NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Acura ILX Safety Ratings
The 2021 Acura ILX scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Acura ILX earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. With a clean recall record, a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating, and full marks for avoidance technology, this model year presents a solid safety profile for used-market shoppers.
The 2021 Acura ILX received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, both sourced from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Acura ILX ranks 38 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 | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 38 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Acura ILX?
The 2021 Acura ILX holds a Safety Index of 89/100, matching the 2020 model exactly and maintaining its position in the Strong band with no year-over-year movement. What distinguishes this specific model year is its perfect defect record: zero recall campaigns on file, a result that contributes a full 18.25 out of 20 points to the Index's defect-record component. That clean slate is paired with a maximum avoidance-technology score of 10 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment. Crash protection contributes 61 out of a possible 70 points, anchored by the five-star overall and five-star side-impact results from NHTSA testing. The four-star frontal and four-star rollover scores are the only areas short of the top mark. With 11 unverified complaints on file, the complaint volume is low, though the presence of three alleged lane departure issues is worth noting alongside the standard lane departure warning system. Taken together, this model year's profile is defined by its recall absence and technology completeness rather than any single dramatic shift from the prior year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Acura ILX perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Acura ILX secured a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, bolstered by a perfect five-star score in the side-impact crash test. Frontal impact and rollover resistance each achieved four stars. The rollover risk for the ILX is measured at 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test indicated no tip. No crash-test categories for this model year were left unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15736
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Acura ILX have any recalls?
The 2021 Acura ILX has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall data is updated continuously.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Acura ILX?
Eleven unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem areas are Exterior Lighting, Lane Departure, and Unknown or Other, each with three reports, followed by Air Bags with two. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Acura ILX?
No recall campaigns are currently on file for the 2021 Acura ILX. However, recall databases are continuously updated, and the absence of present campaigns does not preclude future action. Prospective owners should run the specific vehicle's VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm any newly issued remedies have been completed.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Acura ILX specifically, a distinction that contributes 18.25 out of 20 possible points to its defect-record score.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a five-star side-impact result and a five-star overall rating, while frontal and rollover categories each landed at four stars with an 11 percent rollover-risk figure.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all listed as standard on this model year, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-technology score.
- Three of the 11 unverified NHTSA complaints allege issues with the lane departure system, a component that is standard equipment on this model year and worth a focused inspection during any pre-purchase evaluation.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Acura ILX places
The 2021 Acura ILX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Acura ILX safety questions
Was the 2021 Acura ILX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Acura ILX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Acura ILX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Acura ILX as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Acura ILX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15736), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura ILX 2021.
- 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 38 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.