NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Acura ILX Safety Ratings
The 2020 Acura ILX scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Acura ILX achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in its overall NHTSA crash rating, complemented by a full score in avoidance technology. This strong performance underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, positioning it firmly in the "Strong" safety band. The vehicle's safety profile is further supported by a low recall count of just two, indicating a stable post-release record.
The 2020 Acura ILX holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Acura ILX ranks 44 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 44 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Acura ILX?
A perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology marks a significant safety improvement for the 2020 ILX. This score reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Crash protection further contributes to its overall safety profile, earning 61 of a possible 70 points, supported by a 5-star overall safety rating and a 5-star side crash rating from NHTSA's NCAP program. The NHTSA Safety Index for the 2020 ILX stands at 89 out of 100, placing it noticeably higher within the "Strong" band compared to the 2019 model's 85 out of 100. This assessment is also informed by the vehicle's defect record, which earned 17.5 out of 20 points. Two recall campaigns affect this model year: a specific brake master cylinder contamination issue relevant to the 2016-2020 ILX generation and a broader fuel pump recall. Nine owner complaints have been registered for the 2020 ILX, with no allegations of fires or fatalities among them. This combination of robust crash-test results, comprehensive standard safety technology, and a limited recall and complaint history underpins the 89-point Safety Index score for the 2020 ILX.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Acura ILX perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Acura ILX achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection registered a maximum 5 stars in federal crash tests, while frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 out of 5. The ILX exhibited an 11 percent rollover risk, with dynamic tip testing concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14822
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Acura ILX have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2020 ILX. The first targets the brake master cylinder, where contaminated brake fluid may compromise a seal inside the unit, affecting 2016-2020 ILX vehicles. The second is a broad fuel pump recall spanning multiple Honda and Acura nameplates from 2013 to 2023. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive or park-outside action, but both warrant VIN verification before purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER25V859000
Risk: Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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. 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
Reported 2025-12-11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Acura ILX?
Nine owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 ILX, including one alleged crash. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently cited component is Visibility/Wiper with three reports, followed by single allegations each involving Service Brakes, Structure, Electrical System, Steering, and Suspension.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Acura ILX?
The 2020 ILX was subject to two safety recalls involving critical systems. One recall addressed the brake master cylinder, a vital component for stopping the vehicle, while the other concerned the fuel pump, essential for engine operation. Prospective owners of a used 2020 ILX should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all recall remedies have been completed. Do not rely solely on dealer certifications for recall closure.
- The 2020 ILX Safety Index of 89/100 is four points higher than the 2019 model's 85/100, a measurable year-over-year improvement within the Strong band driven partly by a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Two active recall campaigns specifically touch this model year: a brake master cylinder seal concern covering 2016-2020 ILX units and a fuel pump recall spanning a wide range of Honda and Acura vehicles including this year.
- NHTSA's NCAP program gave the 2020 ILX a 5-star overall rating, with side protection at 5 stars and both frontal and rollover protection at 4 stars, plus an 11 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Nine unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Visibility/Wiper components generating the highest single-category count at three reported allegations, and one alleged crash reported among the nine total.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Acura ILX places
The 2020 Acura ILX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Acura ILX safety questions
Was the 2020 Acura ILX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Acura ILX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Acura ILX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Acura ILX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura ILX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Acura ILX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Acura ILX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Acura ILX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other ILX years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14822), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura ILX 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 44 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.