Recall 25V859 covers 70,658 2016-2020 Acura Ilx vehicles for a brake master cylinder leak. Free repair once Acura opens it.
Acura is recalling 70,658 2016-2020 Acura Ilx vehicles because contaminated brake fluid can deform a seal inside the brake master cylinder and cause an internal leak. The leak can reduce brake function, extend stopping distance, and increase the risk of a crash or injury; the dealer repair will be free once Acura opens the final remedy.
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What's wrong?
The brake master cylinder on the 2016-2020 Acura Ilx is the part that turns pedal force into hydraulic brake pressure. When you press the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes brake fluid through the brake system so the brakes clamp at the wheels. Its internal seals have to hold pressure each time the pedal is applied.
On affected Ilx vehicles, plasticizer from the brake reservoir hose contaminated the brake fluid. That fluid was absorbed by a seal inside the master cylinder, causing the seal to swell. Engine heat expanded the swollen seal further, so it deflected inside the master cylinder instead of sealing cleanly. During slow brake-pedal applications, pressure in part of the system does not build correctly, reducing braking force.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the problem appears, the pedal can lose pressure intermittently and the vehicle can have reduced brake function. That loss of pressure is the failure condition, not an early warning.
Who's affected?
Spans five model years, all tied to the same hydraulic brake system.
| 2016 Acura Ilx | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Acura Ilx | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Acura Ilx | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Acura Ilx | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Acura Ilx | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 70,658 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 192 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced brake function lengthens the distance needed to stop and increases the risk of a crash or injury. Drive cautiously, leave extra following distance, and contact an Acura dealer for interim instructions before longer trips. Repair will be free at any franchised Acura dealer once Acura opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN for free to confirm your 2016-2020 Acura Ilx is included in this recall.
- Wait for Acura's final remedy letter before scheduling the final repair.
- Contact a franchised Acura dealer once the final remedy opens to schedule the free brake-master-cylinder replacement that addresses the internal brake-fluid leak and reduced brake function.
- Bring the recall notice if Acura has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V859 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
Until Acura opens the final remedy, follow the interim notice and contact an Acura dealer if braking feels reduced or different. Once the final repair is available, an Acura technician will replace the brake master cylinder. The final dealer repair will be free once it opens, with parts and labor covered under recall 25V859. Honda used its standard reimbursement plan on file for this campaign, so owners who already paid for a related brake master cylinder repair can ask Honda customer service how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 11, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 12, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 12, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 2, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V859?
Recall 25V859 covers 70,658 2016-2020 Acura Ilx vehicles with contaminated brake fluid that can deform a seal inside the brake master cylinder. That defect can cause an internal brake fluid leak, reduce brake function, and increase stopping distance.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Acura Ilx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Acura Ilx is included in recall 25V859. If it is, call a franchised Acura dealer and ask whether the brake master cylinder replacement is open for your VIN. The recall is in interim status, so final scheduling depends on remedy availability.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. Acura dealers will replace the brake master cylinder free of charge once the final remedy is available for your VIN.
Is it safe to drive my Acura Ilx before the repair?
Use extra caution and confirm your VIN before deciding how to drive. This recall involves reduced brake function, which can extend the distance required to stop and increase crash or injury risk. If the brake pedal feels abnormal or stopping distance changes, contact an Acura dealer before driving farther.
When will Acura notify owners about recall 25V859?
Acura mailed interim owner letters about the safety risk on February 3, 2026. Honda had anticipated May 1, 2026 for the additional owner letters tied to the final remedy. You can still check your VIN now and ask an Acura dealer about current repair availability.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V859000 |
|---|---|
| Acura customer service | 1-888-234-2138 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V859 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V859000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →