Research · Compact Cars

2021 Acura ILXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2021 Acura ILX. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (3) and lane departure (3). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
11
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Acura ILX as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

11 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2021 – Mar 2026
  1. Exterior lighting3
  2. Lane departure3
  3. Air bags2
  4. Visibility1
  5. Suspension1
  6. Seat belts1
  7. Electrical system1
  8. Forward collision avoidance1
  9. Other / unknown3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each ILX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201366
201429
201519
201652
201720
201823
201936
202010
202111
20223
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Exterior lighting

3 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2026Exterior lighting, Lane departureODI 11725734

Lane departure

3 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2026Exterior lighting, Lane departureODI 11725735

Air bags

2 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2025Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11706024
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
ILX
Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243428$2,750316
  • ILX
    Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    24 city · 34 hwy · $2,750/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Acura ILX 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 15736
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 ILX questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Acura ILX have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.

What are the most common 2021 Acura ILX problems?

Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (3), lane departure (3), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Acura ILX get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Acura ILX at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2021 Acura ILX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Acura ILX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026