2021 Acura ILX: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Refined late-model ILX: J.D. Power-rated reliable, minimal complaints, strong value and economy. New, the 2021 Acura ILX ranged from $26,100 to $32,000 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Refined late-model ILX: J.D. Power-rated reliable, minimal complaints, strong value and economy.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=ilx&mod…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/ilx
- thecarconnection.comhttps://www.thecarconnection.com/cars/acura_ilx
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Strong fuel economy for a premium-badge sedan (low-30s mpg combined).
- Standard 201-hp 2.4L i-VTEC four paired with a quick, well-sorted 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, one of the better DCTs, smooth in normal driving.
- Excellent reliability and low running costs from Honda mechanicals, RepairPal rates it near the top of the luxury-compact class.
- AcuraWatch driver-assist safety suite available, then standard from 2019.
- Affordable entry into luxury-brand ownership with strong resale value.
Cons
- Light steering and understeer-prone handling, secure but not engaging to drive.
- Interior materials and a dated dual-screen infotainment feel closer to the Civic it is based on than to true luxury rivals.
- Tight, narrow rear seat, difficult for three adults or taller passengers.
- No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto on earlier refresh cars (added for 2018).
- The 8-speed dual-clutch can feel hesitant or jerky at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $26,100 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium | $28,100 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium A-Spec | $30,100 | discontinued | — | — |
| Technology A-Spec | $32,000 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-acura-ilx-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $400–450/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,200–2,300/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (4)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/ilx
- insurance.comhttps://www.insurance.com/vehicles/acura-insurance/acura-ilx-car-insurance
- motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/how-many-miles-will-an-acura-ilx-last/
- motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/acura-ilx-need-premium-gas/
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Acura ILX reliable?
Refined late-model ILX: J.D. Power-rated reliable, minimal complaints, strong value and economy.
How much did the 2021 Acura ILX cost new?
Between $26,100 and $32,000 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Acura ILX expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.