Acura just dropped off its fancy compact sedan, the ILX, which is based on the renounced and well-received Honda Civic, a name that is synonymous when it comes to top-shelf dependability. However, the fancier iteration by Acura seems to have wandered off quite a bit from that claim with close to 6 recalls recorded on its name, instead of the ideal zero, which the Civic has recorded for the same model year. The low number of complaints might seem impressive at first sight, but the complaint to sales number ratio is on the worse side. However, as this sedan is brand new for this year, we are willing to write off all these niggles given that Acura fixes in its time. As of now, this section briefly discusses the common problems that users have come across on this premium compact sedan. With starting prices of $25,900, the 2013 Acura ILX goes against the like of the Buick Verano, the Audi A3, or even a nicely equipped Mazda 6.
2013 Acura ILX User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
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Drive shaft failure- The front driveshaft failure due to corrosion has been acommon issue on the initial batches of the2013 Acura ILX. These issues can arise as a sudden loss of power, excessive steering vibration, front-end noise, or even a roll-away even when slotted into park mode. Though initial repairs were done on a customer basis, the automaker was later made aware of the issue’s occurrence forcing them to initiate a factory recall (ID-20V770000) for inspection and replacement of the affected part. Improper manufacturing techniques are said to be the reason for the failure and the failure mileage recorded is approximately 75,000 miles.
Electric System complaints
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A/C issues- A few owners have complained about the 2013 Acura ILX’s HVAC compressor failing prematurely. The electromagnetic clutch assembly on the compressor tends to disengage intermittently reducing the cabin cooling efficiency. Since the unit is not repairable at the dealership, the only stated remedy is a replacement which at times, is not covered under warranty. The failure mileage reported is around 60,000 miles.
Structural complaints
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Door latch Problems- The door latch on the2013 Acura ILX has been reported to malfunction in certain usage scenarios. If the occupant uses the door handle when the power locks are being engaged or disengaged, the actuator cables can move out of position causing the door(s) not to latch properly when closed the next time. This issue has been brought to the notice of the manufacturer and has received a recall (ID-12V338000) for inspection and replacement of the door lock assembly.
Safety Complaints
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Airbag problems- The airbag light on the 2013 Acura ILX is reported to illuminate randomly or stay constantly illuminated in some cases. Though the fault was not determined initially, it was later traced to be manufacturing issues with the airbag module itself. The sedan has three separate recalls (IDs-19V500000, 19V182000, and 16V061000) to rectify this issue. Some vehicles may have a faulty replacement unit, necessitating a second recall for essentially the same failure.
2013 Acura ILX Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
20V770000 |
The drive shaft may corrode and fail |
The drive shaft's protective coating may not have been applied properly during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt, or other contaminants, and potentially causing it to break, causing a loss of drive or park function, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury. |
The dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed on February 2, 2021. |
|
|
2 |
27th June 2019 |
19V500000 |
Driver frontal airbag inflator may explode |
The vehicles that received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, these inflators may explode which may result in serious injury. |
The dealers will replace the driver's airbag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2019. |
|
3 |
6th March 2019 |
19V182000 |
Driver frontal airbag inflator may explode |
The vehicles that received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, these inflators may explode which may result in serious injury. |
The dealers will replace the driver's airbag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2019. |
|
4 |
3rd February 2016 |
16V061000 |
The driver’s frontal airbag may rupture |
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture, increasing the risk of serious injury to occupants |
The dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began in March 2017. |
|
5 |
13th June 2014 |
14V323000 |
Headlight temperatures causing fires |
Excessive heat temperatures around the headlight bulb and reflector unit may diminish the output of the headlight and cause smoke, melting, and fire, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will replace the headlights, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014.
|
|
6 |
19th July 2012 |
12V338000 |
Front door latches |
If the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being operated by an occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position, preventing it from properly latching the next time, increasing the risk of occupant injury. |
The dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 16, 2012. |
Should you buy a used 2013 Acura ILX?
If you are in search of a usable premium car, the Acura ILX would come across as a nice option. We don’t usually recommend grounds up cars in their first running model year, but given that this compact sedan is based on the trusty Honda Civic, the powertrain side of things should be more or less trouble-free which is clear from the official reports. Given that most of the recalls are quick fixes or are results of general wear, the overall ownership should be far better than what other premium competitors have on offer, especially when it comes to ownership expenses. So, new or used, the 2013 Acura ILX is a decent, daily usable premium compact sedan to own.
