2013 Acura ILX

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 www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, 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 nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

​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)

NHTSA ID

11754740

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

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 NHTSA document this complaint and review whether other owners of the same vehicle have experienced similar repeated compressor failur

NHTSA ID

11750204

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11742741

Incident

May 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11741246

Incident

May 16, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11718193

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11666879

Incident

Jun 13, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11633866

Incident

Dec 10, 2020

Mileage

83,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11633741

Incident

Feb 10, 2024

Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Driver's Airbag Inflator for 2013-14 ILX Hybrid and Other Listed Years and Models.

Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.

Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.

Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.

ServiceNews Article - When removing and installing a cable reel, you need to keep both the cable reel and the steering angle sensor in position. If you don't, the VSA indicator may come on along with one or more VSA DTCs. And when you run the Neutral Memorization Procedure in the i-HDS, it won't complete.

Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.