MODEL
Acura Ilx
NHTSA safety across every Acura Ilx model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Acura Ilx we cover (2019 to 2022), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 85. 7 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Acura ILX is a compact entry-luxury sedan that slots into Honda's premium brand as an accessible gateway to the Acura lineup. Aimed at younger professionals and first-time luxury buyers, the ILX competes in a segment where refinement and brand cachet matter as much as capability. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2022 model years, a period in which the car's safety profile remained largely consistent.
The Acura ILX earns a respectable safety standing across our covered model years, peaking at a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 91 out of 100 for the 2022 model year, placing it in the Exceptional band. That is a strong result for a compact luxury sedan, and it reflects reasonably solid federal crash-test performance. Side-impact protection is the clear highlight, with a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA rating in the best year. Frontal and rollover protection come in at 4 out of 5 stars each, which is competent but not class-leading. Shoppers should note those are not perfect scores, and frontal crash energy management is a legitimate consideration in daily driving risk. Across the 2019 to 2022 span, the ILX accumulated 7 recalls, which is a moderate count for a four-year window and worth reviewing on NHTSA's database before purchase. Owner complaints total 58 across covered years, including 6 reported crash allegations and 2 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the pattern deserves attention during pre-purchase due diligence. On balance, the ILX delivers a genuinely strong safety profile for its segment, particularly in its most recent covered year. Buyers who prioritize side-impact protection and an above-average overall safety index will find the ILX a defensible choice, provided they verify any open recalls are resolved.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Acura ILX as a competent and refined entry-luxury sedan that delivers a polished driving experience for its segment. Most find it well-suited to buyers stepping into the Acura brand for the first time, though some note that the competitive compact luxury segment has grown increasingly crowded, leaving the ILX feeling conservative relative to newer rivals.
- The 2022 ILX achieved a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 91 out of 100, landing in the Exceptional band, making it the strongest performer in our covered 2019 to 2022 window.
- Side-impact crash protection is the ILX's standout result, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA in the best tested year, while frontal and rollover ratings each come in at 4 out of 5 stars.
- Seven recalls were issued across the 2019 to 2022 model years. Shoppers should run any specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database and confirm all recall repairs have been completed before buying.
- Fifty-eight owner complaints were filed across covered years, including 6 alleged crash incidents and 2 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but reviewing the complaint detail on NHTSA.gov is a smart step for any used-ILX shopper.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Acura Ilx with 5 recalls.