Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

11 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
2

Most reports here involve transmission slipping.

transmission slipping 1unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: My vehicle continues to accelerate when I press the gas pedal, and it sometimes makes clicking noises from underneath during acceleration. Occasionally, it veers to one side even when I keep the…
Read full complaint

My vehicle continues to accelerate when I press the gas pedal, and it sometimes makes clicking noises from underneath during acceleration. Occasionally, it veers to one side even when I keep the steering wheel straight. At times, it gives a warning and vibrates as if I'm merging into another lane. When I press the gas, the engine revs, but the car doesn't accelerate. Issues have been ongoing but dealership where I got the car from wants to charge me inspection fees per symptom.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11605515 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
4

Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

electrical shorts 3
A recent report: am reporting a serious safety defect in my 2021 Acura ILX involving the front headlight assembly. Water is entering the headlight housing due to what appears to be a manufacturer sealing defect, with…
Read full complaint

am reporting a serious safety defect in my 2021 Acura ILX involving the front headlight assembly. Water is entering the headlight housing due to what appears to be a manufacturer sealing defect, with visible condensation inside. This is causing electrical malfunction, including intermittent failure of the turn signal (blinker) and inconsistent headlight operation. The components are available for inspection upon request. This defect creates a significant safety hazard. The turn signal will fail to activate or activate randomly, preventing other drivers from knowing when I am changing lanes and increasing the risk of collisions. The headlight also intermittently dims or shuts off at night, reducing visibility and creating dangerous driving conditions. This issue also affects driver-assist safety systems, including blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning, which rely on proper signaling and visibility. When the lighting system malfunctions, these systems are less effective, increasing the risk of unsafe lane changes. The problem is ongoing and reproducible, especially after exposure to moisture. The malfunction occurs intermittently but frequently enough to make the vehicle unsafe. The vehicle has not yet been formally inspected, but inspection is being pursued. There were no warning lights prior to failure. The first symptom was condensation inside the headlight, followed by increasing failure of the blinker and headlight. This does not appear to be an isolated issue and may indicate a broader manufacturing defect. Because this directly impacts visibility and signaling, it is a critical safety concern. This issue should be urgently investigated for a recall to prevent accidents, injuries, or fatalities.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11725734 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
3

Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

airbags deploying unexpectedly 1
A recent report: I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX] ) that has been unreleasable for an extended period due to manufacturer inability to supply a required safety component. The…
Read full complaint

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX] ) that has been unreleasable for an extended period due to manufacturer inability to supply a required safety component. The vehicle was involved in an accident on July 6, 2025 and delivered to Caliber Collision in Corpus Christi, Texas. All accident-related repairs have been completed. However, the vehicle cannot be released because a required airbag and/or airbag module is unavailable. American Honda Motor Company, Inc. has advised that the safety component is unavailable to be sold and that no estimated time of availability exists. Due to the safety nature of the missing component, the repair facility has confirmed the vehicle cannot be legally or safely released. The delay is no longer accident-related and is solely due to manufacturer unavailability of a safety-critical, non-cosmetic part. I have requested interim solutions including buyback, rental assistance, or a dealership loaner, and no temporary or permanent solution has been provided. This complaint is submitted to document manufacturer inability to supply a required safety component resulting in extended loss of vehicle use. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11706024 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
1

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 1
A recent report: The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the white lines on the road appeared curved through the windshield. The contact…
Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the white lines on the road appeared curved through the windshield. The contact then noticed that the windshield was distorted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the windshield was delaminating and needed to be replaced. The windshield was replaced under warranty; however, the replacement windshield was also defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 9,600.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11574756 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
1

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1
A recent report: It is Acura ILX 2021. The current mileage is 17,480. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? *Driveshaft/suspension is broken after…
Read full complaint

It is Acura ILX 2021. The current mileage is 17,480. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? *Driveshaft/suspension is broken after inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *Intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle. Worn out u-joints, couplers or carrier bearings can cause the driveshaft to vibrate and make noise when passing over bumps and potholes. If not fixed, it can lead to further damage to other drivetrain components. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? * Not sure for 2021 model. However, there is a recall history for model 2016-2019 Acura ILX. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? * The vehicle was inspected and waiting for remedy. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? * No there is no sign of warning. Due to extreme noise, the vehicle was inspected.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11551027 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 11 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2021 and 2026, roughly 2 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.