YearToAvoid

2013 Acura ILX Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Acura ILX, 26% of that year's 66 total complaints, the highest share among all model years. A related recall (14V323000) covers headlight replacement, and median mileage at failure was 50,500.

Electrical System complaints
17
26% of 66
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
50,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the car failing to start or crank, requiring a jump start, with some blaming accessories like fog lights or navigation for draining the battery.
  • Some describe doors locking and unlocking on their own along with the alarm cycling repeatedly without input from the driver.
  • Several report the interior door handle cable becoming loose, which can prevent the door from latching properly when the lock is used while the handle is operated.
  • Rear lights stopping working while brake lights and turn signals still function is another reported pattern.
  • Owners describe headlights illuminating downward with the traction control warning light on, though dealers could not always duplicate the failure.
  • On hybrid versions, owners report a fault code tied to a bypass contactor malfunction that affects the 12V and hybrid battery, along with reduced braking assistance and acceleration.

When 2013 Acura ILX electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 29, 2014, latest Jun 8, 2026.

2013 Acura ILX electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Jun 2014Nov 2017Dec 2018Dec 2020Jul 2023Jun 2024Jun 2025Jun 2026
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2014 to Jun 2026; peak Jun 2024 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Acura ILX

  1. NHTSA 14V323000Jun 13, 2014Electrical System14,078 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:headlights

    American Honda Motor Co., Inc (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles manufactured January 16, 2012 to March 1, 2013, ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured January 12, 2012 to February 7, 2013, and certain model year 2014 ILX vehicles manufactured May 2, 2013, to May 31, 2014, and ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 18, 2013 to February 19, 2014. Excessive heat temperatures around the headlight bulb and reflector unit may diminish the output of the headlight and cause smoke, melting, and fire. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Risk: The diminished light output may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additonally, the excessive heat coming from around the bulb and reflector could cause the headlights to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlights, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-862-2872. Honda's number for this recall is JE9.

Electrical System complaints by ILX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201317 (26%)
  2. 20144 (14%)
  3. 20153 (16%)
  4. 20164 (8%)
  5. 20172 (10%)
  6. 20182 (9%)
  7. 20192 (6%)
  8. 20201 (10%)
  9. 20214 (36%)
  10. 20221 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2013 Acura ILX have?
NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 ILX, which is 26% of the 66 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Acura ILX electrical system?
Yes. Recall 14V323000, reported June 13, 2014, covers the Electrical System and involves replacing headlights free of charge; it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
At what mileage do electrical problems tend to show up on the 2013 ILX?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 50,500 for Electrical System complaints on this model year.
Did the 2013 ILX have more electrical complaints than other model years?
Yes. The 2013 model year's 26% share of electrical complaints is higher than every other ILX model year listed, which range from 6% to 36%, though 2021 also shows a 36% share on far fewer total complaints.
Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries linked to these complaints?
No. NHTSA records zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries among the 2013 ILX Electrical System complaints.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.