Problems · NHTSA complaints
2013 Acura ILX problems
Owners filed 66 complaints about the 2013 Acura ILX with NHTSA between Apr 2013 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (25).
Complaints
66
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags25
- Electrical system14
- Power train9
- Engine6
- Service brakes6
- Suspension6
- Exterior lighting4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Steering3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Visibility/wiper1
- Seats1
- Traction control system1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
4
2
17
3
3
6
4
6
1
4
5
3
5
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
25 reports4 crashes3 related recalls
“Component or system that failed/malfunctioned: Frontal Airbag Deployment System / Airbag Control Module (ACU). The vehicle is currently towed and available for inspection upon request before any insurance salvage disposition. Safety risk: The non-deployment exposed the driver to severe direct impact forces against the steering wheel and cabin structure during a high-force frontal collision, significantly increasing the risk of traumatic head, neck, chest, and internal injuries. Reproduction/confirmation by dealer or service center: No, the vehicle was involved in a collision yesterday and was towed directly from the scene. It has not yet been inspected by an authorized Acura dealer or service center. Inspections by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others: The vehicle was picked up today by a towing/body shop representative for insurance evaluation. It has not yet been inspected by Acura/Honda corporate representatives. Police responded to the crash scene. Warning lamps or symptoms prior to failure: No warning lamps (such as an illuminated SRS/airbag light), error messages, or pre-existing symptoms were present prior to the collision. On [XXX], my 2013…”
Electrical system
14 reports
“While driving downhill and using regenerative braking, my 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid suddenly experienced a hybrid system malfunction. Immediately after the event, the vehicle displayed "Check IMA System" and "Check Charging System" warnings and began exhibiting drivability and electrical-system problems. Following the failure, the vehicle experienced reduced acceleration from a stop, rough engine restarts, loss of auto-stop functionality, charging-system issues, intermittent low-voltage behavior, and eventual no-start/jump-start conditions. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Acura dealership. Diagnostic testing identified fault codes P0A78 (Motor Power Inverter Internal Circuit Malfunction), P1440 (Motor Power Inverter Module Output Circuit Malfunction), and P1437 (Motor Power Inverter Module Short Circuit). The dealership determined that the Motor Power Inverter had failed and required replacement. The failure affected vehicle propulsion, charging-system operation, and regenerative braking operation. Reduced acceleration and unexpected hybrid-system malfunction while driving created concerns regarding vehicle safety and reliability during…”
Power train
9 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2013 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V770000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately come to a stop. The contact had to depress the brake pedal extremely hard to stop the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brakes had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Engine
6 reports
“I am submitting this complaint to document what I believe is a recurring defect involving the air conditioning compressor on my 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid. Vehicle history: * 2013: Vehicle purchased new. * 2019: Original A/C compressor failed and required replacement. * 2026: Replacement A/C compressor has failed again. This means the vehicle is now on its third A/C compressor since new. Based on my experience, each compressor has lasted only about 4–6 years before failing. The first compressor replacement, performed by an Acura dealer in 2019, cost approximately $5,700. I have now been quoted approximately $3,600 by an independent repair facility and approximately $5,200 by an Acura dealer for the current repair. In addition to the extremely high repair cost, I have found that many independent A/C repair shops are reluctant to perform this repair because of the complexity and expense of replacing the compressor on this hybrid model. Replacement options are also very limited because this compressor is essentially an Acura OEM-specific component, with few, if any, widely available equivalent alternatives. The current failure began with a rattling/chattering noise…”
Service brakes
6 reports3 crashes
“IIU malfunction not valid for this vin, even though it is the exact issue that every other model faced. Acura REFUSED to complete the repair without paying $3400”
Suspension
6 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.