RoadVitals

2016 Acura ILX

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
52
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Dec 11, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 52 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Acura ILX, most frequently naming the airbags, brakes and powertrain (other) categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 119 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Dec 11, 2025
70,658 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
The risk: Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RN5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 17, 2025. The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number RN5View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Dec 18, 2023
2,490,460 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number KGC, KGDView on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Jun 6, 2019
49,898 units potentially affected
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.
The risk: A separated driveshaft can cause the vehicle to have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move even while in Park, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, as necessary, replace the driveshaft and half shaft, free of charge. The recall began August 1, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is G54.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number G54View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Jul 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11751850
Incident
Jul 21, 2026
AirbagsFuel system
Filed May 28, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle. The contact stated that the airbags did not deploy during the crash. The contact did not sustain injuries at the scene and no medical attention was provided immediately following the crash. However, the contact later experienced lower back and neck injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed after the crash. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, approximately half of the fuel would disappear after the vehicle was started, with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer for bodywork repairs related to the rear-end damage. The contact was informed that repairs had been completed to the fuel pocket area of the vehicle however the vehicle was not diagnosed related for the fuel system failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,815

NHTSA ID
11740643
Incident
May 28, 2026
Mileage
94,815 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system became inoperable and failed to function properly while attempting to stop the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable and needed to be ordered. After a follow-up inquiry, the dealer stated that the parts were still not available and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID
11733050
Incident
Apr 22, 2026
Mileage
88,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. Another local dealer, Jeff Wyler Acura of Dayton (60 Loop Rd, Dayton, OH 45459); was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11729749
Incident
Apr 7, 2026
Mileage
160,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and another dealer were contacted and confirmed that parts were on a national back order. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11729080
Incident
Apr 3, 2026
Brakes
Filed Mar 24, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding the inadequacy of American Honda's recall remedy under NHTSA Campaign 25V-859 (Acura Campaign RN5) for my 2016 Acura ILX (109,000 miles). This recall addresses a defective brake master cylinder that can reduce braking performance and increase stopping distances, posing an unreasonable risk of crash or injury. Despite this acknowledged safety defect, American Honda is refusing to perform the recall repair, stating that parts are limited and repairs are being prioritized only for vehicles already exhibiting symptoms of failure. My case (#16165247) has been closed with no remedy provided. I have contacted American Honda approximately five times over the past two months and receive the same answer. No repair, no loaner vehicle, no interim safety guidance, and no timeline for parts availability has been offered. Their guidance was "we can prioritize your repair once you notice your brakes begin to fail." My local Acura dealer was uncooperative, stating they have no parts and telling me to get American Honda to provide parts, placing the burden of obtaining them on me as the consumer. The defect symptoms (degraded braking and increased stopping distances) mean the vehicle is already unsafe by the time failure is detectable. Requiring owners to continue operating vehicles with a known braking defect until failure occurs exposes my family, including young children, to the exact crash risk this recall was issued to prevent. It's negligent and endangers the consumer due to failure of the manufacturer. I am requesting that NHTSA open a Recall Query into Honda's handling of 25V-859 and exercise its authority under the Safety Act to compel American Honda to either expedite the recall repair on my vehicle or provide a manufacturer-funded replacement vehicle or rental until the remedy is completed. The recall remedy is not being provided within a reasonable time, and no adequate interim safety measures have been offered.

NHTSA ID
11726735
Incident
Mar 24, 2026
Brakes
Filed Mar 8, 2026

I am reporting a safety concern involving my vehicle, a 2016 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX]), which is currently subject to an active brake system safety recall involving the brake master cylinder (Acura Recall Code RN5). The recall describes a defect in which contamination of the brake fluid system may cause the master cylinder seal to swell and reduce braking pressure, allowing the brake pedal to travel toward the floor and increasing stopping distance. The failure condition described in the recall is currently occurring in my vehicle. When braking, the brake pedal travels significantly toward the floor before the vehicle stops, which raises serious safety concerns regarding the ability to stop the vehicle in normal traffic conditions. I began contacting Acura dealerships in December 2025 after receiving the recall notice. I was informed that the required recall repair parts were not yet available and that I would be contacted when parts became available. Multiple dealerships in Massachusetts and Connecticut provided the same information. As of March 2026, I have not been contacted by any dealership regarding repair availability, and the vehicle continues to exhibit the braking condition described in the recall notice. Because the defect affects the braking system, I do not feel the vehicle can be safely operated while awaiting the recall repair. The vehicle remains financed and insured and is relied upon for daily transportation. This complaint is being submitted to document that the recall defect appears to be actively occurring in the vehicle and that the recall remedy has not yet been made available after several months. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11722773
Incident
Dec 20, 2025
Airbags
Filed Mar 2, 2026

Airbag light on per dealership needs driver airbag replaced was on recall, then retracted from recall

NHTSA ID
11721518
Incident
Mar 2, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B18-021

AIR BAGS

Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Driver's Airbag Inflator for 2016 ILX and 2016 RDX.

B20-047

STRUCTURE

Service Bulletin - This warranty extension applies only to 2016-18 ILX vehicles painted B-612P (2016 models: Bright Kinetic Blue Pearl) or (2017-18 models: Catalina Blue Pearl).

BPaS12052020901

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2018 ILXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the C-pillar, in the area adjacent to the rear window & the roof. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

ONL6P811202020

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE; VISIBILITY

Owner Notification Letter - On some 2016-18 ILX models, the exterior paint around the front windshield and/or rear glass may peel off. To ensure your confidence in your vehicle, American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint in these areas to 8 years from the original date of purchase.

BPaS11042020901

STRUCTURE

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2018 ILXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the C-pillar, in the area adjacent to the rear window & the roof. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

BPaS10162020901

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2018 ILXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the C-pillar, in the area adjacent to the rear window & the roof. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Acura ILX by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2022300
2021110052.7
2020921
2019365166.4
2018234061.5
2017204064.6
2016Viewing526063.6
2015194160.8
2014295163.4
2013666164.2

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.