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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Exterior lighting3
- Lane departure3
- Air bags2
- Visibility1
- Suspension1
- Seat belts1
- Electrical system1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Other / unknown3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Exterior lighting
“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…”
Lane departure
“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…”
Air bags
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILX Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,750 | 316 |
- 28mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.7%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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.