2013-2022 Acura ILX Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2013-2022 model years · 3,320+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,320+ owner reports, the 2013-2022 Acura ILX has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Jerking. The most commonly reported issue is DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Jerking with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $700 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

Community Reported

1,800 owners

On the 2013-2015 Acura ILX 2.4L K24W I4, the 2013-2015 ILX 2.4L with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) exhibits severe shudder, jerking, and hesitation during low-speed driving. The clutch packs engage roughly in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission frequently hunts between gears on slight inclines, making city driving extremely unpleasant.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura MDX

Common Symptoms

Violent shudder from stop in 1st gear
Jerking during low-speed acceleration
Hesitation when pulling away from traffic lights
Transmission hunting on slight inclines
Grinding sensation during slow parking maneuvers

How to Fix

Update the DCT software to the latest Acura calibration which improves low-speed clutch engagement. Perform a DCT fluid change with genuine Honda DCTF. In severe cases, the clutch pack assembly needs replacement. Acura extended warranty coverage on the DCT to 7 years/100,000 miles due to widespread complaints.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteCheck if your VIN is covered under the extended DCT warranty (7yr/100k). Many owners have had full clutch pack replacements covered at no cost. Document every shudder incident with date, mileage, and conditions.

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1,800+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,800 reportsLast reported by owners Apr 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

870 owners

On the 2013-2019 Acura ILX, the ILX shares the same AC compressor design flaw found across several Honda/Acura models of this era. The compressor develops internal seal leaks that allow refrigerant to escape, causing gradual loss of cooling performance followed by complete AC failure, typically between 50,000-80,000 miles.

This issue also affects: Acura RDX, Acura RSX, Acura TSX

Common Symptoms

AC gradually loses cooling power
AC blows cold intermittently
Hissing noise from AC compressor area
AC stops working in hot weather
Oil stains around AC line fittings

How to Fix

Replace the AC compressor with an updated unit. Replace the receiver/drier and flush the AC system to remove any metal debris from the failed compressor. Recharge with the factory-specified amount of R-134a and PAG oil. Inspect the condenser for debris contamination.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 870+ owners who fixed this issue

TipGet the AC system pressure-tested at the first sign of reduced cooling. Catching a slow leak early before the compressor seizes saves the condenser from metal contamination and cuts repair cost nearly in half.

Typical repair cost:$700 - $1,500

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870+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence870 reportsLast reported by owners Jul 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

650 owners

On the 2016-2022 Acura ILX 2.4L K24W7 I4, the dual-screen infotainment system in the refreshed ILX suffers from the same lag and responsiveness issues found in other Honda/Acura models using the same platform. The upper screen frequently freezes during navigation, and the lower touchscreen becomes unresponsive to inputs for several seconds at a time.

This issue also affects: Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50, Honda Civic

Common Symptoms

Touchscreen slow to respond to input
Navigation screen freezes
Bluetooth pairing drops
Audio source switching takes 5+ seconds
Screen occasionally goes black

How to Fix

Update infotainment firmware to the latest available version. Perform a factory reset to clear cached data. Reduce the number of paired Bluetooth devices to three or fewer. If the touchscreen digitizer has failed, the lower screen unit needs replacement.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 650+ owners who fixed this issue

TipDelete all paired Bluetooth devices and re-pair only your primary phone. The system bogs down when it tries to search for multiple previously paired devices on every startup.

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650+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence650 reportsLast reported by owners Jun 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura ILX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,320+ owner reports, the 2013-2022 Acura ILX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Jerking, AC Compressor Failure and Refrigerant Leak, Infotainment System Lag and Unresponsive Touchscreen. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura ILX reliable?

The 2013-2022 Acura ILX has 3 known issues documented across 3,320+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Jerking. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura ILX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura ILX issues range from $700 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Acura ILX is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Acura ILX. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2013-2022 Acura ILX with 3 documented issues from 3,320+ owner reports.

What is the 2013-2015 Acura ILX DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Jerking?

The 2013-2015 ILX 2.4L with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) exhibits severe shudder, jerking, and hesitation during low-speed driving. The clutch packs engage roughly in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission frequently hunts between gears on slight inclines, making… Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2019 Acura ILX AC Compressor Failure and Refrigerant Leak?

The ILX shares the same AC compressor design flaw found across several Honda/Acura models of this era. The compressor develops internal seal leaks that allow refrigerant to escape, causing gradual loss of cooling performance followed by complete AC failure, typically between 50,0… Repairs typically run $700-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2022 Acura ILX Infotainment System Lag and Unresponsive Touchscreen?

The dual-screen infotainment system in the refreshed ILX suffers from the same lag and responsiveness issues found in other Honda/Acura models using the same platform. The upper screen frequently freezes during navigation, and the lower touchscreen becomes unresponsive to inputs… Severity: low.

2013-2022 Acura ILX Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2013-2015 Acura ILX: DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Jerking#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2013-2019 Acura ILX: AC Compressor Failure and Refrigerant Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2016-2022 Acura ILX: Infotainment System Lag and Unresponsive Touchscreen#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Acura Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura ILX problems?

Is the Acura ILX reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Acura ILX problems?

What year Acura ILX is the most reliable?

What is the 2013-2015 Acura ILX DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Jerking?

What is the 2013-2019 Acura ILX AC Compressor Failure and Refrigerant Leak?

What is the 2016-2022 Acura ILX Infotainment System Lag and Unresponsive Touchscreen?