2021 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 2021 Acura Ilx problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2021 Acura ILX, several common problems have been reported on the AcuraZine forum. Here are some of the issues:
- Climate Control Display Not Working: Owners have reported instances where the climate control display in the 2021 ILX is not functioning properly. This can lead to difficulties in adjusting the temperature and other climate control settings.
- Battery Draining/Dead Car: Some users have experienced issues with the battery in the 2017 Acura ILX, leading to draining or a dead car. This can be a frustrating problem, especially if it occurs unexpectedly.
- Clutch Problem: There have been reports of clutch problems in the 2014 ILX. Issues with the clutch can affect the drivability of the vehicle and may require repairs or replacements.
- Suspension Noise and Rough Ride: Owners have complained about abnormal noises coming from the front suspension, indicating potential wear or malfunction of suspension components. Additionally, some have reported a rough and noisy ride, especially over minor bumps, which can impact the overall driving experience.
- Axle Concerns: Multiple complaints have been made regarding issues with the vehicle's axle, particularly on the passenger's side. This specific problem can affect the handling and stability of the car.
- Navigation System: While not explicitly mentioned in the forum, the outdated navigation system in the ILX has been highlighted in other reviews as a potential drawback, with a dated interface that may not meet modern standards.
These reported problems highlight various issues that owners of the 2021 Acura ILX have faced. Addressing these concerns promptly and effectively is crucial to ensuring a positive ownership experience with this vehicle.
Is 2021 Acura ILX reliable?
The 2021 Acura ILX has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How reliable is Acura ILX?
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.
2021 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:
- Unknown or other problems
- Lane departure problems
- Visibility problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Acura Ilx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Acura Ilx complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Acura Ilx.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-30
- VIN: 19UDE2F78MA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
- VIN: 19UDE2F37MA
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-21
- VIN: 19UDE2F80MA
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-02
- VIN: 19UDE2F78MA
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-11
- VIN: 19UDE2F88MA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19UDE2F8XMA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19UDE2F7XMA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-27
- VIN: 19UDE2F77MA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2021 Acura Ilx car reviews
Positive 2021 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 compete with other luxury cars due to its lack of hood struts, reused plastic parts, hollow door sound, no Dynamic modes, stiff ride, and below-average space, it is still a great value for younger buyers or those on a budget who want to experience a luxury brand. The K24 engine is reliable and the built-in 8-speed DCT shifts quickly and smoothly. I recommend 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, 8With 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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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 it 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.
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You've got yourself an excellent car there! It boasts top-notch performance and looks that are sure to turn heads. What's more, even with the fully upgraded packages, it's still cheaper than other entry-level luxury car base models with no upgrades (such as Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Audi). It's a great entry-level luxury car that offers fantastic value for the price. The only downside is that the infotainment system is a bit outdated and could look better, but that's just a minor issue.
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I bought the Aspec for $33,000 and it was worth every penny. I'm a bit confused as to why some people are saying it's just an okay car. In my experience, it has great power, excellent safety features, stunning looks, and awesome reliability! Plus, it's priced $10,000 to $15,000 less than other cars in its class!
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I recently purchased a used 2021 ILX with the premium package, and it's a huge upgrade from my previous Hyundai Elantra SEL. The Hyundai lacked power seats, a sunroof, had only 16” rims, and 147 HP with a sluggish CVT. It feels like I went from a Fiat to a BMW! Surprisingly, the Acura only costs $27 more per month than what I was paying for the Hyundai. The Acura has all the bells and whistles I wanted, including a beautiful interior and great sound system. So far, I'm loving it!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 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 ...
2021 Acura ILX Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 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, ...
2021 Acura ILX Ratings, Pricing, Reviews and Awards | J.D. Power
2021 Acura ILX. Type: Sedan; Change ... See answers to common EV questions, tax incentives, charging maps & more. ... The problems experienced by owners of the 2021 ...
ILX Problems & Fixes - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community
ILX Problems & Fixes · 2014 ILX clutch problem · 2021 ILX climate control display not working · 2013 acura ilx 2.0 torque specs · 2013 2.0 valve clearance? · 2016 ...
Other years of Acura Ilx
Are you having problems with your 2021 Acura Ilx?
Jerald Ferry 2025-02-26
If you are considering purchasing an Acura ILX, I urge you to read my review before making a decision. Since purchasing my brand new Acura ILX 2020 in July 2020, I have visited the dealership 10 times due to a loud and permanent clunking noise coming from the front side of the vehicle, which can be felt in the floor when tapping the gas while cruising, and hesitation while driving. Despite the dealership's attempts to resolve the issue by replacing the right axle and intermediate shaft, the noise persisted. When seeking help from other dealerships, I received the same answer, except for one mechanic at Acura of Peabody who suggested that the noise could be due to a transmission problem and that a transmission replacement may be required. However, the dealership ultimately concluded that the car was acting normally. I have evidence of the mechanic mentioning the transmission defect, but unfortunately, the recording was missing a crucial piece. Despite this setback, I remained persistent and made an appointment with an engineer at Prime Acura. I am confident that with their expertise, we will be able to resolve this issue once and for all.When I requested a joint test drive with the dealership, they informed me that it was not possible due to COVID-19. Despite mechanics being allowed to participate in joint test drives, engineers were not. After realizing that Prime Acura was not willing to assist me, I sought the help of independent licensed mechanics who confirmed the issue with my car. They identified hesitation during acceleration and a thumping noise during up shifts, indicating an internal transmission or TCM programming issue. This was the same issue that the Acura mechanic had identified before changing their mind. In February, my brand new car's battery died. The mechanic replaced it, but three weeks later, I discovered that my camera was not recording in parking mode, which was not an issue before the battery replacement. When I asked Prime Acura what battery they had installed, they claimed that the power capacity of the battery was too small for the camera's weight. However, they could not explain why this had not been an issue with my old battery. Despite my research indicating that the camera could not have caused the battery issue, the Prime Acura representative was unhelpful and rude in his response to my concerns. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with the customer service provided by Prime Acura. They did not fix my problem, nor did they show any sympathy or respect towards me as a client. Therefore, I cannot recommend purchasing an Acura ILX from them.This purchase has been a source of great frustration and disappointment. The quality of the car did not meet the advertised standards and the warranty was not helpful. Despite being marketed as a premium product, it did not live up to expectations. These issues have been addressed and resolved with confidence and assertiveness.
Dax Satterfield 2024-09-07
The Acura ILX is a beautiful car, but unfortunately the driving experience is not as smooth as one would hope. It tends to shake when driven over 60 mph, which can be quite uncomfortable. Therefore, I would not recommend buying this car if you frequently drive on highways.
Hector Johnson 2024-06-01
The 2021 ILX has a unique suspension that some may find bumpy. The throttle response can be inconsistent at times, which can be frustrating. However, the car is still a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly vehicle. It's important to keep in mind that sometimes cheaper options can end up being more expensive in the long run.
Dennis Weimann 2024-03-15
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.