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting · Lane departure › Blind spot detection · Lane departure › 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…
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.
- Exterior lighting · Lane departure › Blind spot detection · Lane departure › 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…
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.
- Air bags
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…
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)
- Lane departure › Blind spot detection · Lane departure › 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.…
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.
- Visibility › Windshield
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…
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.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
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.
- Suspension · 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…
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.
- Seat 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…
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 system · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
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.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Unknown 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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11000147Service News - Due to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Hondas Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board Diagnostic monitors are now included in the EGR/VVT OBD Monitor Readiness status group. Due to some customers driving patterns, they may not drive in the fashion needed to operate the VTEC (EGR/VVT) that only operates above 5,350 rpm to run the OBD monitoring. Therefore, the EGR/VVT OBD monitor group readiness status is not set to Complete when the customer presents their vehicle to a Smog Check station for inspection.
- 10241471Service 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 headlight lens and the housing, allowing moisture to enter the headlight.
- 10237814Service 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.
- 10227779Dealer 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 to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10227244Dealer 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 to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10226211Dealer 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 to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10208410Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10208214Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10207786Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10206805Dealer 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 cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10206798Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10206453Dealer 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 cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10206451Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10205467Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10205466Dealer 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 cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10203815Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10203814Dealer 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 cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10203639Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10203504ServiceNews 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 component. In most situations, the SRS Unit should be last on the list of components to replace. Here is a quick tip for troubleshooting a faulty seat weight sensor.
- 10203449Dealer 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 Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on due to a faulty sensor. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10202917Dealer 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 cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10202911Dealer 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 cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10202330Dealer 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 understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10202296Dealer 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 cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the before attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10202289Dealer 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 understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10201456Dealer 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 understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10200542Dealer 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 understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10200366Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC U0155 (Lost Communication with Gauge Control Module).
- 10199758Dealer 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 specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10199332Dealer 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 specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10196902Dealer 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 collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10194458Dealer 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 collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10190989Dealer 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 collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10190299Dealer 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 collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10189906Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC U0155 (Lost Communication with Gauge Control Module).
Every Acura ILX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.