FaultScore

Acura ILX brake problems

46 of the 360 complaints filed about the Acura ILX are about the braking system — 13% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.

46

Complaints

13%

Share of all complaints

6

Crashes

0

Fires

Brakes complaints by model year

2013 ILX 6 13.0%

Median failure at 48,700 miles

2014 ILX 1 2.2%

Median failure at 79,900 miles

2015 ILX 1 2.2%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2016 ILX 17 37.0%

Median failure at 19,000 miles

2017 ILX 5 10.9%

Median failure at 19,600 miles

2018 ILX 2 4.3%

Median failure at 102,437 miles

2019 ILX 13 28.3%

Median failure at 17,575 miles

2020 ILX 1 2.2%

What owners said

2016 Acura ILX Nottingham, MD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 complaint #11751850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Acura ILX Temple Terrace, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11743945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Acura ILX South Gate, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

While driving downhill and using regenerative braking, my 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid suddenly experienced a hybrid system malfunction. Immediately after the event, the vehicle displayed "Check IMA System" and "Check Charging System" warnings and began exhibiting drivability and electrical-system problems. Following the failure, the vehicle experienced reduced acceleration from a stop, rough engine restarts, loss of auto-stop functionality, charging-system issues, intermittent low-voltage behavior, and eventual no-start/jump-start conditions. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Acura dealership. Diagnostic testing identified fault codes P0A78 (Motor Power Inverter Internal Circuit Malfunction), P1440 (Motor Power Inverter Module Output Circuit Malfunction), and P1437 (Motor Power Inverter Module Short Circuit). The dealership determined that the Motor Power Inverter had failed and required replacement. The failure affected vehicle propulsion, charging-system operation, and regenerative braking operation. Reduced acceleration and unexpected hybrid-system malfunction while driving created concerns regarding vehicle safety and reliability during normal operation. The Motor Power Inverter was replaced by an Acura dealership and the warning messages, drivability concerns, and related symptoms were resolved. I am submitting this complaint to document a confirmed Motor Power Inverter failure involving a 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid.

NHTSA complaint #11742741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Acura ILX at 102,437 miles Socorro, TX Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 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 and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed the brakes failed to engage; the contact had to crash into the medium in between both sides of the street to avoid a crash. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the contact paid out of pocket. 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 failure mileage was approximately 102,437. 

NHTSA complaint #11741512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Acura ILX Keller, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11737972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Acura ILX Boise, ID

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 complaint #11735598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura ILX at 88,000 miles Thousand Oaks, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 complaint #11733050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Acura ILX Mount Vernon, WA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 complaint #11731634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura ILX at 160,000 miles Springfield, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 complaint #11729749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura ILX San Leandro, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 complaint #11729080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Acura ILX Fond du Lac, WI

SERVICE BRAKES

I have a recall on my Acura 2017 ILX. I called Bergstrom Acura Appleton in Wisconsin to make an appointment. Ashley said it would take about 2 hours. Trying to get a loaner car out of her was like pulling teeth. A week before service would have taken place, she called back and said that there was a diagnostic fee with the recall. I tried to retrain her about manufacturing problems are the dealership not mine. She would not budge. Don’t know what they are holding over this poor girl to get her to act in such a unprofessional, incompetent, undignified manner.

NHTSA complaint #11728994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Acura ILX Lehigh Acres, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

I have a master cylinder brake recall and I have taken my car to the Acura of Fort Myers dealership and they said they can’t fix the issue because parts are not available. I should receive a second notification from Acura Automobile Division when parts will be available and they won’t be available until spring of 2026 . I need my car to drive around and my concern is my safety driving the car with this recall. Can I buy the parts and have Acura reimburse me the money ? Please let me know , my phone number is [XXX] my name is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11727951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Acura ILX Centennial, CO

SERVICE BRAKES

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

NHTSA complaint #11727917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura ILX Savannah, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11726735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Acura ILX El Cajon, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 complaint #11723961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura ILX Springfield, MA

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11722773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Acura ILX Rochester, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2017 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that parts were not available for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11719412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Acura ILX Missouri City, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11719435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Acura ILX Fort Wayne, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

IIU malfunction not valid for this vin, even though it is the exact issue that every other model faced. Acura REFUSED to complete the repair without paying $3400

NHTSA complaint #11718193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura ILX Fullerton, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that it had been over a month since the vehicle was taken to the dealer. 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 complaint #11715343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Acura ILX problems