How reliable are Acura ILX?
The Acura ILX is broadly considered a dependable choice in the compact-luxury segment, thanks to its Honda-based engineering and straightforward maintenance. Overall reliability varies by model year and how well the car has been cared for, but with regular service the ILX can deliver solid long-term ownership. This article examines what reliability looks like today, highlights common issues, and explains what buyers should check when considering a used ILX.
Reliability signals from reviews and ownership data
To gauge how reliable the ILX tends to be, researchers and owners look at ratings from Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and published recall histories, as well as owner forums and long-term ownership articles. These sources collectively show a generally favorable picture for a vehicle built on Honda’s architecture, with reliability that often compares well with peers in the same class. Variability by year and maintenance history remains a key factor.
- Honda-driven engineering: The ILX shares many components and design philosophies with Honda cars, which tends to support durable mechanical performance and predictable maintenance costs over time.
- Ratings and reviews: Consumer Reports and J.D. Power typically reflect solid reliability for the ILX relative to other compact-luxury sedans, though results can vary by model year and individual vehicle history.
- Recalls and safety campaigns: Early ILX models were part of broader Takata airbag recalls that affected many Honda/Acura vehicles, so verifying that all recalls have been addressed is important.
- Owner sentiment: Online forums and owner surveys often cite dependable daily driving and reasonable repair costs, with occasional complaints about electronics or transmission behavior in certain years.
These reliability signals summarize what research and owner feedback tend to indicate across the ILX lineup.
In short, the ILX tends to perform reliably as a daily driver, but prospective buyers should check the service history and recall status to understand the specific vehicle’s reliability profile.
Model-year patterns and potential trouble spots
Reliability can shift from one generation to the next. The ILX’s earlier years benefited from Honda-sourced underpinnings, while later updates aimed to improve refinement and equipment. What follows are commonly discussed patterns and areas to watch for when shopping, with emphasis on how they tend to manifest across years.
- Transmission behavior and shifting: Some owners report firm or hesitant shifts in certain model-year ranges, particularly in earlier ILX variants, making test drives important.
- Infotainment and electrical glitches: Depending on the year, users may encounter touchscreen lag, Bluetooth pairing issues, or other electronics quirks.
- HVAC and climate control: Occasional complaints about heating/cooling performance or weak AC have appeared in some cohorts.
- Recall impacts and safety campaigns: Beyond Takata-related recalls, other campaigns may have affected ILX models; confirming completion is prudent.
- Wear items and aging components: Like any older vehicle, tires, brakes, suspension bushings, and battery life can influence long-term reliability, especially on higher-mileage examples.
These items highlight typical reliability considerations raised by owners and reviewers.
Overall, reliability tends to align with the era-specific improvements and maintenance history; newer or well-kept examples often feel more refined and dependable than the oldest units.
What to look for when buying a used ILX
When evaluating a used ILX, reliability hinges on proven maintenance, documented recalls, and a clean service history. The following checks help separate well-kept cars from those with latent issues.
- Verify service records and maintenance history, including timing for oil changes, brake work, and tire replacement.
- Confirm recall status and completion, especially for airbag and other safety-related campaigns.
- Test the transmission or shifting feel during a test drive; note any hesitation, abruptness, or noise.
- Inspect electronics and infotainment for lag, unexpected reboots, or screen issues.
- Check for signs of overheating, oil leaks, or abnormal wear on tires and brakes.
Before making a purchase, consider these checks to assess reliability potential.
By confirming these items, buyers improve their chances of acquiring an ILX with reliable core systems and fewer unwelcome surprises.
Maintenance expectations and ownership costs
Maintenance costs for the ILX are typically in line with other compact-luxury or Honda-based cars. Long-term ownership hinges on routine service, timely recalls, and the condition of wear items. The main cost factors to consider include regular service intervals, part wear, and potential battery or electrical component replacements as the car ages.
- Regular oil changes and factory-recommended service intervals help sustain engine health and reliability.
- Brakes, tires, and suspension components wear with mileage and driving style, affecting ongoing costs.
- Electrical and infotainment hardware can incur occasional repairs or replacements as the vehicle ages.
- Battery life and charging components follow typical automotive patterns and should be monitored as the car accrues miles.
These guidance points outline typical maintenance considerations for the ILX.
In practice, a well-maintained ILX commonly offers predictable ownership costs and dependable performance, which is a core part of its appeal in the used-car market.
Summary
The Acura ILX remains a solid option for buyers seeking a compact luxury sedan with Honda-based reliability and reasonable maintenance costs. Reliability is consistently good in many model years, but it varies by year and depends heavily on maintenance, service history, and whether all recalls have been addressed. For prospective buyers, a careful pre-purchase inspection, thorough service records, and confirmation of recall completion are the best safeguards. In the end, a well-kept ILX can deliver dependable daily driving and value within its segment.
What year to stay away from Acura ILX?
However, some years are best avoided due to reliability concerns, and they are:
- 2013 Acura ILX.
- 2014 Acura ILX.
- 2016 Acura ILX.
What are the cons of the Acura ILX?
Handling is sound, but the ride is stiff and choppy, road noise is pronounced, and the driver's seat lacks lower back support, all of which undermine the ILX's pretense of affordable luxury.
How long will an Acura ILX last?
An Acura ILX can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, with some owners reaching over 400,000 miles, especially if the "bulletproof" 2.4L engine is well-maintained. With a strong reputation for reliability, longevity depends heavily on consistent, quality maintenance, such as using the correct oil, premium gas, and adhering to the service schedule.
Factors affecting the ILX's lifespan
- Maintenance is key: Consistent and proper maintenance is the most significant factor in how long an ILX will last.
- Engine durability: The ILX's 2.4L K24 engine is known for being very robust and reliable, with many owners reporting high mileage with proper care.
- Owner-reported longevity: Some owners have reported hitting 200,000 miles with no major issues, and others have reached 500,000 miles.
- Specific part care: Keeping up with scheduled maintenance, like replacing the timing chain and water pump, is crucial for longevity.
- Fuel and oil type: Using the recommended 0W-20 full synthetic oil and premium gasoline can help the engine last longer.
Things to consider
- While the engine is reliable, other components may require more attention as the car ages, especially after hitting high mileage (150,000+ miles).
- The ILX is a reliable car, but it's still a machine and requires the owner's diligence to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
What are the most reliable years for Acura ILX?
Buy: 2016 Acura ILX
Furthermore, this is the most reliable Acura ILX year due to fewer complaints and known significant issues. The 2016 Acura ILX received only 36 complaints and four recalls, per NHTSA. Perhaps its most notable issue is about the service brakes.
