Home › Acura › ILX › 25V859000
Acura ILX Brake Fluid Contamination Weakens Braking
high How serious is it? About this label
Weaker brakes can mean it takes longer to stop the car, which the notice says raises the risk of a crash or injury. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 25V859000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Manufacturer | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) |
| Part affected | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder |
| Vehicles covered | 3 model/year combinations, model years 2018–2020 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
In these Acura ILX vehicles, the brake fluid can become contaminated. Over time, that contamination can cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, or change shape. Once the seal deforms, brake fluid can leak out from inside the system. When fluid leaks this way, it can reduce how well the brakes work, meaning the brakes may not perform as they should when needed.
What you should do
2. Contact an Acura dealer to schedule the free replacement (Honda customer service: 1-888-234-2138).
3. The repair is free.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 25V859000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (3)
Who to contact
Acura — official Acura recall lookup
Customer service: 1-888-234-2138
The bigger picture
- Acura Hydraulic Brake Recalls Involving Pressure Loss and Pedal Problems · all 6 Acura recalls in this area
Other Acura ILX recalls
- Dec 18, 2023Honda and Acura Fuel Pump May Failhigh
- Mar 25, 2021Honda, Acura fuel pump may fail, stall enginehigh
- Jun 6, 2019Acura ILX Driveshaft Can Separate From Half Shafthigh
- Jan 24, 2019Acura ILX Fuel Gauge May Read Incorrectlymedium
Official notice
- Component
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
- Safety risk
- Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RN5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 17, 2025. The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.