2018 Acura ILX
The 2018 Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan known for its reliability, comfortable ride, and sporty handling. It came standard with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine producing 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The ILX is generally praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior for its class, and a long list of standard features. However, some owners find the infotainment system dated, and the rear seat space can be a bit tight for taller passengers.
Engine
2.4L Inline-4
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher-than-normal oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-offs between scheduled changes. Symptoms include the low oil level warning light illuminating or the owner noticing lower than expected oil levels on the dipstick.
- Solution: The fix can range from changing the PCV valve to potentially replacing piston rings. A compression test and leak-down test can help diagnose the root cause.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (PCV valve) to $1,500 - $3,000+ (piston ring replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
- Harsh or Jerky Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced harsh or jerky shifting, especially at lower speeds or during deceleration. This can manifest as a noticeable lurch or hesitation between gear changes.
- Solution: A software update (reprogramming the transmission control module - TCM) may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, clutch pack replacement or valve body repair may be needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (Software Update), $1,500 - $3,500+ (Clutch Replacement/Valve Body)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Premature Wear of Rear Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature wear or failure of the rear shock absorbers. Symptoms include a bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll during cornering, and leaking fluid from the shocks.
- Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can sometimes freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This may require a system reboot to restore functionality.
- Solution: Software updates may resolve the issue. In some cases, the head unit may need replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $500 - $1500+ (Head Unit Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing a dead battery, especially after the vehicle has been sitting for a few days. This can be caused by a parasitic drain on the electrical system.
- Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module, sensor, or improperly installed aftermarket accessory.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (Depending on the source of the drain)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- No Issues Found
Interior
- Sunroof Rattling
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises coming from the sunroof when the vehicle is in motion, especially on rough roads.
- Solution: Adjusting the sunroof mechanism, lubricating the seals, or replacing worn components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2018 Acura ILX is a generally reliable vehicle, but owners have reported a few common issues. The most concerning issues involve the engine (excessive oil consumption) and transmission (harsh shifting), which can potentially lead to costly repairs. Other issues, such as infotainment system glitches and suspension problems, are less severe but can still be irritating. While most issues are not exceedingly common, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is recommended to identify potential problems early. The cost of repairs can vary widely depending on the specific issue and the extent of the damage, ranging from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major engine or transmission work.