Recalls: Acura issues recall for 2013-2014 ILX and ILX Hybrid over fire-risk headlights

July 18, 2014July 18, 2014 Chris Chin 2014, Acura ILX, Acura ILX Hybrid, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, Recalls

Acura filed a new recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding the 2013-2014 ILX and ILX Hybrid.

In the recent announcement, 14,078 examples were recalled from 2013-2014 over concerns of a fire risk with headlights that could overheat and ignite the car. A stop-sale has also been issued until dealers could repair the cars.

The headlights could catch fire from remaining stationary too long, caused from the plastic melting in the housing of the halogen projectors. So far, only one case was reported to Acura where a car was idling for a dealer for around two hours (what? why?) when it caught ablaze.

Acura will of course fix all affected cars and owners are to be notified beginning in July.

Check out the release after the jump.

Statement by Acura Regarding Headlight Recall: 2013-2014 Acura ILX
07/08/2014 – TORRANCE, Calif.

14,078 model-year 2013-2014 ILX vehicles affected in the U.S.
Halogen projector beam headlights will be replaced, free of charge
One fire was reported after car was parked with engine idling and lights on for several hours
No related crashes or injuries have been reported

Acura will voluntarily recall 14,078 model-year 2013-2014 ILX vehicles in the United States to replace both halogen projector beam headlight assemblies free of charge. When a vehicle is parked with the engine running and the low-beam headlights on for an extremely long period of time, the original headlight design may not allow sufficient heat to escape. Excessive heat buildup in the headlight assembly can cause deformation and melting of plastic components which could affect headlight operation and, eventually, result in a fire. One fire was reported after the ILX had been parked with the headlights on and engine idling for several hours. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

Acura is announcing this recall to encourage all owners who purchased an affected vehicle to take it to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Acura. Mailed notification to customers will begin in late-July. In addition to contacting customers by mail, at that time, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going to www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 382-2238 and selecting option 4.

# # #

RECALL Subject : Headlight Temperatures Causing Fires/FMVSS 108

Report Receipt Date: JUN 13, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V323000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 14,078
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
ACURA ILX 2013-2014

Details
Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

SUMMARY:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles manufactured January 16, 2012 to March 1, 2013, ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured January 12, 2012 to February 7, 2013, and certain model year 2014 ILX vehicles manufactured May 2, 2013, to May 31, 2014, and ILX Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 18, 2013 to February 19, 2014. Excessive heat temperatures around the headlight bulb and reflector unit may diminish the output of the headlight and cause smoke, melting, and fire. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

CONSEQUENCE:
The diminished light output may decrease the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additonally, the excessive heat coming from around the bulb and reflector could cause the headlights to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

REMEDY:
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlights, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-862-2872. Honda’s number for this recall is JE9.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.