Most common 2020 Acura ILX problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura ILX complaints by model year
Best ILX years: 2020, 2015, 2017. Years to avoid: 2013, 2016, 2019. Compare all years →
2020 Acura ILX recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
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.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2020 Acura ILX:
Loss of braking force
On October 23, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25015 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2019-2020 MY Acura ILX vehicles. These complainants alleged master cylinder failures resulting in soft pedal feel or the brake pedal intermittently going to the floor.
What 2020 Acura ILX owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
I live in a colder climate, we're were experiencing temperatures in the 20's with ice storms. While driving the rear window completely shattered, the rear defroster was on during the time of the incident. I contacted the manufacturer for a remedy, they informed me there is no remedy for my particular vehicle. They suggested I pay out of pocket at a certified Acura dealership to get a dignostic and to get the window fixed. I decided to have the window replaced by Safelite. There is a very big and well known problem with the 2020 Acura RDX for this same scenario happening. There was warning light or indication something was going on with the window. Acura needs to address the problem with the rear defroster as this poses a huge public safety risk when this happens while the vehicle is being driven.
The factory original windshield wipers caused micro scratches in the glass. Dirt cannot be thoroughly cleaned from the scratches and collects more dirt during driving. When facing the sun, dirt particles in the scratches reflect in the scratches obstructing clear vision. Changing windshield wipers after just two years of use from new did not correct the problem. This particular vehicle is garaged.
2020 Acura ILX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 24 / 34 / 28 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Acura ILX a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 ILX rates better than average: 58% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ILX at the same age. It is one of the best ILX years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Acura ILX?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 3 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (2) and fuel & propulsion system (1).
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura ILX have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2020 Acura ILX, the most recent from December 11, 2025 (master cylinder). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura ILX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2015 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2016 and 2019. See the full Acura ILX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2020 Acura ILX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 2,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.