2013 Acura Ilx electrical problems

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 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 Jun 14, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · MD

Over the past few weeks the vehicle warning lamp states "Check Power Steering System." A customer service representative from Acura Dealer witnessed the problem. Then somehow it corrects itself for a while and steering is back to normal. My most recent diagnostic by an independent service center did not indicate a problem. However, 2 days later the problem reoccurred which caused the wheel to shake and stiffen while driving. The most difficulty experience is turning the wheel to park.

Filed Jun 1, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · OK

Issue had not been persistent, on Sunday, May the 12th, 2024, while driving home, I was on a slight downward slope coming to a halt at a red light, when the car jolted slightly and the warning lights came. The auto-shutoff feature on the vehicle stopped working immediately. I was able to drive the car home, but after parking - the vehicle wouldn’t start again. Electronic screen on the radio came on and I could see error codes P1437 & P15A5. Also warnings on the dash to check IMA system, check charging system, check battery, check breaking system. Power steering locked up due to the voltage shortage. What is the reason/explanation provided by the dealer, as to what caused this issue? DTC'S P0A78 - MPI INTERNAL CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION, P1440 - MPI OUT CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. MPI FAILING INTERNALLY, CAUSING 12V BATTERY TO LOSE CHARGE. Previously parts involved were recalled in Dec 2020, since American Honda didn’t not include my VIN they have refused to be of any assistance - monopolizing on being the only available source to change the parts. Had I received the recall, I would have had it addressed prior to the part going out. I’m 6330 miles over what they would have covered because I had no idea this was an issue until I found the safety bulletin which exactly described the recall and what happened to be my experience. Same issues, but I’m being told I couldn’t be included. They are charging me over $1400 for the part alone and then service which includes a complete removal of my back seats. I JUST spent nearly $4000 in Feb 2023 on the AC because the car wouldn’t start, who is to say this wasn’t undetected issue at the time?!

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Electrical · TN

Hi - My driver's side door keeps unlocking and registering as if I am opening it as I am driving. I've attempted to have this fixed (stopped unlocking for about a year) but it has started back up within the last month. It's now come to my attention that upon searching for safety recalls on my car, that there was a recall back in 2012 (12V338000) on my car for what sounds exactly like the issue I've been having. I have an appointment to get Driveshaft Corrosion (20V‑770) recall fixed on 11/6, but they do not have the other safety recall associated with my VIN number. Therefore, they are refusing to look at it without payment. I would hate to have to pay for a temporary fix again and I am extremely concerned that I cannot drive my vehicle without it unlocking and am really hoping this reaches the right audience. I am looking for assistance in having this resolved. Thank you!

Filed Jul 25, 2023 · Acceleration, Electrical · PA

On July 20th, 2023, while driving home from work, my vehicle without warning made a sudden jerk and all the warning light s came on the dash board. The car had reduced power and acceleration and an automated voice from the dash board warned to pull over the car. I pulled over into a garage who performed a diagnostic. They stated the error codes indicated MPI failure (IMA power moter invertor). They also stated there was a Service Bulletin 20-021 for tis issue with this car (same year /model). When a VIN check was performed, the vehicle did not come up on this TSB. I had the car towed to an acura dealer and they ran a diagnostic. They confirmed error codes P1440,P15A5,P0AE1,P0DA8 - all codes listed in the service builletin 20-021 for this vehicle year, make and model. I have no doubt, as the data indicates, this failure/incident was caused by the same issues which are covered under TSB 20-021 and this VIN should be included.

Filed Mar 18, 2021 · Electrical · CA

Car unlocks my itself after locking.