Owners have filed 21 complaints
about the 2015 Acura ILX with NHTSA between 2015 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Acura ILX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
216.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
433.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
216.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
325.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
18.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2015peak 3Sep 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Acura ILX
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2015 Acura ILX
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202061075,460 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, the paint on the front axle shafts could delaminate or become damaged by road debris. As a result the axle shaft could corrode. If this happens, the axle shafts could break and cause a loss of power to the wheels. Also, if this happens and the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could roll away. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels or a vehicle rollaway could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect, and if necessary, replace both axle shafts.
Recall 2016046269,201 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Goodyear, AZ1 injured
AIR BAGS
Takata front passenger side ceiling airbag and front passenger seat airbag deployed without impact or collision after I left my garage and drove less than a quarter of a mile. There was an excessive heat warning and higher-than-average humidity. I suffered auditory injuries due to the high-decibel explosion the Takata airbags produced in the sealed cab of my car. My insurance has ruled my vehicle a total loss (with no fault of my own). Still, I have yet to accept the insurance's total loss offer, and I wanted to provide an opportunity for further inspection of the Takata airbag system to help this ongoing crisis further. Two Acura representatives called after I registered my airbag deployment on Honda's website. The first representative treated me, "I can have you arrested." during our phone conversation on July 12th, 2023. The second representative requested that I turn over my vehicle to Acura "So we can do our internal investigation." I declined, and his rebuttal was to take my car from the bank since there was a lien on it. I replied that my vehicle has no lien; it's paid in full. My insurance company initially told me they were going to inspect the vehicle. However, I was offered a total loss settlement within 48 hours. I've requested an inspection report multiple times for the cause, but my insurance company has not provided me with anything other than a total loss, with "no fault of my own report." There were no warning lamps, messages, or anything to alert me before the faulty deployment of the airbags. No passenger was seated in the passenger seat at the time of this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11536683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesMinneapolis, MNFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 ACURA ILX. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND TRIED TO SELL THE CONTACT A NEW VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT CLAIM THE VEHICLE FIRE AS A SAFETY MATTER, THEY WOULD NOT LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION. THE FIRE EVENT WAS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER'S TOTAL LOSS DEPARTMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11133532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Valdese, NC
AIR BAGS
Check airbag system light keeps coming on and worried airbag may rupture or explode
NHTSA complaint #11686105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
AIR BAGS
Check air bag system keeps turning on..
NHTSA complaint #11654549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesFlemington, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 Acura ILX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic braking control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11609370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesCherry Hill, NJ
STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Acura ILX. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the vehicle started pulling to the right. The contact was able to steer the vehicle and continued driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel abruptly jerked and violently turned to the left, causing the vehicle to pull to the left. The contact stated that he was unable to turn the steering wheel to the right. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal and came to a complete stop. The contact was then able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
NHTSA complaint #11544573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goodyear, AZ1 injured
AIR BAGS
Takata front passenger side ceiling airbag and front passenger seat airbag deployed without impact or collision after I left my garage and drove less than a quarter of a mile. There was an excessive heat warning and higher-than-average humidity. I suffered auditory injuries due to the high-decibel explosion the Takata airbags produced in the sealed cab of my car. My insurance has ruled my vehicle a total loss (with no fault of my own). Still, I have yet to accept the insurance's total loss offer, and I wanted to provide an opportunity for further inspection of the Takata airbag system to help this ongoing crisis further. Two Acura representatives called after I registered my airbag deployment on Honda's website. The first representative treated me, "I can have you arrested." during our phone conversation on July 12th, 2023. The second representative requested that I turn over my vehicle to Acura "So we can do our internal investigation." I declined, and his rebuttal was to take my car from the bank since there was a lien on it. I replied that my vehicle has no lien; it's paid in full. My insurance company initially told me they were going to inspect the vehicle. However, I was offered a total loss settlement within 48 hours. I've requested an inspection report multiple times for the cause, but my insurance company has not provided me with anything other than a total loss, with "no fault of my own report." There were no warning lamps, messages, or anything to alert me before the faulty deployment of the airbags. No passenger was seated in the passenger seat at the time of this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11536683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesBrick, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT PUSH TO START FAILURES WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11395299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesBrick, NJ
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT PUSH TO START FAILURES WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11395299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130 milesSilver Spring, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LAST COUPLE MONTHS PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS AND UNLOCKS ON ITS OWN WHENEVER CAR STARTS. YESTERDAY DRIVER SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK CAR TO SHOP AND THEY ARE REPLACING DOOR LOCK AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11282464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,898 milesHouston, TX
AIR BAGS
RECALL ON AIRBAGS 3/14/2019 AND I PURCHASED CAR USED 4/17/2019 NOT KNOWING ABOUT THE RECALL. FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSING CAR NOT TO START. MECHANIC FOUND IT BURNED
NHTSA complaint #11229573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,898 milesHouston, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RECALL ON AIRBAGS 3/14/2019 AND I PURCHASED CAR USED 4/17/2019 NOT KNOWING ABOUT THE RECALL. FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSING CAR NOT TO START. MECHANIC FOUND IT BURNED
NHTSA complaint #11229573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesMinneapolis, MNFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 ACURA ILX. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND TRIED TO SELL THE CONTACT A NEW VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT CLAIM THE VEHICLE FIRE AS A SAFETY MATTER, THEY WOULD NOT LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION. THE FIRE EVENT WAS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER'S TOTAL LOSS DEPARTMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11133532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesMurrieta, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CAR HAS A INTERMITTING SHUT OFF PROBLEM THAT JUST RANDOMLY HAPPENS AS I AM DRIVING I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE LOCAL TEMECULA ACURA DEALERSHIP WHICH I EXPERIENCED HORRIBLE SERVICE AFTER THEY HAD MY CAR 2 WEEKS THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM THEY COULD ONLY SUGGEST A MAJOR TUNE UP AND CHANGING SPARKPLUGS COST OVER $500 WHICH AS THEY TOLD ME MAY NOT FIX MY PROBLEM. I WORTE ACURA CORPORATE THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING I SIMPLE WANT TO REPORT THIS ISSUE MY CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS ISSUES WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE. THE CAR JUST CUTS OUT AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER ACURA THEY COULD NOT FIX MY PROBLEM WHICH IS THERE PRODUCT. I TRIED TO FILE WITH BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND I COULD NOT BECAUSE OF THE YEAR OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11002029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redding, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 12/28/16
NHTSA complaint #10909717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. I CONTACTED TWO DEALERSHIPS, BOT SAID THEY WOULD HAVE THE PART IN THIS SUMMER AND WOULD CALL ME WHEN THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. TWO LETTERS FROM ACURA STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER; YET, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM EITHER DEALERSHIP AND MY AIRBAGS HAVE NOT YET BEEN REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10898252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westbrook, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/01/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP NEVER ORDERED THE PART.
