The 2022 Acura ILX is the best and most reliable ILX model year, with the 2021 at #2 and the 2020 at #3. NHTSA lists 3 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns for the 2022, versus 66 complaints and 6 recalls for the first-year 2013.
66 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 ILX; 25 of them list air bags
Collectors of first-year cars or anyone who wants the ILX Hybrid
Pick by what you want
Most reliable
2022 Acura ILX (DE2)
Lowest cost to own
2021 Acura ILX (DE2)
Best value late model
2020 Acura ILX (DE2)
Best with a manual
2015 Acura ILX (DE1/DE2)
Best initial quality
2018 Acura ILX (DE2)
The ranking
1
2022 Acura ILX (DE2)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe most reliable ILX year.
NHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 ILXNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed for the 2022 ILXLast model year: Acura: "The 2022 model year is the final model year for the ILX, in anticipation of the new Integra"EPA fuel economy: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpg (2.4-liter, 8-speed automated manual)Price when new: $28,395 starting MSRP when new (ILX Sedan 4D)
The 2022 was the last ILX; Acura said it was the final model year ahead of the new Integra. NHTSA lists just 3 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns for it, and the EPA rates it at 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpg.
Go ifUsed buyers who want the ILX year with the fewest NHTSA complaints and no recall campaigns
Skip ifYou want the lowest launch price of the final design (the 2020 started at $25,900)
Why #1 over #2: NHTSA lists 3 complaints for it versus 11 for the 2021.
2
2021 Acura ILX (DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe low-cost-to-own pick.
NHTSA complaints: 11 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 ILXNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed for the 2021 ILXCost to own: Kelley Blue Book Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own Award among entry-level luxury cars: $39,069 over five yearsEPA fuel economy: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpgPrice when new: $27,145 starting MSRP when new (ILX Sedan 4D)
The 2021 ILX won Kelley Blue Book's Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own Award among entry-level luxury cars, at $39,069 over five years. NHTSA lists 11 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns.
Go ifA late ILX with no recall campaigns and a Kelley Blue Book cost-to-own award
Skip ifYou want the very last year (2022 lists 3 complaints)
Why #2 over #3: NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for it versus 2 for the 2020.
3
2020 Acura ILX (DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe value late-model ILX.
NHTSA complaints: 10 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 ILXNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (fuel pump; brake master cylinder)Price when new: $25,900 starting MSRP, excluding $995 destination, unchanged from 2019Standard safety: AcuraWatch standard on every 2020 ILX, including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise ControlEngine: 201 hp 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC with an 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and paddle shifters; 24/34/28 mpg
The 2020 ILX held its $25,900 starting price and came with AcuraWatch standard, including Collision Mitigation Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control. NHTSA lists 10 complaints and 2 recall campaigns (fuel pump; brake master cylinder).
Go ifThe newest ILX at its lowest launch price, with AcuraWatch standard
Skip ifYou want no open recall history to check (2021 and 2022 list none)
Why #3 over #4: NHTSA lists 10 complaints for it versus 19 for the 2015, and AcuraWatch is standard.
4
2015 Acura ILX (DE1/DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe best early ILX.
NHTSA complaints: 19 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 ILXNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed (fuel tank; two for the driver air bag inflator; driveshaft)Engines: 150 hp 2.0-liter with a 5-speed automatic, or 201 hp 2.4-liter with a close-ratio 6-speed manualPrice when new: $27,050 MSRP (2015 ILX 5AT); $29,350 for the 6MT with Premium PackageManual gearbox: The 6-speed manual was discontinued with the 2016 facelift
The 2015 was the last year of the original ILX design and of the 6-speed manual, offered with the 201 hp 2.4-liter; the 150 hp 2.0-liter came with a 5-speed automatic. It started at $27,050, and NHTSA lists 19 complaints.
Go ifThe most reliable early ILX, and the last year of the 6-speed manual
Skip ifYou want the 2016 facelift, LED headlights and the 8-speed DCT
Why #4 over #5: NHTSA lists 19 complaints for it versus 20 for the 2017, and it is the last ILX with the 6-speed manual.
5
2017 Acura ILX (DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe best first-facelift year.
NHTSA complaints: 20 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 ILXNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed (fuel tank; driveshaft; fuel pump; brake master cylinder)Price when new: $27,990 MSRP; $34,980 with the Tech Plus A-SPEC PackageEngine: 201 hp 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC with an 8-speed dual clutch transmissionEPA fuel economy: 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined mpg
The 2017 ILX carried over the 2016 facelift with the 201 hp direct-injected 2.4-liter and 8-speed dual clutch transmission, rated at 29 combined mpg. It started at $27,990, and NHTSA lists 20 complaints.
Go ifA first-facelift ILX with the 201 hp engine and fewer complaints than the 2016
Skip ifYou want the 2019 restyle and standard AcuraWatch
Why #5 over #6: NHTSA lists 20 complaints for it versus 23 for the 2018.
6
2018 Acura ILX (DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe initial-quality winner.
NHTSA complaints: 23 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 ILXNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed (fuel tank; driveshaft; fuel pump; brake master cylinder)Initial quality: J.D. Power Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5, topping the Small Premium Car segment in the 2018 U.S. Initial Quality StudyPrice when new: $28,100 MSRP; $28,900 for the new Special Edition with A-Spec 18-inch wheels, side sills and rear spoilerEPA fuel economy: 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined mpg
The 2018 ILX topped the Small Premium Car segment in J.D. Power's 2018 Initial Quality Study with a 5 out of 5 rating. It started at $28,100, with a new $28,900 Special Edition; NHTSA lists 23 complaints.
