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2016 Acura Ilx Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Acura Ilx carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering tank assembly and inflator module. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake master cylinder recall repair delayed on parts.” 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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #19V052000 · Jan 24, 2019

Issue: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level.

Risk: If the fuel gauge displays that the vehicle has more gas than it actually does, the vehicle may run out of gas and stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is H3U, Z3T.

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.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #19V424000 · Jun 6, 2019

Issue: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.

Risk: A separated driveshaft can cause the vehicle to have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move even while in Park, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, as necessary, replace the driveshaft and half shaft, free of charge. The recall began August 1, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is G54.

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Campaign #25V859000 · Nov 12, 2025

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Acura Ilx.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake master cylinder recall repair delayed on parts

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

8 NHTSA complaints · 2026-02 → 2026-07

“I am filing this complaint regarding the inadequacy of American Honda's recall remedy under NHTSA Campaign 25V-859 (Acura Campaign RN5) for my 2016 Acura ILX (109,000 miles)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726735
“When braking, the brake pedal travels significantly toward the floor before the vehicle stops, which raises serious safety concerns regarding the ability to stop the vehicle in normal traffic conditions”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722773
“The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V859000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751850

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle accelerates or fails to slow when braking

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2019-05

“WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 2 MPH THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY WHILE APPROACHING A STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10979863
“SAME AS THE OTHER INCIDENTS SUBMITTED BELOW - MY CAR ACCELERATES WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES. I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKES AND REAPPLY BEFORE THE CAR REACTS AND STOPS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11205412
“I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAT AND I COULD NOT STOP AT THE STOP SIGN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11039768

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Moonroof or sunroof shattering while driving

STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2025-08

“Moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678784
“My sunroof shattered while I was driving on the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475840

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Paint peeling around windshield and rear window

STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2023-05

“The exterior paint around the front windshield of my daughters vehcle is peeling off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11523514
“The paint is peeling from around the windshield and rear window”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11445655

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake squeal noise when stopping

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2017-06

“WHEN APPLYING THE REAR BRAKES THEY CONSTANTLY SQUEAL VERY LOUDLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10994084
“I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR ALREADY FOR SERVICE FOR THE SQUEAKY BRAKES AND IT KEEPS COMING BACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10850336
“BRAKES SQUEAK WHEN STOPPING "LOUD NOISE" DEALER TOLD ME THAT IS NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10746977

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall repair delayed on parts

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2016-08

“THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10850269
“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL LESS THAN A WEEK AGO FOR THE EXPLODING DANGEROUS AIRBAGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851086
“KEARNY MESA ACURA DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA. HASN'T FIX THE TAKATA AIR BAG IN MY CAR. I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS ITEM FOR ONE YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10883002

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump failure causing stalling and loss of power

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-01

“My car does not start, before that the car start to misfire and loss power at 60 mph on the highway ,and then take it to fix it, put a new high pressure fuel pump because i had a p0087 dtc, it say low pressure on the fuel rail”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613363
“I was driving on an busy intersection about 45mph and my 2016 Acura ilx all of a sudden drop speed to 20mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11598755
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710702

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags did not deploy during a crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2026-05

“MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN I WAS STRUCK BY THE 18 WHEELER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10911327
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352532
“The contact stated that the airbags did not deploy during the crash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740643

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Maintenance Minder A/B)

Every 8,000 mi

Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (3.5L V6 — MDX, TL)

Every 105,000 mi

J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$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.

SH-AWD Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 4)

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

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)

16 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.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2016 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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