2014 Acura ILX: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Early ILX with proven Civic mechanicals but an underpowered base engine and the Takata passenger-airbag recall; a sound used buy once the recall is confirmed fixed. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2014 Acura ILX ranged from $26,900 to $31,600 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10

Mixed track record

Early ILX with proven Civic mechanicals but an underpowered base engine and the Takata passenger-airbag recall; a sound used buy once the recall is confirmed fixed.

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=ilx&mod…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/ilx
thecarconnection.comhttps://www.thecarconnection.com/cars/acura_ilx

Known issues

Defective Takata passenger-frontal airbag inflators that can rupture and spray metal fragments in a crash, subject to the industry-wide Takata recall, the most-reported safety concern on these early ILX years.

commonly reported · 61 NHTSA complaints · other
Scattered first-generation electrical and dual-screen infotainment glitches (Bluetooth pairing, audio, display) reported on the early cars.

occasional · 10 NHTSA complaints · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=ilx&mod…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=ilx&mod…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Comfortable front seats and a quiet, composed ride for a compact sedan.
Available 201-hp 2.4L with a 6-speed manual (Premium A-Spec) is a genuinely fun enthusiast pick.
Honda Civic underpinnings give proven mechanical durability and cheap, easy maintenance.
Low entry price into Acura ownership with strong long-term value.

Cons

Cabin materials and design feel mainstream rather than premium.
Base 150-hp 2.0L with a 5-speed automatic is underpowered and unrefined for a luxury badge.
Takata passenger-airbag recall affects these years, verify the remedy was completed.
Cramped rear seat and a modest trunk.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
Base	$26,900	discontinued	—	—
Premium	$29,200	discontinued	—	—
2.4L Premium	$29,200	discontinued	—	—
Technology	$31,600	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2014-acura-ilx-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $400–450/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (4)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/ilx
insurance.comhttps://www.insurance.com/vehicles/acura-insurance/acura-ilx-car-insurance
motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/how-many-miles-will-an-acura-ilx-last/
motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/acura-ilx-need-premium-gas/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2014 Acura ILX have?

Documented issue patterns include: Defective Takata passenger-frontal airbag inflators that can rupture and spray metal fragments in a crash, subject to the industry-wide Takata recall, the most-reported safety concern on these early ILX years; Scattered first-generation electrical and dual-screen infotainment glitches (Bluetooth pairing, audio, display) reported on the early cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2014 Acura ILX reliable?

Early ILX with proven Civic mechanicals but an underpowered base engine and the Takata passenger-airbag recall; a sound used buy once the recall is confirmed fixed.

How much did the 2014 Acura ILX cost new?

Between $26,900 and $31,600 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Acura ILX expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.

Checking a listing right now?

The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.

Add to Chrome · Free

No account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.

Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.