The 2017 Acura ILX with the 2.4L K24W7 engine is generally reliable but suffers from a critical engine oil dilution defect and a few transmission cooling/mount issues. The oil dilution problem can lead to catastrophic engine failure if ignored.
Engine Oil Dilution / Fuel in Crankcase (K24W7 Direct Injection)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil level rises noticeably between changes, Strong gasoline smell from dipstick, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-series), Rough cold starts, especially in winter, Eventual rod knock or spun bearings if neglected
Fix: Short-term: more frequent oil changes (every 3,000 mi) to dilute contamination. Long-term failure requires short block or complete engine replacement. Honda/Acura issued extended warranty coverage (settling class action), but many 2017s now outside window. Engine R&R is 18-24 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $6,000-9,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion / Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under front of vehicle, Transmission running hot, Burnt ATF smell, Slipping or delayed shifts when fluid is low
Fix: Cooler lines corrode at crimp points or where they pass through subframe. Replace both lines and top off ATF; flush if contaminated. About 2.5-3.5 hours labor depending on rust and access.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Transmission Mount Failure (Right Side)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration at idle in Drive, Visible engine sag when revving in Park
Fix: Hydraulic mount deteriorates, causing excessive drivetrain movement. Replacement is straightforward, 1.5-2 hours with engine support bar.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Driveshaft Snap Ring Detachment (Recall 19V-666)
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power to wheels, Clunking from front differential area, Vehicle rolls freely in gear
Fix: NHTSA recall for improperly installed snap ring on right driveshaft — can pop out and cause driveshaft separation. Dealer inspection/replacement under recall, about 1 hour labor (free if recall not yet performed).
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Brake Master Cylinder Seal Leak (Recall 21V-426)
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: Brake pedal slowly sinks to floor when held, Increased stopping distance, Brake warning light
Fix: Secondary cup seal in master cylinder can develop leak, allowing internal fluid bypass. Covered under recall — dealer replaces master cylinder, about 2 hours labor (free if recall open).
Symptoms: No-start or stalling while driving, Loss of power at highway speeds, Fuel pump whine from rear seat area, P0087 code (fuel rail pressure too low)
Fix: Denso pump impeller can crack/shed blades. Covered under recall 20V-134; dealer replaces entire pump module. If done outside recall, tank drop required, 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $800-1,200 (private repair)
Owner tips
Check oil level AND smell the dipstick every 1,000 miles — if it smells like gas or level is rising, switch to 3,000-mi intervals and monitor closely
Verify all recalls (fuel pump, driveshaft, master cylinder) have been completed; many are safety-critical
Use Honda/Acura ATF DW-1 only — transmission is sensitive to off-brand fluids
Avoid extended idling in cold weather to minimize oil dilution (the DI engine runs rich when cold)
Solid commuter if the oil dilution issue is monitored religiously and recalls are done, but that engine defect is a deal-breaker for many — budget for frequent oil changes or potential engine replacement.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · 25V859000
2025-12-11
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
Consequence: 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. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated May 1, 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 Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 19V424000
2019-06-06
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.
Consequence: A separated driveshaft can cause the vehicle to have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move even while in Park, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, as necessary, replace the driveshaft and half shaft, free of charge. The recall began August 1, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is G54.
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level.
Consequence: If the fuel gauge displays that the vehicle has more gas than it actually does, the vehicle may run out of gas and stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is H3U, Z3T.
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