NHTSA complaint #10894319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesBoynton Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
WAS TOLD BY MY AURA DEALER THAT MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN MAY 2016. IT HAS BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE SINCE THAT TIME, AWAITING PARTS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE TAKATA AIRBAG. I LEASED THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2014, AND WAS NOT TOLD OF THE RECALL UNTIL MAY 2016, NOR WAS I TOLD THAT THE CAR HAD A TAKATA AIRBAG WHEN I ENTERED INTO THE LEASE. FOR A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, ANYONE OF MY FAMILY DRIVING THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN ENDANGERED IF THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I REQUESTED A MORATORIUM ON LEASE PAYMENTS FROM ACURA LEASING, UNTIL THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE, WHICH THEY REFUSED TO DO. I ASKED THE DEALER, NAPLETON ACURA TO SWAP OUT THE CAR/LEASE FOR ANOTHER CAR/LEASE WITHOUT THE AIRBAG PROBLEMS, WHICH THEY WOULD NOT DO WITHOUT A SIGNIFICANT MONETARY PENALTY. THE TAKATA AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM DATING BACK TO 2001 FOR HONDAS, AND 2003 FOR ACURAS SO THIS IS A LONG STANDING ISSUE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR AGENCY ALLOWS ACURA & HONDA TO CONTINUE TO SELL VEHICLES WITH TAKATA AIRBAGS ESPECIALLY IN HIGH HUMIDITY LOCALES SUCH AS FLORIDA, WHERE I LIVE. YOUR AGENCY SEEMS TO BE PROTECTING THE CAR MANUFACTURERS AND RELATED DEALERS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PUBLIC THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTING. IRONICALLY AN AIRBAG IS A SAFETY COMPONENT, NOT ONE THAT EXPOSES THE DRIVER TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THE CAR BACK TO ACURA, AND TERMINATE THE LEASE WITHOUT PENALTY.
NHTSA complaint #10885248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,483 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT COMPENSATION FOR HAVING MY VEHICLE SIT IN MY PARKING LOT FOR 2 TO 6 MONTHS AND I'M PAYING MY CAR PAYMENT AND I'M NOT DRIVING MY CAR, IF I WANT TO DRIVE ANOTHER CAR OTHER THAN MY ACURA I WOULD PURCHASE THAT, NOW I'M DRIVING A RENTAL THEY TURNED OFF ALL THE FEATURES, NO EXPLANATION. I THINK I SHOULD AT LEAST GET REIMBURSE FOR MY CAR NOTE ATE LEAST HALF. I DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR FOR ME NOT HAVING MY LUXURY CAR TO DRIVE DIDN'T EVEN GET TO ENJOY MY CAR HAVEN'T EVEN DRIVEN MY CAR FOR 6 MONTHS GOT MY CAR IN LATE OCT 2015 & FEB RECALL SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10853423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodinville, WA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED ON THE INTERIM NOTIFICATION THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MID SUMMER 2016. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE SECOND NOTIFICATION LETTER WOULD BE MAILED INDICATING THAT THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10850874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly Hills, CA
AIR BAGS
LESSOR DID NOT FORWARD A COPY OF THIS NOTICE TO US (LESSEE) WITHIN THE 10 DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10850200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley Village, CA
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE LESSOR FAILED TO FORWARD COPY OF RECALL NOTICE TO THE LESSEE WITHIN 10 DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10850128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,995 milesYardley, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT. ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD FLASHED. ABS BREAKS WAS MOST DOMINATE ISSUE BEING FLASHED AFTER OTHER LIGHTS SETTLED. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR 4 HOURS. VERY DANGEROUS SINCE IT SHUT OFF DURING MOVING. LUCKILY AT A LOW SPEED. DEALER SAID IT WAS LOW VOLTAGE FROM BATTERY. THEY DID NOTHING. THEY TOLD ME VOLTAGE WAS LOW ON A DIAGNOSTICS TEST THEY DID. TOLD ME NOT TO USE RADIO WHILE CAR IS OFF. THIS STILL IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE IT SHOULD HAVE CHARGED FULLY AFTER MY RIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10721203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.