2013-2015 Acura ILX Tail Light: A Buyer's Guide to Failures, Fixes, and Replacement

Symptoms of Failure

Diagnosing a faulty tail light on a 2013-2015 Acura ILX can range from obvious to tricky. While a simple burnt-out bulb is the most common culprit, other symptoms can point to different issues.

1. One or More Lights Are Out

The most straightforward symptom is when a specific function stops working. This could be a brake light, running light, or turn signal. In most cases, this is due to a burnt-out bulb. The brake and tail light functions are often performed by a dual-filament 7443 bulb. 🎬 Watch: How to replace the brake and turn signal bulbs If both brake lights fail simultaneously but the high-mount brake light in the rear window still works, the issue is likely not the fuse or brake switch, but rather the bulbs or wiring to the assemblies.

2. Flickering or Dim Lights

Lights that flicker or appear dimmer than usual can indicate a few problems. It could be a sign of a failing bulb that hasn't completely burned out yet. It can also point to a poor electrical connection at the bulb socket, a corroded connector, or a problem with the vehicle's ground wire for that circuit.

3. Condensation or Water Inside the Lens

Finding moisture, fog, or water droplets inside the tail light lens is a common issue for many vehicles. This happens when the seal between the plastic lens and the rear housing fails, or when the gasket around a bulb socket is cracked or improperly seated. While minor temporary fogging can occur with temperature changes, persistent moisture is a problem. It can corrode bulb sockets and reflective surfaces, leading to premature bulb failure or electrical shorts.

4. Blown Fuses

If an entire set of lights stops working (e.g., all running lights), a blown fuse is a likely cause. A fuse is a safety device that protects the circuit. A blown fuse often indicates an underlying problem, such as a short circuit caused by water intrusion into a tail light assembly or damaged wiring. One owner reported that after installing new LED bulbs, the tail lights stopped working, pointing towards a potential fuse or electrical compatibility issue.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

As of early 2024, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Acura directly addressing tail light failure or condensation for the 2013-2015 ILX. While other Acura models like the MDX have had recalls for moisture intrusion in tail lights, the ILX of this generation is not included. The most commonly reported issues on owner forums are related to individual bulb burnout and occasional electrical problems, which are not part of a wider manufacturing defect.

Buying a Used 2013-2015 ILX Tail Light

Purchasing a used OEM tail light is an excellent way to save money while retaining factory quality and fit. However, a careful inspection is crucial to ensure you get a good part.

What to Inspect Before You Buy:

• Lens Condition: Check the plastic lens for any cracks, even hairline fractures. Cracks will allow water to enter, leading to chronic condensation and bulb failure. Minor surface scuffs can often be polished out, but deep scratches or hazing are permanent.
• Seal Integrity: The most critical inspection point is the seal where the clear/red lens meets the black plastic housing. Look for any signs of separation, cracking, or previous attempts to reseal it with silicone, which is often a sign of a past leak.
• Mounting Points: Carefully inspect all mounting tabs and studs on the back of the housing. These are made of plastic and can easily break during removal from the donor vehicle. A tail light with broken tabs will not sit securely, leading to gaps, vibration, and potential water leaks.
• Bulb Sockets and Gaskets: Remove the bulb sockets by giving them a quarter-turn. Check the rubber gaskets for dryness or cracking. Look inside the sockets for any white or green corrosion, or signs of melted plastic from overheating. While bulbs are a cheap replacement, a corroded or melted socket may require replacing the wiring harness.
• Wiring Connector: Ensure the main electrical connector on the housing is intact, with no broken plastic or corroded pins.

Cost Comparison

Replacement Guide (DIY Difficulty: 1/5)

Replacing the outer tail light on a 2013-2015 Acura ILX is a very simple job that most DIYers can complete in under 20 minutes with basic tools.

Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes

Tools Needed:

• Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool
• 8mm socket or a Phillips head screwdriver

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Access the Fasteners: Open the trunk. On the side corresponding to the tail light you're replacing, locate the small plastic cover in the trunk liner. Pop this cover off using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
2. Remove the Nuts: Behind the cover, you will see two 8mm nuts (or screws with Phillips heads) that secure the tail light assembly. Remove these.
3. Remove the Assembly: Firmly and evenly pull the tail light assembly straight back, away from the side of the car. It is held in by a plastic clip on the side, so a gentle wiggle or tap may be needed to pop it free.
4. Disconnect Wiring: With the assembly loose, you can access the bulb sockets. For a full assembly replacement, press the release tab on the main electrical connector and pull it apart. If you are just changing a bulb, twist the corresponding bulb socket a quarter-turn and pull it out of the housing.
5. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Line up the plastic guide pin on the side of the new assembly with the grommet on the car body, push it into place until it clicks, and then reinstall the two nuts. Do not overtighten the nuts. Reconnect the wiring and test all light functions before putting the cover back on.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step tail light removal walkthrough

Frequently Asked Questions