Acura ILX Years To Avoid | 10 Best & Worst [Complete Data]

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The Acura ILX is a luxury subcompact sedan manufactured between 2012 and 2022. Even while Acura isn’t as well-known in the US market as brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Lexus, it’s still regarded as a great entry-level luxury car.

If you want to enter the luxury car market without going over budget, the Acura ILX is a great choice, especially if you’re buying used. However, not all years are trustworthy because of known reliability problems and customer complaints.

To help you purchase a used car that will provide you with an amazing ownership experience in the future, we have compiled a list of Acura ILX years to buy and avoid.

The worst years to avoid Acura ILX are 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019. The best years to buy an Acura ILX are from 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmund, Car Complaints, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book.

Worst Acura ILX Years To Avoid

Acura, the luxury division of Honda, is renowned for its exceptionally dependable cars over the long haul. This also applies to the ILX. However, because of reliability issues, the following years are best avoided:

  • 2013 Acura ILX
  • 2014 Acura ILX
  • 2015 Acura ILX
  • 2016 Acura ILX
  • 2019 Acura ILX

5. Worst Year: 2019 Acura ILX (4.01 Rating)

Source: carbuzz

The 2019 Acura ILX is another year to avoid, and not only because of its extreme unreliability; it’s so unremarkable that it hurts. With an aggregate rating of 6.2 out of 10, the 2019 ILX was ranked at the lowest position by U.S. News & World Report.

It has many usual tech features and an easy-to-use infotainment system, but it doesn’t really stand out when compared to its competitors. The 2019 Acura ILX is disappointing due to its poor anticipated reliability ratings, dull driving experience, and interior that contains harsh plastics and antiquated technological elements.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

4. Worst Year: 2015 Acura ILX (3.76 Rating)

Source: autowise

The 2015 Acura ILX is a total lemon when it comes to airbags, electrical systems, gasoline, and engines. Simply put, what remains? Imagine a mobile time bomb! That’s how dangerous this car is.

Unfortunately, the 2015 ILX had an imperfect transmission that jerked wildly between ratios since Acura hadn’t ironed out all the bugs. Carcomplaint reports that this model’s loud transmission noise is the most common complaint.

There have been reports from certain owners regarding the car locking and unlocking doors without their input and the door open caution light going on. Traveling with children in such a vehicle poses a significant risk.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

3. Worst Year: 2016 Acura ILX (3.54 Rating)

Source: Autoblog

There are several reasons why you should not buy the 2016 ILX. As an example, there were a lot of complaints about service brakes that weren’t working for this model year. Some drivers claimed their vehicles would accelerate when they pressed the brakes, while others heard a deafening screech.

Undoubtedly, the vehicle has more conventional amenities and more accommodating back seats, but its overall quality falls short of expectations. Also, this ILX had problems with the airbags, including the terrible Takata recall. There was a scary problem with the bag exploding when it should have deployed, and some owners have complained that it doesn’t work at all.

The transmission is another part of this vehicle that many people have complained about. A few owners have expressed displeasure with the annoying clunking sound whenever the accelerator descends or the gear changes.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

2. Worst Year: 2014 Acura ILX (3.51 Rating)

Source: caranddriver

Fewer complaints and recalls were filed for the 2014 Acura ILX compared to its predecessor. But, Unfortunately, there are a lot of problems with this model year that make it hard for us to suggest it, especially considering the price tag.

The majority of the concerns were related to the 2014 ILX airbag system. Several owners noted unexpected illumination of the airbag indication. Some owners also complained about power problems, loud noises from the driver’s side window while driving at high speeds, broken lights, and airbag issues.

In addition, The 2014 ILX’s cabin was of very low quality. There have been reports of engine problems with the 2014 ILX from multiple owners. According to one owner, pressing the engine start button did not start the vehicle. On occasion, the engine might also stall and sparkle.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

1. Worst Year: 2013 Acura ILX (3.12 Rating)

Source: acuraconnected

For several reasons, we advise our readers to stay away from the debut year of the manufacturing model because new models or major redesigns have “teething problems” that aren’t visible during testing. The same happened with the 2013 ILX. Of all model years, the 2013 ILX had the most complaints and recalls, making it the worst model year. 

Owner satisfaction ratings for the 2013 ILX are likewise rather low. Consumer Reports rated the 2013 ILX as having an owner satisfaction rating of 1 out of 5. In their complaints, owners list several issues, such as an unsteady ride, clumsy handling, and a lack of structural support. Among 2013 ILX owners surveyed, just 31% indicated they would repurchase the vehicle.

There have been six recalls involving the 2013 ILX, with three involving airbags that might detonate upon deployment, causing occupants to be stung by sharp metal pieces. Obviously, no one wants this to happen when their airbags go off.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

Which Used Acura ILX Years Are Most Reliable?

