Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2022
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners generally regard the ILX as a reliable, well-built compact sedan that shares its bones with the Honda Civic, and most describe it as a solid daily driver rather than a true luxury car.
10 problems reported (2 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentInfotainment head unit failure after battery death or developer-menu access, requiring full computer replacement at roughly $1,000
- RecurrentSlow cranking and no-start traced to a weak or failed battery
Including a reported batch of bad 2021 batteries.
- IsolatedTransmission clunk or backlash during cruising and acceleration, described by Acura as normal
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedJerky acceleration linked to neglected transmission fluid
- IsolatedDoor lock actuator failure
- IsolatedBackup camera failure, possibly from a frayed trunk-lid wiring harness
- IsolatedFuel injector failure at around 52,000 miles
- IsolatedTransmission fluid found brown at purchase, prompting a drain and fill
- IsolatedRust in one spot on a high-mileage example driven in winter conditions
- Isolated12-volt outlet in the armrest failing after interior detailing
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal favors the 2016-2018 models with the K24 engine and dual-clutch transmission, which owners describe as reliable, quick-shifting, and capable of around 40 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine in earlier models is noted by one high-mileage owner as extremely durable.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Civic, Acura TLX, Acura TL, Acura RL and Acura RLX.
Is the ILX right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners generally regard the ILX as a reliable, well-built compact sedan that shares its bones with the Honda Civic, and most describe it as a solid daily driver rather than a true luxury car. Praise centers on reliability, easy maintenance, good highway fuel economy, and the non-turbo K24 engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission in later models. Criticism focuses on the harsh ride, unremarkable handling, transmission clunkiness at low speed, and the fact that it does not feel as premium as its badge or price suggest. Several owners note the ILX is best understood as a fun, reliable compact rather than a luxury car, and some recommend stepping up to a TLX or TL for buyers wanting a genuinely premium experience.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners repeatedly describe the ILX as a "fancy Civic" or a Civic with extra features, and most treat that as a positive for reliability and cost of ownership. Against the Civic, owners see the ILX as the more feature-rich and better-trimmed choice, though some note the 10th-generation Civic is bigger, more efficient, and more modern. Against the TLX and TL, owners consistently position the ILX as the lesser, less premium option, recommending the TLX or TL for buyers who want a quieter cabin, more power, and a more luxurious feel. Against BMW, owners warn that the ILX will not match German performance or premium feel, though it is easier and cheaper to maintain. A few owners see the ILX as an emerging niche enthusiast car thanks to its high-revving non-turbo engine and dual-clutch transmission.
Recommended configurations
Owners who want the enthusiast-oriented driving experience point to the K24 engine with the dual-clutch transmission, and one owner specifically sought out the K24V7 with the DCT. The manual-transmission ILX is described as rare and potentially collectible by some, though others argue it lacks a cult following and is not worth a premium. Owners looking for a premium feel are advised to choose a TLX or TL instead. No consensus exists on a single best trim or year.
General recommendations
The ILX suits buyers who want a reliable, easy-to-maintain daily driver with Honda-derived mechanicals and are not expecting genuine luxury. Buyers seeking a premium cabin, quiet ride, or strong performance are repeatedly steered toward the TLX or TL. Owners strongly advise a pre-purchase inspection and a title check, and warn against any car with no title, mileage discrepancies, or signs of prior damage. Maintenance records matter: owners specifically call out transmission fluid service every 30,000 miles, water pump replacement around 100,000 miles, and the 100,000-mile transmission service as key items to verify. Several owners caution that a deal priced well below market is a red flag rather than a bargain. No specific model year is singled out as one to avoid, though the earliest generation draws the most criticism for styling.
Remarks
Owners place heavy emphasis on title cleanliness and paperwork, and several discussions revolve around walking away from cars with no title or mileage discrepancies rather than the ILX itself. Pricing expectations vary widely, with owners citing examples such as a 2014 with 72,000 miles for $13,000, a 2019 with 18,000 miles for $21,500 out the door, a 2017 with 65,000 miles for $20,000, and a 2015 with 90,000 miles for $9,000. One owner reports 670,000 miles on a 2015 with the 2.0 engine, and another reports 92,000 miles on a 2017 with only routine maintenance. Analysis based on approximately 42 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2013. Years to avoid: 2016, 2013Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Acura ILX years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2021 | 11 | 0 | exterior lighting |
| 2020 | 10 | 2 | visibility/wiper |
| 2019 | 36 | 5 | service brakes |
| 2018 | 23 | 4 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2017 | 20 | 4 | service brakes |
| 2016 | 52 | 6 | service brakes |
| 2015 | 19 | 4 | air bags |
| 2014 | 30 | 5 | air bags |
| 2013 | 66 | 6 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices36 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2020 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 25V859000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V215000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 19V052000
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level.
2019 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 19V424000
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2019 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 25V859000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 19V052000
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level.
2018 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 19V424000
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 25V859000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
2017 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 19V052000
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level.
2017 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 19V424000
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.
2017 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2017 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 25V859000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
21 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.4
2.4L 4-cylinder · 201 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2019–2026