2020 Acura Ilx problems
The Acura ILX is a compact car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by Honda under the Acura brand, based on the ninth-generation Civic sedan. The ILX replaced the Canadian market exclusive Acura CSX. The gasoline-electric hybrid version was Acura's first.
Overview
The concept version was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the production version was presented in the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The ILX introduces a new design that Acura calls "aero-fused dynamics". Mass production commenced on April 23 at Honda's assembly facility in Greensburg, Indiana and U.S. sales began on May 22.
The ILX's body in white uses 59% high strength steel ranging from 440-980 MPa yield strength grades, aluminum is used for the hood and front bumper beam. Compared to the Civic, the ILX uses Acura's "Amplitude Reactive" dampers and a larger more rigid steering shaft for improved handling and ride quality characteristics.
Options are grouped into Premium and Technology packages and include leather upholstery, 17" alloy wheels, navigation system, premium audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, and high intensity discharge headlamps. Both option packages include a multi-view rear backup camera with regular, wide-angle, and top-down modes.
For the 2014 model year the ILX came standard with 17-inch wheels, leather interior, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, tri-angle backup camera and audio subwoofer with Active Noise Cancellation.
For the 2015 model year, the ILX Hybrid was discontinued due to slow sales. Through May of 2014, only 2,660 Hybrid units were sold since its introduction.
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Common 2020 Acura Ilx problems
The 2020 Acura ILX has been criticized for several common problems, primarily related to its interior, powertrain, and technology features.
- Overly stiff ride quality: The ILX's ride quality has been described as overly stiff, which can make for a less comfortable driving experience.
- Many technology features are outdated: The technology features in the ILX are considered outdated, which can make the driving experience less enjoyable.
- Leisurely acceleration, especially for the class: The ILX's acceleration has been described as leisurely, particularly for its class. This is due to the fact that the power is all at the top end, requiring drivers to work hard to get peak performance.
- Loud and permanent clunking noise: Some owners of the 2020 Acura ILX have reported a very loud and permanent clunking noise coming from the front side of the car. The dealership attempted to fix the problem by replacing the right axel and the intermediate shaft, but the noise persisted. The dealership eventually told the owner that the noise is a normal characteristic, which has led to customer dissatisfaction and a perception of poor customer service.
- Subpar cabin materials and lackluster performance: The 2020 Acura ILX has been criticized for its subpar cabin materials and lackluster performance, which have contributed to its low ranking on U.S. News' list of Best Luxury Small Cars for 2020.
- Inexplicably noisy cabin: The ILX's cabin has been described as inexplicably noisy, which can make for a less enjoyable driving experience.
- Lackluster engine: The engine in the ILX has been described as lackluster, which can make driving less exciting than in other vehicles.
- Materials in the cabin look and feel like what you’d expect to see in a non-luxury vehicle: The materials used in the cabin of the ILX have been criticized for looking and feeling like those found in non-luxury vehicles, which can detract from the overall luxury experience.
These common problems have contributed to the ILX's low ranking and have led to customer dissatisfaction. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues before making a purchasing decision.
Is Acura ILX reliable?
RepairPal ranks the ILX second out of 17 luxury compact cars, with a $435 average annual repair cost. The model earns 4.5 out of five stars for reliability. With only 0.3 visits to the shop every year and an 11% chance that repairs are severe, the ILX does the Acura name proud in reliability ratings.
Are Acura ILX expensive to maintain?
The average annual repair cost for a Acura is $501, which means it has above average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Acura reliability include an average of 0.4 visits to a repair shop per year and a 8% probability of a repair being severe.
Why did Acura discontinue the ILX?
The Acura ILX has been discontinued because the company plans to focus on the Acura Integra for the sedan market in the United States. The Acura NSX, on the other hand, has been discontinued due to declining sales and the company's focus on electric vehicles.
Do Acura ILX have transmission problems?
ILX owners have made 19 complaints over 8 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 9th in overall reliability out of 17 Acura models , with real transmission and suspension concerns.
2020 Acura Ilx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Ilx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Acura Ilx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Acura Ilx complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Acura Ilx.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19UDE2F82LA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while stopped and preparing to make a left turn, a 2002 Subaru ran a red light and crashed into the driver's side panel. The driver's side seat belt snapped on impact. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bag was deployed. There were no reported injuries. There was no fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who referred her to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a collision center but was unable to obtain and replace the seat belts. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 2,353.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-18
- VIN: 19ude2f78la
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The factory original windshield wipers caused micro scratches in the glass. Dirt cannot be thoroughly cleaned from the scratches and collects more dirt during driving. When facing the sun, dirt particles in the scratches reflect in the scratches obstructing clear vision. Changing windshield wipers after just two years of use from new did not correct the problem. This particular vehicle is garaged.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-08
- VIN: 19UDE2F76LA
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: CON 127 MILLAS DE USO Y MIENTRAS EL VEHCULO ESTABA EN MOVIMIENTO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DE UN CENTRO COMERCIAL SE APAG EL VEHICULO Y NO PRENDI. EL VEHCULO SE COMPR EL 08/01/2020 TENA UNA SEMANA DE COMPRADO.