Are you looking to buy a used Acura ILX? You’re not short of choices. These are more dependable ILX years:

  • 2017 Acura ILX
  • 2018 Acura ILX
  • 2020 Acura ILX
  • 2021 Acura ILX
  • 2022 Acura ILX

5. Best Year: 2017 Acura ILX (4.06 Rating)

Source: the car connection

The 2017 Acura ILX’s engine, suspension, wheels, headlights, and AC system aren’t perfect. Having said that, there is still a lot to enjoy about this vehicle. The 2017 Acura ILX is a great option, even though it isn’t the most powerful or sporty car on the market.

If you’re looking for a stylish and functional daily driver,  the 2017 Acura ILX, with its roomy cabin and modern exterior, will not disappoint you. Plus, it’s perfect for families or anyone who prioritizes road safety thanks to its enhanced safety features. IIHS gave their famous Top Safety Pick award for the 2017 Acura ILX.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

4. Best Year: 2018 Acura ILX (4.10 Rating)

Source: netcarshow

Even though it doesn’t look all that appealing, the 2018 Acura ILX is surprisingly powerful. Not only is it cheaper than competing models, but it also has some of the class’s lowest ownership costs. When looking for the most dependable Acura ILX year, the 2018 model is a great pick because of its great value offer and proven long-term reliability.

Regarding the 2018 Acura ILX, there isn’t a laundry list of serious problems with reliability. The fact that the NHTSA has received just eight complaints about this model suggests that it is either unpopular or largely problem-free. In addition, the 2018 ILX has excellent gas mileage, which is a major selling factor for used vehicles.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

3. Best Year: 2021 Acura ILX (4.39 Rating)

Source: courtesyacuralittleton

The 2021 model is another good year. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower is the sole engine option for the 2021 model year, and it comes mated to an eight-speed sequential transmission. It offers five-passenger seating and a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg, which is typical for its model year.

A rearview camera, lane departure warning, automated emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning are some of the basic safety features. The IIHS and NHTSA both gave it good marks for safety. However, many would anticipate a more user-friendly infotainment system from a luxury sedan, and this one falls short.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

2. Best Year: 2022 Acura ILX (4.43 Rating)

Source: the car connection

The 2022 Acura ILX is again one of the best ILX models. Relative to its competitors, the ILX is priced far lower. Plus, it has all the functions you could want, so it’s definitely worth the price. According to the EPA, the Acura ILX can achieve 28 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving.

According to the IIHS and the NHTSA, it is also among the safest vehicles. With three main upgrade packages to choose from—Premium, A-Spec, and Technology—the 2022 Acura ILX delivers a reasonably well-equipped base model. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard across all model levels, and the engines are 2.4-liter in displacement and provide 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

1. Best Year: 2020 Acura ILX (4.46 Rating)

Source: motor1

With minimum complaints and zero recalls, the 2020 Acura ILX stands as the best Acura ILX model. From all the model years, it has great reliability and low consumer complaints and recalls. The 2020 ILX earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, making it the safest car.

Compared to its competitors, the ILX is priced far lower. It also has many features. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are only two of the good basic driver aids available. The inside isn’t as high-end as some other luxury sedans, but it’s still better than most vehicles in its price range.

According to the EPA, the Acura ILX can achieve 28 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. Compared to other entry-level luxury sedans, that is on par with or even better. All things considered, You get a decent value for your money.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

Common Acura ILX Problems

Acura ILX models typically have the following problems.

  • Issues with the suspension
  • Problems with electric components
  • Failures of transmissions
  • Problems with the drivetrain
  • Faulty airbag system

FAQs

Is the Acura ILX a reliable car?

Acura, Honda’s premium division, is famous for producing reliable vehicles. And that includes the ILX, too. With a Reliability Rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, the Acura ILX is ranked by RepairPal as the 2nd most reliable luxury compact car out of 17 models, which makes it a very reliable car.

How Long can Acura ILX last?

On average, an Acura will last between 250,000 miles (402336 km) and 300,000 miles (482803.2 km), or 16 to 20 years, with regular maintenance.

Is it expensive to maintain an Acura ILX car?

The annual maintenance cost of an Acura ILX is about $435, which is relatively inexpensive compared to other luxury compact automobiles.

What are the other alternatives for Acura ILX?

The top competitors for Acura ILX are:

  • Honda Civic
  • Audi A3
  • Mercedes Benz A-Class
  • Acura TLX
  • Mazda 3
  • BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe
  • Lexus IS

Wrap Up

In conclusion, remember that this car does not provide an incredibly thrilling experience. Rest assured, ILX offers a surprisingly inexpensive price range compared to its competitors, even if it has a sophisticated appearance. All of the ILX models from Acura have received mediocre reviews, except for a few recent years. This is largely due to the car’s overall ride quality. Everyone can agree that this car isn’t perfect. I would advise you to be careful and conduct research before purchasing one.

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