2021 Acura ILX maintenance schedule
The 2021 ILX is part of the DE1/DE2/DE3 generation (2014-2022), sold as a sedan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.
Service schedule
What the 2021 ILX needs, and when
5 of these 10 items come from Acura's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Acura's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.
| Service | Interval | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter Maintenance Minder Main Code A/B; replace yearly if not prompted | 1 year | Manufacturer |
| Engine air filter Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 2; interval for severe/dusty conditions | 15,000 mi | Manufacturer |
| Cabin air filter Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 2; interval for severe/urban conditions | 15,000 mi | Manufacturer |
| Tire rotation Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 1 | 7,500 mi / 6 months | Independent |
| Brake fluid Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 7; independent 3-year interval | 3 years | Manufacturer |
| Engine coolant Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 5 estimated average | 60,000 mi | Independent |
| Transmission fluid Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 3; severe conditions drop interval to 25k-30k | 60,000 mi | Independent |
| Spark plugs Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 4 | 60,000 mi | Independent |
| Timing chain Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 4 inspection parameters | Inspect, replace as needed | Manufacturer |
| Serpentine belt Maintenance Minder Sub-Code 2 inspection parameters | Inspect, replace as needed | Independent |
Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.
Fluids and engines
What goes in it
Powertrains in this generation
- 2.0L 4-cyl (R20A1), 150 hp, 5AT, FWD
- 2.4L 4-cyl (K24Z7 / K24V7), 201 hp, 8DCT, FWD
Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.
Known problems
What 2021 ILX owners run into
Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.
Transmission shifting
high severityHard shifting issue between gear 1 and 2 with grinding noises
Source: repairpal.com
Starter failure
medium severityIntermittent starting issue; starter spins without engaging flywheel
Source: repairpal.com
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recalls matched the 2021 Acura ILX
From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Acura dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
Running costs
What maintenance typically costs
- A typical year of maintenance
- $435
Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.
Other ILX model years
Shopping new? The Acura ILX guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.
Sources
- techinfo.honda.com (Manufacturer)
- fisheracura.com (Independent)
- repairpal.com (Independent)
- repairpal.com (Independent)
Researched 2026-09-17. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.
Running an ILX for income?
Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 ILX earns before you buy it.
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