2020 Acura Ilx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2020 Acura Ilx.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Negative 2020 Acura Ilx car reviews
Positive 2020 Acura Ilx car reviews
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The Acura ILX has a sleek and stylish exterior that, in my opinion, looks even more premium than an Audi A3. However, upon entering the car, you may notice that it is based on the 9th generation Honda Civic. Despite this, Acura has done a decent job of dressing up the Civic to give it a more luxurious feel. While the ILX may not be built on the next generation Civic platform, it still offers a great value for younger buyers or those on a budget who want to experience a 'luxury' brand. The K24 engine is known for its reliability and the in-house 8-speed DCT shifts quickly and always seems to be in the right gear. I recommend opting for at least the Premium trim, which includes real Milano leather, 2 driver position memory for seats and side mirrors, passenger 4-way power seat with lumbar, automatic rearview dimming mirror, premium audio, XM radio, HD radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, text/email alerts, 8-inch screen, Homelink, blind spot, and rear traffic alert. For those looking to add more style and a premium feel to their ILX, the A-SPEC package is a great choice. However, I would recommend skipping the Tech package as the only notable upgrades are the ELS audio, which isn't noticeably better than the Premium audio, and the severely outdated GPS that looks like it was ripped from a 1995 Garmin. Overall, the ILX is a great value and a solid choice for those looking for a stylish and affordable luxury car.With the 2021 version of the ILX potentially being its last year until it gets refreshed or even gets axed altogether, you can find some terrific deals. In May 2020, we bought my wife a 2020 Acura ILX Premium A-SPEC for $26K and change, while the MSRP is $31625 with destination. For the money, the ILX is really hard to beat. Yes, it may not be a luxury sedan that can compete with an Audi A3, Mercedes A Class, and in some ways lacks the features and ride of even the current gen Civic, but for what we paid, we got a car that should last many years with a very low cost of ownership.
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I really love this sporty car! It handles and rides amazingly well. My clients and friends have complimented it, saying it's even better than their BMWs and Mercedes, especially considering the great gas mileage and price. It's a great bang for your buck if you spend a lot of time in your car like I do. This car zips around traffic and cruises at 80mph for hours without any issues. The sport mode is terrific on California mountain highways and is awesome if you want to race up a freeway against a German rival. I highly recommend getting the Premium ASpec Package, it's worth every penny. This is actually my 3rd Acura. My 2004 TSX is still on the road at 375K miles and my last 2016 ILX is still going strong with a new owner and over 100K miles. Acuras are great buys and last forever without the expensive repair bills of BMW and Mercedes.
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Congratulations on your first “luxury” car! It sounds like you made a great choice with the ILX, especially since it has all the standard features you were looking for. I'm glad to hear that it exceeded your expectations during the test drive and that you ended up taking it home. 😂😂 While the infotainment system may be a bit confusing at first, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it in no time!
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I've always admired this car whenever I saw it driving or parked, so I decided to visit the dealer and take it for a test drive. I was thoroughly impressed with its acceleration, steering feel, handling, and overall ride quality. Although the interior isn't luxurious, it has a sporty and upscale aura to it. The exterior lines and design also look quite sporty. I ended up leasing it for much less than the competition, including the Audi A3, BMW 3 series, Mercedes Benz CLA, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50, and others. Overall, it's a fun car to drive, and I feel like it offers great value in the crowded and highly competitive entry-level compact sedan category. The base model offers everything I wanted, including a peppy 2.4/201 HP engine (more than some of the more expensive competitors), a moonroof, heated leatherette seats, power driver's seats, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, steering wheel controls for Bluetooth, audio, cruise, and more. If you want more options like navigation, safety features, and various other upgrades, the payment rises accordingly, but it's still less than every other competitor. I also test drove mainstream compact sedans such as the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda 3, all of which drove terrifically as well, but the prices were too close to the more powerful Acura ILX.
