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2013 Acura Ilx problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Acura Ilx is airbags, typically around 54,500 miles. It has 2.9 times the complaints of a typical Ilx model year.

Year to avoid2.9x the typical complaints
Year score
32/100
Owner complaints
67
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
64
Worst area
Airbags
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
25-38mpg

The worst 2013 Acura Ilx problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    25
  • Electrical
    15
  • Transmission
    9
  • Brakes
    7
  • Engine
    6
  • Suspension
    6
  • Lights
    4
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Trouble codes owners of the 2013 Acura Ilx mention

P1440 5P0AE1 4P1437 3P0A78 2P15A5 2

Recalls 6

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported December 10, 2020 · 248,358 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 Honda Fit vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts' protective coating may not have been applied properly during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt, or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.
Risk
A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed February 2, 2021. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are P9M, PAV, BAY, TAX, CA0, and MAZ.

Recall number 20V770000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported June 27, 2019 · 1,558 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

Recall number 19V500000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported March 6, 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Recall number 19V182000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 3, 2016 · 2,232,187 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Recall number 16V061000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported June 13, 2014 · 14,078 vehicles affected
What is wrong
American Honda Motor Co., Inc (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles manufactured January 16, 2012 to March 1, 2013, ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured January 12, 2012 to February 7, 2013, and certain model year 2014 ILX vehicles manufactured May 2, 2013, to May 31, 2014, and ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 18, 2013 to February 19, 2014. Excessive heat temperatures around the headlight bulb and reflector unit may diminish the output of the headlight and cause smoke, melting, and fire. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
The diminished light output may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additonally, the excessive heat coming from around the bulb and reflector could cause the headlights to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlights, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1‑800‑862‑2872. Honda's number for this recall is JE9.

Recall number 14V323000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported July 19, 2012 · 172,837 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles. If the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being operated by an occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. There is a possibility that the cable can move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching.
Risk
If the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge. Additionally, the interior front door handles in certain Honda CR-Vs will also be replaced, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 12V338000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2013 Acura Ilx

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Acura Ilx 64

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 64 bulletins for the 2013 Acura Ilx

2013 Acura Ilx crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Acura ILX 4 DR FWD5454
Acura ILX Hybrid 4 DR FWD5454

2013 Acura Ilx fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.5L 4‑cyl HybridFWD383838
2.0L 4‑cylFWD243427
2.4L 4‑cylFWD223125

What 2013 Acura Ilx owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

Approximately October 27, 2026, my vehicle experienced a sudden malfunction involving the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. When I attempted to start the vehicle, the engine would not start. The dashboard displayed the IMA system warning, check engine light, and brake system warnings. My steering wheel froze and I could have crashed. Luckily I wasn’t going fast and was able to slam emergency breaks. This was not a routine maintenance concern. The vehicle experienced a no-start condition requiring professional diagnosis, rather than a warning that appeared during normal operation. The authorized Acura dealership inspected my vehicle at approximately 140,393 miles and documented the following diagnostic trouble codes: P0AE1 P1437 The dealership recommended replacing the IMA motor power inverter. I subsequently learned that Acura Service Bulletin 20-021, Campaign B97, provides a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty extension for the IMA motor power inverter on certain 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid vehicles. Both diagnostic trouble codes identified by the dealership are specifically referenced in this bulletin. However, I was informed that my VIN was not eligible for this warranty extension. I have not received a detailed written explanation of the specific reason for this exclusion.

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Airbags · FL · crash

​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 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX]) was involved in a frontal collision during a U-turn execution, resulting in severe structural deformation crushing the front end inward to the front tires. Despite the high-deceleration frontal impact, none of the frontal airbags deployed. No SRS warning lights or system fault indicators were active prior to the crash. The vehicle was towed today for insurance assessment and remains available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Engine · CA

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 whenever the A/C was engaged. Eventually, the compressor load became severe enough that the accessory belt was thrown off when the A/C engaged. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle, ruled out the belt tensioner, and concluded that the compressor is the source of the problem. While compressors are wear items, replacing the compressor three times over the life of the vehicle—with each unit lasting only about five years—appears to be an unusually short service life, especially considering the exceptionally high cost of repair. In my opinion, this suggests a potential design or durability issue with the compressor used in the 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this complaint and review whether other owners of the same vehicle have experienced similar repeated compressor failur

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

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 normal operation. The Motor Power Inverter was replaced by an Acura dealership and the warning messages, drivability concerns, and related symptoms were resolved. I am submitting this complaint to document a confirmed Motor Power Inverter failure involving a 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Electrical · WA

My car has faulty code P0AE1 (Bypass Contractor Malfunction) that causes the 12v battery and hybrid battery failure. It also causes the brake less effective without hybrid assisting, and loss acceleration that are extremely dangerous while driving on road. This is well known issue for 2013 Acura ILX hybrid that triggers recall in Service Bulletin 20-021. My car has been inspected by Honda/Acura dealer, but the VIN is not in the recall campaign, so Acura denied the service warranty for this. I believe there are more vehicles that are effected that is not in the recall campaign VIN.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · IN

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

Filed Jun 14, 2025 · Electrical · GA

My 2013 acura ix hybrid does have issues as in service bulletin 20-021. Contacted dealer and got informed that was repaired recall and send me invoice for repairs in the amount of 2600 usd. Contacted manufacturer and been informed that no recall for my car vin is bot associated to recall above (20-021). Did check report from carfax and only repair on my car was some on battery in 2019 (attaching too). My car has exact same codes and diagnose from Nalley Acura service points to IMA inverter (p1440 & p1505) and needs to be replaced. As can be seen from my statements, entire diagnose points to exact same symptoms and car is also under same model and year but manufacturer didn’t include vin into recall to fix the issue. Please help me with resolving this issue and to get my car repaired under service bulletin as supposed to be from beginning. Attaching all conversations with manufacturer and also diagnose and dealer service advisor details.

Filed Jan 3, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · 83,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2013 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · TX

1. Bypass Contractor Malfunction causing multiple lights to be on due to faulty Intelligent Inverter UNIT (IIU)/Motor Power Invterter (MPI), causing error code P0AE1. Car is already repaired but still available for inspection if needed. 2. Car stalled on and off while getting onto freeway onramp 3. Yes, issue was reproduced by dealer and they recommended repairs 4. Vehicle was inspectd by Vandergriff Acura in Arlington, TX 5. There were no warning messages or indicators prior to the failure.

Filed Oct 22, 2024 · Airbags · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Acura ILX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

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Questions about the 2013 Acura Ilx

Is the 2013 Acura Ilx reliable?

Owners have filed 67 complaints about the 2013 Acura Ilx, 2.9 times a typical Ilx model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2013 Acura Ilx year score?

The 2013 Acura Ilx scores 32 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Acura Ilx: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

Airbags, with 25 complaints, typically around 54,500 miles. Next is electrical (15).

How many recalls does the 2013 Acura Ilx have?

6 recalls, covering power train, air bags and exterior lighting.

Is the 2013 Acura Ilx safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2013 Acura Ilx scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

Was there a recall on the 2013 Acura Ilx airbags?

Yes, 3 recalls: 19V500000, 19V182000, 16V061000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Acura Ilx have bad airbags?

The Acura Ilx model years with the most airbags complaints are 2013 (25 complaints), 2014 (20 complaints) and 2016 (17 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Acura Ilx get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Acura Ilx range from 25 to 38 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.5L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 38 city and 38 highway.

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