Model-year record

2020 Acura ILX
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
9
Reports to NHTSA, 2020
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
28
EPA estimate
Known issues
Visibility/Wiper issues lead owner complaints (33% of 9 reports), followed by electrical system (11%).
Share of all 9 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11654004, ODI 11647721, ODI 11492908.
Individual complaint reports(9)
Showing the 9 most recent reportsService BrakesNov 2025 · ODI 11701081Details +Close −
I am experiencing an issue with my brakes. When I am at a red light and I brake, I find my brakes start to descend. So it's brake, then the brake moves a bit down towards the floor. Then it moves down a bit more. I am still able to brake but I find that the brake pedal moves down a few times while I am sitting at a red light. I am greatly concerned.
- Reported
- Nov 2025
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
StructureSep 2025 · ODI 11686669Details +Close −
[XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] Subject: CarMax auto and CarMax auto finance RE: CarMax auto finance [XXX] Phone: 18009253612 Website: carmax auto finance Transaction Date: 10/23/2023 Amount Paid: 29976 Payment Method: Credit Card I bought a car with Carmax Finance and from the beginning of the car was lemon so I request change. It was denied then I’ll be sending a letter from then I’ll be have issues mechanic paint depreciation I’ll be sending the letters to every single complain organization looking for help and nothing CarMax finance INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Sep 2025
- Incident date
- Oct 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperApr 2025 · ODI 11654004Details +Close −
I live in a colder climate, we’re were experiencing temperatures in the 20’s with ice storms. While driving the rear window completely shattered, the rear defroster was on during the time of the incident. I contacted the manufacturer for a remedy, they informed me there is no remedy for my particular vehicle. They suggested I pay out of pocket at a certified Acura dealership to get a dignostic and to get the window fixed. I decided to have the window replaced by Safelite. There is a very big and well known problem with the 2020 Acura RDX for this same scenario happening. There was warning light or indication something was going on with the window. Acura needs to address the problem with the rear defroster as this poses a huge public safety risk when this happens while the vehicle is being driven.
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Mar 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperMar 2025 · ODI 11647721Details +Close −
the back glass burst for no reason; no impact.
- Reported
- Mar 2025
- Incident date
- Mar 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJan 2025 · ODI 11636647Details +Close −
Smart Unit failure caused constant triggering of the alarm at all hours, headlights would not turn off, dashboard controls shorting out.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringDec 2024 · ODI 11629226Details +Close −
My Acura ILX 2020 has less than 40.000 miles and has a mechanical problem that can not be fixed and it is dangerous for my self and others. In my opinion this is related to the stearing of the car and it is very dagerous knowing that you take your car to be repair and the dealer does not know how to fix it. It makes clicking noise when turning. It is a rattling type noise coming from what sounds like the front, right side of the car. I usually hear it over little bumps but as the day goes on the noise gets louder and the bumps do not have to be that big. I'm not a car technical person, but any type of noise coming from my car is concerning. Other people feedback "I've been to the dealership on three occasions to try to fix the problem. On two of the occasions I was put in an ILX loaner with the exact same noise. " It does matter of what parts is gets change the car keeps making a rattling type noise coming from what sounds like the front. Please refer to this web site for more testimonies of the on going problem with the steering system of the Acura ILX cars, specially my Acura the ILX 2020 model. https://acurazine.com/forums/ilx-382/ilx-suspension-noise-869859/
- Reported
- Dec 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsOct 2023 · ODI 11548689 · crashDetails +Close −
The contact owns a 2020 Acura ILX. The contact stated that while stopped and preparing to make a left turn, a 2002 Subaru ran a red light and crashed into the driver's side panel. The driver's side seat belt snapped on impact. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bag was deployed. There were no reported injuries. There was no fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who referred her to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a collision center but was unable to obtain and replace the seat belts. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 2,353.
- Reported
- Oct 2023
- Incident date
- Oct 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
Visibility/WiperNov 2022 · ODI 11492908Details +Close −
The factory original windshield wipers caused micro scratches in the glass. Dirt cannot be thoroughly cleaned from the scratches and collects more dirt during driving. When facing the sun, dirt particles in the scratches reflect in the scratches obstructing clear vision. Changing windshield wipers after just two years of use from new did not correct the problem. This particular vehicle is garaged.
- Reported
- Nov 2022
- Incident date
- Aug 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11406050Details +Close −
CON 127 MILLAS DE USO Y MIENTRAS EL VEHCULO ESTABA EN MOVIMIENTO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DE UN CENTRO COMERCIAL SE APAG EL VEHICULO Y NO PRENDI. EL VEHCULO SE COMPR EL 08/01/2020 TENA UNA SEMANA DE COMPRADO.
- Reported
- Apr 2021
- Incident date
- Aug 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Service BrakesNov 2025 · 25V859000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RN5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 17, 2025. The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Fuel System · 23V858000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
On October 23, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25015 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2019-2020 MY Acura ILX vehicles. These complainants alleged master cylinder failures resulting in soft pedal feel or the brake pedal intermittently going to the floor. These failures could result in extended braking distance increasing the risk of a crash. Honda found that residual plasticizer in the brake reservoir hose could contaminate the brake fluid. This contaminated brake fluid was then absorbed by the secondary cup seal, causing it to swell. Engine heat during operation could further expand the swollen seal, allowing brake fluid to pass. Brake fluid bypassing the master cylinder cup seals can reduce brake-pedal firmness and increase stopping distance. On April 08, 2026, Honda filed Recall 25V-859, recalling all 2016-2020 MY Acura ILX vehicles produced from October 9, 2014, to January 29, 2020. Under the recall, the dealer will replace the brake master cylinder with redesigned inner cup seals made of a different material, providing improved sealing capability. In view of Honda filing Recall 25V-859 addressing the subject of this investigation, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Crash-test ratings
2020 Acura ILX 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILX | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S8) | 24 | 34 | 28 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
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2020 Acura ILX: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Acura ILX?
Owners filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Acura ILX. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Acura ILX?
The most-reported problem areas are Visibility/Wiper (33% of complaints) and electrical system (11%).
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura ILX have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2020 Acura ILX, covering components such as service brakes. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Acura ILX get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Acura ILX at 28 mpg combined.