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undefinedI'm glad to hear that you have no issues with the interior materials. It's great that you have had the chance to experience the A220 and Evoque, and found the leather to be of high quality. The plastic also feels durable and not cheap. The steering wheel has a nice feel to it, which is always a plus. The dual screen setup is a huge perk, and it's surprising that Honda seems to want to phase it out. I've worked with a similar system on an older Accord a few years back, and it was easy to learn and worked very well. It's a proven winner. In terms of comparisons to Civics, I have a Civic and have driven the current model. However, the ILX and Civic are two entirely different vehicles in character and refinement. If you're buying the ILX, you're probably looking for refinement, not to win a drag race. That's what this car gives you - a lot of luxury in a small package. Just because it's derived from the Civic doesn't make it a Civic. Remember, the CR-V was also derived from the Civic platform and is an entirely different vehicle. As a longtime Civic owner, I can also tell you that being related to the Civic is a good thing. Aside from age-related maintenance like a muffler and brakes, my Civic has never let me down, even after 145K miles. I also drove an Accord, and it's a similar car in terms of feel, but smaller. In fact, the ILX feels more like a small Accord with a few refinements. A comparably-equipped Accord is bigger, but $5000 more. If you don't consistently haul around passengers but want the luxury, go for the ILX. The Accord is a little bit quieter in terms of road noise if that matters to you, but also has a steeper learning curve with some controls. To sum this up: I highly recommend test-driving the ILX and experiencing for yourself what a wonderful car it really is. I've enjoyed every minute behind the wheel of mine since purchasing it and am looking forward to having it as my daily driver for a long time.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Acura Ilx problems:
DON'T RECOMMEND Acura ILX! : r/Acura
Apr 10, 2021 ... The main issue (starting from 3500 miles) –is a very loud and permanent clunking noise that coming from the front side of the vehicle so you can ...
2020 Acura ILX Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Acura ILX? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
What are common Ilx problems - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast ...
Mar 9, 2019 ... ILX Problems & Fixes - What are common Ilx problems - Hi guys I recently bought a used 2016 ILX The first day I bought the car, ...
2020 Acura ILX Problems: Troubleshooting and Q&A | JustAnswer
Aug 6, 2023 ... My 2020 Acura ILX won't start. When jumped off it starts… · As the car starts immediately, then the issue is after putting the car off, ...
2020 Acura ILX premium rattle/vibration noise from passenger door ...
Jun 20, 2022 ... ILX Problems & Fixes - 2020 Acura ILX ... 2020 Acura ILX premium ... I think the window and glove compartment rattles were pretty common for 3G TL.
Other years of Acura Ilx
Are you having problems with your 2020 Acura Ilx?
Madyson Rempel 2025-04-19
We've owned three other Acuras, all from the TL family -- an '03, '07, and a 2016 TLX. This time around, we decided to downsize to the ILX, but unfortunately, we regret that decision. We chose Acura after comparing it to the Honda Civic, which wasn't as nice and had a much inferior engine-transmission package. However, the 2019 ILX, while nice, isn't as comfortable as the TLX. The memory seats don't remember me very well, and the seat heaters only have two settings - on or off. The ILX drives pretty well and can even feel a little sporty if you keep the revs up. Our biggest complaint is the size of the gas tank. It's barely over 10 gallons, whereas the TLX had 17+. With the TLX, my wife only had to fill up once every 6 weeks, but with the ILX, she barely makes it to three.
Stanley Welch 2025-04-18
I've had the car for two weeks now and overall, I think it looks great. The engine has plenty of pep and the steering is effortless, although the road feel is a bit distant. On the plus side, the LED lights are bright and it has many safety collision warning features. However, I must say that the build quality is not up to par. The hood uses a metal rod for support and there is no shock/stay hood lift. Additionally, the floor mats are of very poor quality - even Walmart's cheapies have rubber backing. What's more, there's no spare tire! Instead, they give you a small air compressor and no jack or lug wrench, but it does have wheel locks. So, if you experience a sidewall blowout or a flat with a hole bigger than a finish nail, make sure you have someone who can bring you a new tire. Alternatively, you can remove the foam parts holder where the spare goes and buy a temporary spare and scissor w/lug wrench and put it in its place. By the way, I'm the original owner of a 2003 CL-S 6cyl v-tech 6spd manual, which is a much sounder and more exhilarating car to drive, and I'm keeping it for fun.
Kelley Gulgowski 2025-01-15
I leased a Mazda3 premium plus and loved it. I was considering getting the new redesigned one, but had some negative feelings about the Mazda dealership experience. Against my better judgement, I looked at the Acura ILX. Let me just say that this car is inferior to the 3 in virtually every respect, and in some ways vastly inferior. However, there are some positives to the ILX. The headlights are the best I have ever seen, illuminating the road extremely well under any circumstances. The value is also great, as it is easily the cheapest
Jonatan Von 2024-11-28
Unfortunately, this car does not support Bluetooth connectivity for music playback. Additionally, there seems to be a vibration issue that affects the sound quality, which is disappointing for someone who enjoys listening to music while driving. The dealership suggested adding foam around the speakers to improve the situation, but it may not completely solve the problem. It's worth noting that this issue seems to be specific to this Acura model due to the plastic parts used around the speakers. It's understandable to feel frustrated with this situation, especially if you've had better experiences with other car brands. Hopefully, this information helps others who may be experiencing similar issues.
Jaden O'Kon 2024-11-19
I own this car and I have some regrets about it. The features on a Civic are much more advanced and have more technology than the ILX. The seats are not even manual on the passenger side and it doesn't have a push start remote like the Civic. Additionally, it doesn't have navigation and the backup camera doesn't have a beep sound. Overall, it's not as high quality as a Honda Civic and I don't think it's worth the price.