2016 Acura Ilx
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2016 Acura Ilx maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Acura Ilx.
For oil changes, the 2016 Acura Ilx takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.4 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Blue Type 2 Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is ATF DW-1. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Acura Ilx, torque the lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2016 Acura Ilx have reported 5 common issues including "Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Jerking and Hesitation", "Infotainment System Lag and Dual-Screen Confusion" and "Excessive Road and Tire Noise". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2016 Acura Ilx uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.4 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 80 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2016 Acura Ilx. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2016 Acura Ilx.
Common problems reported by 2016 Acura Ilx owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Jerking and Hesitation
The 2013-2015 ILX with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) was plagued by severe jerking, hesitation, and unpredictable low-speed behavior. While the 2016 model switched to a conventional 8-speed dual-clutch unit, early 2016 units still exhibit some low-speed judder and hesitation during creeping in traffic. The clutch packs can wear unevenly, causing engagement harshness.
Ensure the DCT software is updated to the latest calibration at the dealer. Honda/Acura released multiple software updates to improve low-speed DCT behavior. If the clutch judder is severe, the dual-clutch assembly may need replacement. The 2016+ ILX with the torque-converter 8-speed is significantly improved over the 2013-2015 DCT.
Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $2,000 - $4,500 for clutch assembly replacementInfotainment System Lag and Dual-Screen Confusion
The 2016-2018 ILX uses a dual-screen infotainment setup with a 7-inch upper display and a 5-inch lower touchscreen, which is confusing to operate and responds slowly to inputs. The system lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio quality is mediocre, and the navigation maps require expensive updates.
There is no factory Apple CarPlay or Android Auto update available for the 2016 ILX. Aftermarket CarPlay retrofit kits from companies like GROM Audio are available. Using a Bluetooth audio adapter connected to the USB input can improve audio streaming quality. A factory reset of the system may improve responsiveness temporarily.
Est. Cost: $300 - $700 for aftermarket CarPlay retrofitExcessive Road and Tire Noise
The ILX is criticized for excessive road noise at highway speeds, particularly tire noise from the wheel wells and wind noise from the door seals. The noise level is higher than typical for the luxury compact segment and makes highway driving fatiguing. The vehicle's Honda Civic-based platform has thinner sound insulation than Acura's larger models.
Replace factory tires with a quiet touring compound when they wear out. Add aftermarket sound deadening material to the door panels, wheel well liners, and trunk area. Ensure all door weather stripping is properly sealed and not compressed. Some owners add mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) under the rear seat and in the trunk for additional noise reduction.
Est. Cost: $100 - $400 for DIY sound deadening; $500 - $1,000 for quality quiet tiresPremature Front Brake Wear and Pulsation
Some 2016 ILX owners report front brake pads wearing out as early as 20,000-25,000 miles and front rotors developing pulsation (thickness variation) that is felt through the brake pedal. The lightweight front calipers and aggressive pad compound generate significant heat during frequent braking, leading to accelerated wear.
Replace the front brake pads with a ceramic compound that offers better heat resistance and longevity. Resurface or replace the front rotors. Always torque lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs with a torque wrench to prevent rotor warping. Consider upgrading to slotted or cross-drilled rotors for improved heat dissipation.
Est. Cost: $250 - $500 for front pads and rotor resurfacing; $400 - $700 for pads and new rotorsLED Daytime Running Light Failure
The LED daytime running lights integrated into the headlight assemblies on the 2016-2018 ILX can develop individual LED failures, creating a partial-illumination appearance. Since the LEDs are integrated into the headlight housing, they cannot be replaced as individual bulbs. NHTSA received complaints about this defect.
The entire headlight assembly must be replaced if the integrated LEDs have failed. Contact Acura Customer Relations to inquire about goodwill coverage, as this is a known premature failure. OEM headlight assemblies are expensive, but quality aftermarket alternatives are becoming available for the ILX.
Est. Cost: $600 - $1,500 per headlight assembly