Go ifShoppers who want the ILX that topped its segment in J.D. Power initial quality
Skip ifYou want fewer NHTSA complaints (the 2017 lists 20)
Why #6 over #7: NHTSA lists 23 complaints and 4 recall campaigns for it versus 29 complaints and 5 recall campaigns for the 2014.
7
2014 Acura ILX (DE1/DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe well-equipped early ILX.
NHTSA complaints: 29 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 ILXNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed (fuel tank; two for the driver air bag inflator; headlights; driveshaft)New standard features: 17-inch wheels, leather seating surfaces, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Active Noise CancellationPrice when new: $26,900 MSRP (5-speed automatic base), excluding $895 destination; the six-speed manual started at $29,200EPA fuel economy: 24 city / 34 highway / 27 combined mpg (2.0-liter automatic)
For 2014 Acura made 17-inch wheels, leather, heated front seats and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera standard, at $26,900. NHTSA lists 29 complaints and 5 recall campaigns.
Go ifAn early ILX with leather and heated seats standard and the 6-speed manual still offered
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints in an early ILX (the 2015 lists 19)
Why #7 over #8: NHTSA lists 29 complaints for it versus 36 for the 2019.
8
2019 Acura ILX (DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe first-year restyle.
NHTSA complaints: 36 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 ILX; 13 of them list service brakesNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed (two for the fuel pump; fuel tank; driveshaft; brake master cylinder)Price when new: $25,900 MSRP, excluding $995 destination, a $2,200 reduction from the outgoing modelNew for 2019: Diamond Pentagon grille and all-new front and rear design, with AcuraWatch standardCost to own: Top spot in Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own rankings for entry-level luxury cars
The 2019 restyle brought the Diamond Pentagon grille and standard AcuraWatch at $25,900, a $2,200 reduction. NHTSA lists 36 complaints, 13 of them for service brakes, and 5 recall campaigns.
Go ifThe first year of the final restyle at its lowest launch price
Skip ifYou want the same design with fewer complaints (2020-2022)
Why #8 over #9: NHTSA lists 36 complaints for it versus 52 for the 2016, and AcuraWatch became standard.
9
2016 Acura ILX (DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe first-year facelift.
NHTSA complaints: 52 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 ILX; 17 of them list service brakesNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed (fuel tank; two for the driver air bag inflator; driveshaft; fuel pump; brake master cylinder)Engine: 201 hp, 180 lb-ft direct-injected 2.4-liter with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, up 51 hp over the outgoing 2.0-literPrice when new: $27,900 MSRPSafety: IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating for the 2016 ILX
The 2016 facelift added a 201 hp, 180 lb-ft direct-injected 2.4-liter and an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, up 51 hp over the old 2.0-liter, and earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+. NHTSA lists 52 complaints, 17 of them for service brakes.
Go ifThe first year of the 201 hp direct-injected engine and the 8-speed dual clutch transmission
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints in the same design (2017 lists 20)
Why #9 over #10: NHTSA lists 52 complaints for it versus 66 for the 2013, and its 201 hp engine replaced the 150 hp 2.0-liter.
10
2013 Acura ILX (DE1/DE2)
Answrs VerdictThe first-year ILX.
NHTSA complaints: 66 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 ILX; 25 of them list air bagsNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed (three for the driver air bag inflator; headlights; door latch; driveshaft)Price when new: $26,795 starting price; $29,785 for the ILX HybridFirst model year: U.S. sales began May 22, 2012; the hybrid version was Acura's firstEPA fuel economy: 24 city / 34 highway / 27 combined mpg (2.0-liter automatic)
The 2013 was the first ILX, on sale from May 22, 2012, at $26,795, with a $29,785 ILX Hybrid that was Acura's first hybrid. NHTSA lists 66 complaints, 25 of them for air bags, and 6 recall campaigns, the most of any ILX year.
Go ifCollectors of first-year cars or anyone who wants the ILX Hybrid
Skip ifYou want the fewest NHTSA complaints (it lists the most of any ILX year)
How we ranked these
We ranked each ILX model year on what it gives a used buyer today: NHTSA owner complaint and recall counts first, then price, equipment and EPA fuel economy, using NHTSA, fueleconomy.gov, Acura press releases and Kelley Blue Book. Generation codes follow the Wikipedia record: DE1 (2.0-liter), DE2 (2.4-liter) and DE3 (Hybrid); the 2016 and 2019 model years were facelifts of the same car. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the most reliable Acura ILX year?
By NHTSA records, the 2022 ILX: NHTSA lists 3 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns for it. The 2021 also lists 0 recall campaigns.
Which Acura ILX years should you avoid?
Be most careful with the first-year 2013 ILX, which lists 66 NHTSA complaints and 6 recall campaigns, and the 2016, which lists 52 complaints. Check any used ILX for open recalls by VIN.
Should I get the ILX 2.0 or 2.4?
The 2.0-liter (2013-2015) makes 150 hp with a 5-speed automatic; the 2.4-liter makes 201 hp with a close-ratio 6-speed manual. From 2016 every ILX uses a 201 hp 2.4-liter with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission.
What years was the Acura ILX Hybrid sold?
The 2013 and 2014 model years. It used a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain rated 111 hp and was discontinued for 2015.
NHTSA complaints by model year (as listed) at a glance
2022 Acura ILX (DE2)3 complaints
2020 Acura ILX (DE2)10 complaints
2021 Acura ILX (DE2)11 complaints
2015 Acura ILX (DE1/DE2)19 complaints
2017 Acura ILX (DE2)20 complaints
2018 Acura ILX (DE2)23 complaints
2014 Acura ILX (DE1/DE2)29 complaints
2019 Acura ILX (DE2)36 complaints
2016 Acura ILX (DE2)52 complaints
2013 Acura ILX (DE1/DE2)66 complaints
NHTSA complaints by model year (as listed), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
