Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Acura ILX
The 2013 Acura ILX has notable recalls related to airbags, driveshaft, headlights, and door latch issues. While it generally holds up well, being mindful of these concerns during inspection is crucial to ensure a safe purchase. Addressed recalls can relieve potential safety worries.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Acura ILX has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 66 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V770000 Drive Shaft May Corrode and Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V500000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V182000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V061000 Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V323000 Headlight Temperatures Causing Fires/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V338000 FRONT DOOR LATCHES NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 25 complaints
- Electrical System 14 complaints
- Power Train 9 complaints
- Engine 6 complaints
- Service Brakes 6 complaints
- Suspension 6 complaints
Of the 66 complaints on file, 7 report a crash; across all 66 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may rupture
How to check: Check airbag recall completion with Acura dealership.
Driveshaft issues with manual transmission
How to check: Inspect driveshaft for wear if manual transmission.
Faulty door latch mechanism
How to check: Verify door locks function and latch properly.
Headlights overheating
How to check: Examine headlight casings for heat damage.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Engine starts smoothly without loud noises.
Red flag: Noisy or rough engine start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check if any dashboard warning lights stay on.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights on dashboard
- 03
City driving
What to check: Doors remain securely latched when locked.
Red flag: Doors unlatch while driving
- 04
Acceleration
What to check: Smooth gear shifts without delay in acceleration.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed gear shifts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Stable drive with no vibration from driveshaft.
Red flag: Excessive vibration at high speeds
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any past or present driveshaft issues?
- Has the door latch recall been fixed?
- Any overheating issues with the headlights?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Service history available for review?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall history
- Service and maintenance records
- Proof of completed recalls
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Acura ILX at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Acura ILX? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.