Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Acura
  6. /
  7. ILX
Acura · Known Issues

2021 Acura ILX Problems: 4 Known Issues

2021 model year · 2,450+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2021 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,450+ owner reports, the 2021 Acura ILX has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 8-Speed DCT Shudder and Low-Speed Jerking and In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Engine Stall ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 8-Speed DCT Shudder and Low-Speed Jerking with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $500 to $1,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • ILX Transmission1
  • ILX Fuel System1
  • ILX Engine1
  • ILX Electrical1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Fuel System1
  • Engine1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS2022202120202019201820172016201520142013
Community reported
1,800 owners

On the 2016-2022 Acura ILX 2.4L K24W I4, the 2013-2015 ILX 2.4L with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) exhibits severe shudder, jerking, and hesitation during low-speed driving. The clutch packs engage roughly in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission frequently hunts between gears on slight inclines, making city driving extremely unpleasant.

This issue also affects: Acura CL, Acura MDX, Acura TL

Common Symptoms

  • Violent shudder from stop in 1st gear
  • Jerking during low-speed acceleration
  • Hesitation when pulling away from traffic lights
  • Transmission hunting on slight inclines
  • Grinding sensation during slow parking maneuvers

How to Fix

Update the DCT software to the latest Acura calibration which improves low-speed clutch engagement. Perform a DCT fluid change with genuine Honda DCTF. In severe cases, the clutch pack assembly needs replacement. Acura extended warranty coverage on the DCT to 7 years/100,000 miles due to widespread complaints.

Owner tips & cautions

  • WarningCheck if your VIN is covered under the extended DCT warranty (7yr/100k). Many owners have had full clutch pack replacements covered at no cost. Document every shudder incident with date, mileage, and conditions.

Research This Issue

Based on 1,800 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence1,800 owner reportsLast reported by owners Apr 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2013-2022 Acura ILX, the Denso-supplied in-tank fuel pump module fitted across virtually the entire ILX production run uses an impeller that was molded with insufficient density and inadequately dried. The impeller absorbs fuel, swells, and interferes with the pump body. The pump then fails to deliver pressure - typically presenting first as a long crank or a hard start, then progressing to an engine stall that can happen at road speed with no warning and no restart. The ILX coverage was expanded twice: an initial 2019-2020 campaign (21V215, itself an expansion of ) was later broadened to cover 2013-2023 ILX under 23V858, so this spans every powertrain the car was sold with - 2.0 automatic, 2.4 manual, hybrid, and 2.4 DCT alike.

This issue also affects: Acura MDX, Acura TLX

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls while driving
  • Extended cranking before start
  • No-start condition
  • Whining or absent fuel pump prime noise at key-on
  • Check engine light
  • Loss of power under load

How to Fix

Free recall remedy under NHTSA 23V858 (Honda campaign codes KGC/KGD); earlier cars may instead fall under 21V215. Dealers replace the entire fuel pump module at no charge. Owner notification for the expanded campaign was mailed September 2024. Do not pay for a fuel pump on an ILX without first running the VIN - a private-pay pump module replacement typically runs $700-$1,200.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2013-2022 Acura ILX, on the 2.4L K24 ILX, the variable timing control (VTC) actuator on the intake camshaft is not fully oil-pressurized at first start. The internal locking pin fails to hold the actuator against the sprocket, so for one to two seconds after a cold start the actuator rattles loudly against its stops - a hard metallic grinding or 'bag of bolts' sound from the front of the engine that disappears once oil pressure builds. It is worst in cold weather, after the car has sat overnight, and with stretched oil-change intervals. This is an all-K24-family pattern documented from roughly 2008 onward across Honda and Acura four-cylinders and it carries into the ILX's 2.4. It does NOT apply to the 2.0L R20 or the 1.5L hybrid, which use a different valvetrain, and merging it into a generic 'ILX engine noise' issue is the classic mistake on this nameplate.

