2019 Acura ILX

On October 23, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25015 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2019-2020 MY Acura ILX vehicles. These complainants alleged master cylinder failures resulting in soft pedal feel or the brake pedal intermittently going to the floor. These failures could result in extended braking distance increasing the risk of a crash. Honda found that residual plasticizer in the brake reservoir hose could contaminate the brake fluid. This contaminated brake fluid was then absorbed by the secondary cup seal, causing it to swell. Engine heat during operation could further expand the swollen seal, allowing brake fluid to pass. Brake fluid bypassing the master cylinder cup seals can reduce brake-pedal firmness and increase stopping distance. On April 08, 2026, Honda filed Recall 25V-859, recalling all 2016-2020 MY Acura ILX vehicles produced from October 9, 2014, to January 29, 2020. Under the recall, the dealer will replace the brake master cylinder with redesigned inner cup seals made of a different material, providing improved sealing capability. In view of Honda filing Recall 25V-859 addressing the subject of this investigation, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

My driver airbag was stolen 7 months ago and my vehicle has been stuck at body shop ever since because the airbag is on national backorder with no ETA in sight. Acura has done NOTHING to help me and my life has been severely impacted by not having a car. No one is offering me any solutions, they have not provided me a loaner car or anything to help my situation.

NHTSA ID

11754487

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

I am writing to formally raise a concern regarding the handling of a safety recall repair performed on my 2019 Acura ILX at Maus Acura of North Tampa. I initially brought my vehicle in to address a safety recall related to the brake master cylinder. As explained in the recall notice, the issue involved contamination of the brake fluid that could affect braking performance. The dealership proceeded with replacing the brake master cylinder, as expected. However, the situation became significantly concerning following the completion of the recall service: After the recall repair was completed, my vehicle would not start and had no power. The dealership later informed me that a voltage spike during battery installation damaged the PCM, requiring replacement. The PCM was subsequently replaced, and the vehicle was returned to me. In addition to this, I experienced further issues after retrieving my vehicle: My second key was no longer functioning, which required an additional visit to the dealership for reprogramming. More importantly, I am now experiencing a new issue that did not exist prior to the recall service: when I am stopped (for example, at a traffic light) and holding the brake pedal, the vehicle vibrates noticeably. This ongoing vibration is particularly concerning because: It began only after the recall repair and related work were performed. It affects the normal operation and comfort of the vehicle. It raises questions about whether the repair process may have introduced additional mechanical or engine-related issues. At this point, I am very concerned about the overall quality of the service performed and the series of problems that occurred immediately after what should have been a straightforward recall repair.

NHTSA ID

11743945

Incident

May 30, 2026

My 2019 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX] , 69,349 miles) is experiencing severe, dangerous brake system failure directly matching Acura Safety Recall RN5 / NHTSA Campaign 25V859 (Brake Master Cylinder). The vehicle does not stop properly. Due to the hydraulic malfunction of the defective factory master cylinder, the brake pads are overheating and melting quickly. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on public roads.I contacted multiple authorized local dealerships, including Grubbs Acura in Grapevine, TX and Park Place Acura, and both confirmed they cannot perform the safety repair because the manufacturer has not provided the necessary recall parts. I escalated this urgent safety issue to American Honda’s corporate support line (1-888-234-2138). A corporate supervisor called me back but failed to provide a resolution, an emergency parts allocation, or alternative safe transportation.The manufacturer is currently unable to supply critical safety remedy parts for an active, catastrophic brake failure, and they have refused to provide a temporary loaner or rental vehicle to mitigate the hazard. I am filing this urgent complaint because I am stranded with an undriveable vehicle due to a critical safety defect that the manufacturer cannot remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11737972

Incident

May 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Acura ILX. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); 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

11735598

Incident

May 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The narrative for the recall on the website indicated that parts were 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11731634

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

The contact owned a 2019 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while reversing, the backward collision avoidance system activated without any objects or persons behind the vehicle, and the vehicle abruptly stopped. The backup sensor did not sound, and the vehicle then shifted into drive, and the vehicle independently accelerated. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags were deployed. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard, where it was determined that the vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ID

11731125

Incident

Mar 24, 2026

Mileage

61,000 mi

The manufacturer is failing to fix the associated recall RN5 NHTSA# 25V-859

NHTSA ID

11727917

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Acura ILX. The vehicle was taken to be inspected, and the contact was informed that the VIN might be associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and the part was on back order. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the braking system had passed inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11723961

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019 ILXs with a client complaint of a brake pedal that goes soft or intermittently sinking. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle and collect data prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019 ILXs with a client complaint of a brake pedal that goes soft or intermittently sinking. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle and collect data prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Service News - Due to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board Diagnostic monitors are now included in the EGR/VVT OBD Monitor Readiness status group. Due to some customer’s driving patterns, they may not drive in the fashion needed to operate the VTEC (EGR/VVT) that only operates above 5,350 rpm to run the OBD monitoring. Therefore, the EGR/VVT OBD monitor group readiness status is not set to “Complete” when the customer presents their vehicle to a Smog Check station for inspection.

Service Bulletin - Vehicle owner notices condensation or moisture trapped inside one or both headlight assemblies that does not evaporate from the lamp due to the headlight making contact with a body panel creating a separation in the adhesive between the headlight lens and the housing, allowing moisture to enter the headlight.

Service Bulletin - The headlight making contact with a body panel can create a separation in the adhesive between the headlight lens and the housing, allowing moisture to enter the headlight.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2022 ILXs with a client complaint of moisture/condensation in the headlights. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.