Is hybrid ima motor power inverter failure a known issue with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about hybrid ima motor power inverter failure on the 2013 Acura Ilx (2022-09 → 2026-06). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11741246): "My car has faulty code P0AE1 (Bypass Contractor Malfunction) that causes the 12v battery and hybrid battery failure" Source: NHTSA.

Is suspension noise and axle fracture a known issue with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about suspension noise and axle fracture on the 2013 Acura Ilx (2014-06 → 2021-02). Reported component: SUSPENSION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11395605): "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE FRACTURED" Source: NHTSA.

Is door lock and latch malfunction a known issue with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about door lock and latch malfunction on the 2013 Acura Ilx (2015-06 → 2023-10). Reported component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11551668): "Hi - My driver's side door keeps unlocking and registering as if I am opening it as I am driving" Source: NHTSA.

Is power loss and acceleration hesitation a known issue with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about power loss and acceleration hesitation on the 2013 Acura Ilx (2016-01 → 2024-08). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10845687): "I HAD A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE THAT MADE ME FEEL LIKE THE CAR WAS IN CONTROL OF ME" Source: NHTSA.

Is airbag non-deployment in frontal collision a known issue with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about airbag non-deployment in frontal collision on the 2013 Acura Ilx (2019-07 → 2026-08). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11754740): "On [XXX], my 2013 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX]) was involved in a frontal collision during a U-turn execution, resulting in severe structural deformation crushing the front end inward to the front tires" Source: NHTSA.

Is service brake failure resulting in collision a known issue with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about service brake failure resulting in collision on the 2013 Acura Ilx (2013-06 → 2025-01). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10519617): "PULLING UP TO A RED LIGHT AND WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKES AND THEY GAVE OUT AND HIT THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME" Source: NHTSA.

2013 Acura Ilx Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is driveshaft recall parts unavailable a known issue with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about driveshaft recall parts unavailable on the 2013 Acura Ilx (2021-03 → 2021-05). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11415077): "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V770000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is takata airbag recall parts delay a known issue with the 2013 Acura Ilx?

20 NHTSA complaints have been filed about takata airbag recall parts delay on the 2013 Acura Ilx (2016-03 → 2024-10). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10850241): "TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE" Source: NHTSA.

The 2013 Acura Ilx carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Hybrid IMA motor power inverter failure.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V182000 · Jun 3, 2019

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V500000 · Jun 27, 2019

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #14V323000 · Jun 13, 2014

Issue: American Honda Motor Co., Inc (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles manufactured January 16, 2012 to March 1, 2013, ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured January 12, 2012 to February 7, 2013, and certain model year 2014 ILX vehicles manufactured May 2, 2013, to May 31, 2014, and ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 18, 2013 to February 19, 2014. Excessive heat temperatures around the headlight bulb and reflector unit may diminish the output of the headlight and cause smoke, melting, and fire. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: The diminished light output may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additonally, the excessive heat coming from around the bulb and reflector could cause the headlights to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlights, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-862-2872. Honda's number for this recall is JE9.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V061000 · Mar 2, 2016

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #12V338000 · Jul 19, 2012

Issue: Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles. If the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being operated by an occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. There is a possibility that the cable can move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching.

Risk: If the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge. Additionally, the interior front door handles in certain Honda CR-Vs will also be replaced, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #20V770000 · Oct 12, 2020

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 Honda Fit vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts' protective coating may not have been applied properly during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt, or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.

Risk: A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed February 2, 2021. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are P9M, PAV, BAY, TAX, CA0, and MAZ.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Acura Ilx.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Hybrid IMA motor power inverter failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-06

“My car has faulty code P0AE1 (Bypass Contractor Malfunction) that causes the 12v battery and hybrid battery failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741246

“My 2013 acura ix hybrid does have issues as in service bulletin 20-021. Contacted dealer and got informed that was repaired recall and send me invoice for repairs in the amount of 2600 usd”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666879

“On July 20th, 2023, while driving home from work, my vehicle without warning made a sudden jerk and all the warning light s came on the dash board. The car had reduced power and acceleration and an automated voice from the dash board warned to pull over the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534323

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driveshaft recall parts unavailable

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2021-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V770000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415077

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V770000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405643

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V770000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11404982

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension noise and axle fracture

SUSPENSION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2021-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE FRACTURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11395605

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM HER DRIVEWAY, WHEN SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337707

“SINCE ONE WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE ACURA ILX (CAR WAS NEW), I HAVE HEARD A RATTLING, BUMPING SOUND COMING FROM EITHER THE FRONT OR MIDDLE OF THE UNDERNEATH AREA OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10597516

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door lock and latch malfunction

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2023-10

“Hi - My driver's side door keeps unlocking and registering as if I am opening it as I am driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11551668

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11103399

“2013 ACURA ILX VEHICLES. IF THE MANUAL OR POWER DOOR LOCK IS ACTIVATED WHILE AN INTERIOR FRONT DOOR HANDLE IS BEING OPERATED BY AN OCCUPANT, THE CABLE CONNECTING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM MAY BECOME LOOSE AND MOVE OUT OF POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11048356

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power loss and acceleration hesitation

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2024-08

“I HAD A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE THAT MADE ME FEEL LIKE THE CAR WAS IN CONTROL OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10845687

“WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, ITS PERFORMANCE SUFFERS NOTICEABLY FROM SEVERELY RESTRICTED ACCELERATION AT LOW SPEEDS DUE TO HESITATION OF ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820133

“Power train issue the vehicle loses power while driving on the roads and highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611367

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

20 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2024-10

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA ILX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10850241

“I BELIEVE MY VIN # SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR DRIVERS AIR BAG. I HAVE HAD THE DRIVERS AIR BAG FIXED JAN 2019 AND NOW WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT FIXED IN A COUPLE WEEKS AS THE AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE GOING ON AGAIN FOR THE DRIVERS AIR BAGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11246647

“TAKATA RECALL: I FEEL THAT ACURA IS NOT SUFFICIENTLY REMEDYING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED MY ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS CASE MANAGER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS SINCE RECEIVING MY ORIGINAL NOTICE ON MARCH 14, AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10852698

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal collision

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-08

“On [XXX], my 2013 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX]) was involved in a frontal collision during a U-turn execution, resulting in severe structural deformation crushing the front end inward to the front tires”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754740

“There were two different times my Acura 2013 ILX was involved in two different accidents and the airbags didn’t deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11511701

“I WENT IN FOR A AIRBAG RECALL BACK IN 2016 I GOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 7/30/19 WHICH TOTALED MY CAR BUT MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED A INJURY TO THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD FROM ME HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11240836

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake failure resulting in collision

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2025-01

“PULLING UP TO A RED LIGHT AND WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKES AND THEY GAVE OUT AND HIT THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10519617

“THE BRAKE FAIL STOPPING THE CAR WHILE DRIVING OFF THE HIGHWAY VIA EXITING RAMP, RAMP TRAFFIC WAS BUMPER TO BUMPER SLOW AT THE MOMENT AND MY CAR JUST ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE CAR SLIDE AHEAD AND HIT THE FRONT CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258800

“The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately come to a stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633866

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

15 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Acura Ilx reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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