2013 Acura ILX Owner Complaints

​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

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.

NHTSA ID

11621279

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

Luz de faros delanteros poca vicibilidad

NHTSA ID

11618203

Incident

Oct 3, 2024

Power train issue the vehicle loses power while driving on the roads and highway. (i have a 1-year-old daughter) It has not been confirmed by a dealer/professional when i bought it in they can't diagnose without warning lights. the warning light were not on when I first brought it in a couple year ago, but the car still loses power frequently and now all the brakes system lights are on.

NHTSA ID

11611367

Incident

Aug 28, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11594476

Incident

May 17, 2024

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?!

NHTSA ID

11591884

Incident

May 12, 2024

engine failure

NHTSA ID

11562398

Incident

Oct 14, 2023

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!

NHTSA ID

11551668

Incident

Oct 24, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11534323

Incident

Jul 20, 2023

There were two different times my Acura 2013 ILX was involved in two different accidents and the airbags didn’t deploy. 1. Back on 4/2018 brakes didn’t respond properly, then ceased to another vehicle and airbags didn’t deployed. No major injuries, but high bills. 2. January 2019, my husband was rear ended by an Audi, was sent to the opposite side of the street, car was total loss, airbags never deployed. He suffered MAJOR injuries, couldn’t walk for two months, used a walker after that for over two years, suffered dislocated discs, neck and his whole body is not the same anymore. Can’t tell anymore how many procedures he has been through.

NHTSA ID

11511701

Incident

Jan 31, 2019

The car jerked while braking and then gave the code p1440. The ima light, check engine light, and brake light all came on. The car feels like it is dragging and does not have the same power. The battery is no longer charging nor is it indicating the battery is being used. It continues the have a jerk at rhe end of braking. It seems there is an extension warranty for certain Vins of this same year and make but mine is not included even though it has having the same problem

NHTSA ID

11485532

Incident

Sep 20, 2022

The contact owned a 2013 Acura ILX . The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle in front of her suddenly stopped. The driver depressed the brake pedal however, was unable to stop in time and crashed into the rear of an unknown Audi. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the chest, neck, and head. The driver believes the impact knocked her unconscious. The contact stated she was in pain and had to seek medical attention. A Police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ID

11442978

Incident

Nov 12, 2021

Mileage

91,000 mi

TL* 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 NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED NAPLETON ACURA (745 W LAKE ST, ELMHURST, IL 60126, (630) 559-0447) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11415077

Incident

Dec 31, 2020

TL* 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 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACURA OF BOSTON (1600 SOLDIERS FIELD RD, BRIGHTON, MA 02135) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT UNLESS THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES THE FAILURE, A LOANER VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT

NHTSA ID

11405643

Incident

Mar 29, 2021

TL* 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 NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11404982

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

CAR UNLOCKS MY ITSELF AFTER LOCKING.

NHTSA ID

11403790

Incident

Mar 11, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11395605

Incident

Feb 19, 2020

Mileage

80,000 mi

MY CAR WAS IN MOTION I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN STREET AND THEN MY CAR SUDDENLY BROKE DOWN. I HAD NO PRIOR LIGHTS ON. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE REST OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD BEGAN FLASHING WITH THE CODE P0202, AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 3 MPH. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND IT TOOK ME OVER 20 MINUTES TO PULL INTO A GAS STATION THAT WOULD NORMALLY TAKE 5 MINUTES, I DON'T KNOW HOW I EVEN MADE IT TO THE STATION WITHOUT PUSHING THE CAR MYSELF. I HAD TO TOW IT DIRECTLY TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR LESS THAN 2 YEARS AND HAVE HAD NO PRIOR ISSUES. ACURA NOTIFIED ME IT WAS MY FUEL INJECTOR AND COILS AFTER RUNNING THE DIAGNOSTIC. I HAD TO PAY $1,200 OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THIS WAS A COMPLETE PARTS ISSUE, A RARE OCCURRENCE, THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE, THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THEN I RECEIVED A CALL FROM ACURA AFTER THE PARTS WERE REPLACED THAT THEY FRIED OUT THE PCM-THE COMPUTER OF THE CAR. THEY STATED MY CAR WAS NOT DRIVEABLE UNTIL THE PCM WAS REPLACED AND THAT IT DID NOT SHOW IN THE DIAGNOSTIC UNTIL THEY REPLACED THE PARTS. SO NOW, A PARTS FAILURE LED TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING LISTED IN THE SERVICE BULLETIN BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT A COMMON ISSUE. I HAD TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $1,100 NOW TOTALING TO A $2,200 UNPRECEDENTED OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE FOR A MANUFACTURER FAILURE. THIS IS TERRIFYING BECAUSE MY CAR WAS WORKING COMPLETELY FINE, DRIVING SMOOTHLY, AND OUT OF NOWHERE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION GAVE OUT ON ME, PLACING MY LIFE IN DANGER. SUSPICIOUSLY ENOUGH, DURING THIS TIMEFRAME, I GET A NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR A STOP SALE RELATED TO DRIVESHAFT CORROSION WHICH COULD CAUSE MY CAR TO STOP. WHAT IF THIS IS THE ISSUE THAT CAUSED THE OTHER PROBLEMS?

NHTSA ID

11383823

Incident

Nov 30, 2020

Mileage

89,000 mi