2021 Acura ILX

The 2021 Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan known for its sporty handling, comfortable interior, and relatively affordable price point within the Acura lineup. It comes standard with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine producing 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Owners often praise the ILX for its value, fuel efficiency, and Acura’s reputation for reliability. Common criticisms include its somewhat dated design and interior compared to newer competitors, and the lack of a more powerful engine option.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-ups between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms include the low oil level indicator illuminating or a noticeable decrease in oil level on the dipstick.
  • Solution: In severe cases, the engine may need to be inspected for internal wear or damage. The solution can range from changing the type of oil used to replacing piston rings or even the entire engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (oil change) - $5,000+ (engine replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

• Rough or Jerky Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced rough or jerky shifting, particularly at low speeds or during stop-and-go traffic. This can manifest as hesitation between gears or a noticeable “lurch” when shifting.
  • Solution: A software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may improve shift quality. In some cases, replacement of the clutch pack or the entire transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $7,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can occasionally freeze, become unresponsive, or crash entirely. This can affect navigation, audio playback, and climate control settings.
  • Solution: A software update to the infotainment system is often the first step. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• LED Headlight Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported instances of one or more of the LED headlights failing prematurely. This can result in reduced visibility at night.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected LED headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500+ (per headlight)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Rattling/Creaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported rattling or creaking noises coming from the sunroof, particularly when driving on uneven surfaces.
  • Solution: The sunroof assembly may need to be adjusted or lubricated. In some cases, components of the sunroof mechanism may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Acura ILX generally enjoys a reputation for reliability, but some owners have reported issues primarily related to the transmission, infotainment system, and exterior LED headlights. The transmission issues, though not widespread, can be the most concerning due to the potential cost of repair. The infotainment and LED headlight issues are less severe but can still be frustrating for owners. Overall, while potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints, the ILX remains a relatively dependable option in the compact luxury sedan segment.