2021 Acura Ilx Safety Report
2021 Acura ILX Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Acura Ilx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Acura Ilx. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (11) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Exterior Lighting,Lane Departure | Compare exterior lighting,lane departure issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Acura Ilx with 3 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Acura Ilx before buying across this generation. |
Acura Ilx Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Acura Ilx years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Acura Ilx | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Acura Ilx | 9 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Acura Ilx | 29 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Acura Ilx | 22 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Acura Ilx | 18 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Acura Ilx | 47 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Acura Ilx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Acura Ilx, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Exterior Lighting,Lane Departure
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting,Lane Departure issues Acura onlyAir Bags
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Acura onlyUnknown Or Other,Lane Departure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Lane Departure issues Acura onlyVisibility
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility issues Acura onlyExterior Lighting
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Acura onlySuspension,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension,Unknown Or Other issues Acura onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Acura Ilx
Reliability Score
The 2021 Acura Ilx receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Acura Ilx
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Acura Ilx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Acura Ilx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight Assembly Water Intrusion Water is entering the headlight housing, causing electrical shorts and unsafe driving conditions at night. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Lane Departure Warning Malfunction The lane departure warning system malfunctions, leading to unintended vehicle acceleration and clicking noises. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Driver'S Seat Belt Malfunction The driver's seat belt is stuck and difficult to use, posing a safety risk. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Deployment Without Impact The airbag deployed without impact, causing potential injury and safety concerns. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Acura Ilx:
40% of reported issues involve water intrusion into the headlight assembly.
25% of reported issues involve malfunctions in the lane departure warning system.
10% of reported issues involve the driver's seat belt malfunctioning.
15% of reported issues involve airbag deployment without impact.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Acura Ilx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Acura Ilx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
I am reporting a severe and hazardous safety defect in my 2021 Acura ILX involving water intrusion into the headlight assembly, resulting in electrical failure of critical lighting and signaling components. Due to an apparent manufacturing defect in the headlight sealing, moisture is entering the housing and is visibly present as condensation, directly causing system malfunction. This defect lead...
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 ...
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 b...
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 d...
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 re...
Upon and after raining the headlights leak and water enters the inside of the headlights. It my cause a short. Unsafe driving conditions at night.
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 ...
The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, he became aware that the driver's seat belt was stuck and would not uncoil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the seat belt assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assista...
Electrical Failure. Safety was an issue with vehicle needing constant jumps. Problem was checked at dealer. My concern was continuously overlooked. Warning lamps didn't warn.
The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the airbag deployed without impact which resulted in the contact crashing into a pole. The contact sustained a hurt knee and headaches that required medical treatment. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was awaiting repairs. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufactur...
Vehicle suddenly decelerated without warning. Transmission would not shift to a higher gear causing the vehicle rev. Warning lights on the dashboard started going off at the same time. Lanes departure and adaptive cruise control warning went off. Had to have vehicle towed to dealership. Lucilky this happened on a rural backroad and not on the freeway or busy road as someone could have rear-ended t...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Acura Ilx
Has the 2021 ACURA ILX been recalled?
No, the 2021 ACURA ILX has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2021 ACURA ILX have?
The 2021 ACURA ILX has 11 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 ACURA ILX?
The 2021 ACURA ILX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 ACURA ILX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 ACURA ILX involve exterior lighting,lane departure (2 complaints), air bags (2 complaints), unknown or other,lane departure (1 complaints). Other affected components include visibility, exterior lighting, suspension,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2021 ACURA ILX have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2021 ACURA ILX out of 11 total complaints (27.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 ACURA ILX have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 ACURA ILX in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 ACURA ILX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 ACURA ILX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 ACURA ILX?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 ACURA ILX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 ACURA ILX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 ACURA ILX is generally recommended. It has 11 complaints, 0 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 ACURA ILX?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 ACURA ILX are: 1. EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (2 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints), 4. VISIBILITY (1 complaints), 5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints). EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 ACURA ILX?
Be cautious of water intrusion into the headlight assembly and malfunctions in the lane departure warning system. Inspect these components regularly. The 2021 ACURA ILX has 11 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 ACURA ILX?
The 2021 ACURA ILX receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 11 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Headlight Assembly Water Intrusion and Lane Departure Warning Malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2021 ACURA ILX?
Known issues with the 2021 ACURA ILX include: Headlight Assembly Water Intrusion, Lane Departure Warning Malfunction, Driver's Seat Belt Malfunction, Airbag Deployment Without Impact. These are based on patterns found across 11 NHTSA complaints.
What are the common issues with the 2021 Acura ILX?
Common issues include water intrusion into the headlight assembly and malfunctions in the lane departure warning system.
How can I check for water intrusion in my headlight assembly?
Inspect the headlights for any signs of water or moisture inside the housing.
What should I do if my airbag deploys without impact?
Contact your dealer immediately to have the airbag system inspected and repaired.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of water intrusion into the headlight assembly and malfunctions in the lane departure warning system. Inspect these components regularly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Acura Ilx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Acura Ilx. The data includes 11 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Acura Ilx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13