According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Honda recalled over 70,000 Acura ILX vehicles due to reduced brake function.
The issue stems from contaminated brake fluid, which caused deformation of the seal inside the brake master cylinder, resulting in an internal brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
While no injuries or deaths have been reported so far, federal safety regulators warn that the defect could increase the risk of a crash. The recall affected certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles.
Let’s walk through the complete details about the Honda reduced brake function recall and what the automaker is doing to fix the issue.
How Many Honda Vehicles are Recalled?
According to the NHTSA, Honda has recalled around 70,658 Acura ILX vehicles, manufactured between October 9, 2014, and January 29, 2020.
If you want to learn about other major recalls affecting the Acura ILX vehicles, check out this recall report: Acura ILX recalls.
What Caused the Honda Acura Reduced Brake Function Recall?
According to the safety recall report submitted on December 11, 2025, plastic chemicals left inside the brake reservoir hose can contaminate the brake fluid. The contamination can cause the rubber seal inside the brake master cylinder to swell and deform.
Heat from the engine further expands the rubber seal, allowing brake fluid to bypass the seal during slow brake-pedal applications. As a result, the brake pedal can feel softer or weaker. It can cause the vehicle to take longer to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury, and prompting Honda to issue a recall.
Brake Fluid Leak Explained: What Went Wrong Inside the System
The issue stems from plastic chemicals left inside the brake reservoir hose. Over time, these chemicals leaked into the brake fluid. The brake fluid then soaked into a rubber seal inside the master cylinder, causing the seal to swell or deform.
While driving, the engine’s heat further expands the seal. As it grows, the seal no longer fits properly in the master cylinder, allowing brake fluid to leak back into the reservoir rather than staying where it should.
And whenever you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure in the secondary chamber cannot build up properly, reducing braking force.
Timeline: How the Recall Unfolded
Has Honda Reported Any Accidents or Complaints?
Fortunately, Honda Motor Company reported no accidents, injuries, or deaths related to this issue from January 16, 2015, through December 5, 2025. As of December 5, 2025, the automaker received 192 warranty claims.
How Will Honda Fix the Issue?
Honda has asked all the affected owners to take their vehicles to an authorized Acura dealer. The dealer will replace the brake master cylinder with an improved part at no charge.
The improved component features a redesigned sealing cup made from a different material, providing adequate sealing performance.
What Should You Do?
If you own a 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicle, you must first check whether your car is included in this recall. You can visit the NHTSA recall page and enter the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number.
You can also contact Honda’s customer service at 1-888-234-2138 for more details. Even if you don’t notice any warning signs, you still have to check if your vehicle is affected, as the issue may develop over time.
Can You Continue Driving Before the Fix?
As Honda mentioned, the affected vehicles may experience intermittent loss of brake pedal pressure, increasing the stopping distance and raising the risk of a crash or injury. So, it is completely unsafe to continue driving until the fix is complete.
You should immediately take your vehicle to an authorized dealer, as Honda has guided.
Wrapping Up
A brake performance issue is a serious safety concern that shouldn’t be ignored, as it could affect your vehicle’s stopping ability, increasing the risk of a crash. The best part is that Honda has acknowledged the issue and issued a safety recall before any accidents or injuries were reported.
Addressing the issue early helps reduce the risk and prevents the defect from worsening over time. The affected owners can take their vehicles to an authorized dealer for free replacement of the brake master cylinder.
Owners will be mailed interim letters on February 2, 2026, notifying them about the safety risks associated with the issue. Additional letters will also be sent once the final remedy is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What vehicles are affected by this Honda Acura Reduced Brake Function recall?
The recall affects certain 2016–2020 Acura ILX vehicles manufactured between October 9, 2014, and January 29, 2020.
2. How many vehicles are included in the recall?
According to the NHTSA, approximately 70,658 Acura ILX vehicles are affected by this recall.
3. What is the main problem causing reduced brake function?
The issue is caused by contaminated brake fluid. Plastic chemicals from the brake reservoir hose leaked into the fluid, which caused a rubber seal inside the brake master cylinder to swell and deform, reducing braking performance.
4. What warning signs should you look out for?
You may notice a soft or weak brake pedal or longer stopping distances, especially during slow or gentle braking.
5. Is it safe to keep driving the vehicle?
It is entirely unsafe to keep driving, as the defect can cause intermittent loss of brake pressure, which increases crash risk.
6. How will Honda fix the problem?
Honda dealers will replace the brake master cylinder free of charge. The new part includes a redesigned sealing cup made from an improved material to prevent future brake fluid leaks.
7. How can I check if my Acura ILX is included in the recall?
You can visit the NHTSA recall website and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or contact Honda customer service directly at 1-888-234-2138.