This issue also affects: Acura MDX, Acura TSX

Common Symptoms

  • Loud metallic rattle for 1-2 seconds on cold start
  • Noise worse in cold weather
  • Rattle disappears once oil pressure builds
  • Noise returns after the car sits overnight
  • Check engine light with cam timing codes in advanced cases

How to Fix

Replace the VTC actuator with the updated revised-design part (Honda addressed the original design with a superseded actuator part number). The job requires removing the valve cover and gaining timing-chain cover access; budget roughly $500-$1,000 at an independent shop. The noise itself is not immediately destructive, but a failing actuator can eventually set cam timing correlation codes. Interim mitigation: use the correct 0W-20 grade, keep oil changes to 5,000 miles, and verify the level - low or degraded oil sharply worsens the rattle.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
650 owners

On the 2016-2022 Acura ILX 2.4L K24W7 I4, the dual-screen infotainment system in the refreshed ILX suffers from the same lag and responsiveness issues found in other Honda/Acura models using the same platform. The upper screen frequently freezes during navigation, and the lower touchscreen becomes unresponsive to inputs for several seconds at a time.

This issue also affects: Acura TLX

Common Symptoms

  • Touchscreen slow to respond to input
  • Navigation screen freezes
  • Bluetooth pairing drops
  • Audio source switching takes 5+ seconds
  • Screen occasionally goes black

How to Fix

Update infotainment firmware to the latest available version. Perform a factory reset to clear cached data. Reduce the number of paired Bluetooth devices to three or fewer. If the touchscreen digitizer has failed, the lower screen unit needs replacement.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipDelete all paired Bluetooth devices and re-pair only your primary phone. The system bogs down when it tries to search for multiple previously paired devices on every startup.

Research This Issue

Based on 650 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence650 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jun 2025Reviewed Mar 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #23V85800018/12/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.

Campaign #25V85900011/12/2025

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Acura ILX problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Acura ILX. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other Acura Models

Acura Integra19Acura RDX17Acura TLX15Acura TL14Acura RSX14Acura MDX12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura ILX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,450+ owner reports, the 2021 Acura ILX has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 8-Speed DCT Shudder and Low-Speed Jerking, In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Engine Stall, VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle (2.4L K24 Only). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura ILX reliable?

The 2021 Acura ILX has 4 known issues documented across 2,450+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 8-Speed DCT Shudder and Low-Speed Jerking and In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Engine Stall. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura ILX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura ILX issues range from $0 to $1,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2016-2022 Acura ILX 8-Speed DCT Shudder and Low-Speed Jerking?

The 2013-2015 ILX 2.4L with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) exhibits severe shudder, jerking, and hesitation during low-speed driving. The clutch packs engage roughly in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission frequently hunts between gears on slight inclines, making… Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2022 Acura ILX In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Engine Stall?

The Denso-supplied in-tank fuel pump module fitted across virtually the entire ILX production run uses an impeller that was molded with insufficient density and inadequately dried. The impeller absorbs fuel, swells, and interferes with the pump body. The pump then fails to delive… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 2,450+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #21V21500025/03/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level.

Campaign #19V05200024/01/2019

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.

Campaign #19V42400006/06/2019

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2013-2022 Acura ILX VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle (2.4L K24 Only)?

On the 2.4L K24 ILX, the variable timing control (VTC) actuator on the intake camshaft is not fully oil-pressurized at first start. The internal locking pin fails to hold the actuator against the sprocket, so for one to two seconds after a cold start the actuator rattles loudly a… Repairs typically run $500-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2022 Acura ILX Infotainment System Lag and Unresponsive Touchscreen?

The dual-screen infotainment system in the refreshed ILX suffers from the same lag and responsiveness issues found in other Honda/Acura models using the same platform. The upper screen frequently freezes during navigation, and the lower touchscreen becomes unresponsive to inputs… Severity: low.