Acura Slx problems

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The Isuzu Trooper is a full-size SUV that was produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between September 1981 and September 2002. In the domestic Japanese market it was sold as the Isuzu Bighorn, the car was exported internationally mainly as a Trooper but it also received several other nameplates including Acura SLX, Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, SsangYong Korando Family, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey.

In total, there were two generations of this vehicle: the first, produced between 1981 and 1991; and the second (UBS) produced between 1991 and 2002, with a substantial refresh in 1998.

The Trooper began as a rather basic and somewhat underpowered on- and off-road vehicle, offered only with four-cylinder motor, four-speed manual transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive. The first generation evolved to add both amenities and luxuries, including optional air-conditioning, power windows, and a more powerful V6 engine. The second generation was even more refined and available in two-wheel drive as well as four-wheel drive.

photo of Acura Slx car production

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Acura Slx model years

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Slx 2000
Acura

1

0

0

  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
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Slx 1999
Acura

1

0

12

3.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
acura slx 1998 photo
Slx 1998
Acura

6

1

10

3.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
acura slx 1997 photo
Slx 1997
Acura

11

2

3

3.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
acura slx 1996 photo
Slx 1996
Acura

14

2

3

3.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
acura slx 1995 photo
Slx 1995
Acura

1

0

0

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  • 4
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Common Acura Slx problems

Based on complaints from owners, common problems with the Acura SLX cars include:

  • Limited Power and Performance: The original Acura SLX came equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 190 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. Owners have reported issues related to the vehicle's power and performance, which might have led to dissatisfaction with its driving dynamics.
  • Suspension and Handling: The Acura SLX featured a conventional body-on-frame design with a suspension setup that was prone to rollovers. To address this, the Super Handling SLX underwent significant upgrades to its suspension system, transitioning from the original front double-wishbone and rear solid axle to McPherson struts and an independent five-link suspension. These modifications aimed to enhance the vehicle's stability and handling, making it less likely to flip over when driven aggressively.
  • Transmission Problems: While the Acura SLX itself did not have specific transmission issues, other Acura models like the TLX have been reported to have transmission problems, such as jerks between gears and jerkiness in stop-and-go traffic. These transmission issues could potentially extend to the SLX or similar models, impacting the overall driving experience and reliability of the vehicle.

These common problems with the Acura SLX cars reflect various aspects of the vehicle's design, performance, and safety that have been highlighted by owners and critics over time. Addressing these issues is crucial to improving the overall ownership experience and ensuring the longevity and desirability of these classic SUVs.

Acura Slx

Why was the Acura SLX discontinued?

The SLX received a restyled front end for the 1998 model year, but continued to sell poorly and was ultimately discontinued after 1999. It is said that sales were affected by bad press when the 1996-1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for their tendency to roll over during testing.

What year is the fastest Acura?

The 2024 Acura TLX Type S is now the fastest Acura! #acura #honda #hon... Acura Nsx | TikTok. Since the Acura NSX is now discontinued, this is the quickest Acura that you can buy.

What is the most powerful Acura ever?

ZDX Type S

The most powerful Acura SUV ever built, the ZDX Type S combines ultra-modern technology and electrified performance for a more dynamic drive.

Which Acura model is the most reliable?

MDX

According to iSeeCars, a research platform that collects data from millions of used car listings, the most reliable Acura models are the MDX, RDX, and TLX1. These models have high-reliability ratings and rank among the top in their respective vehicle categories.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Acura Slx years

We have researched Acura problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Acura Slx cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Acura Slx model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Acura Slx model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Acura Slx years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Acura Slx car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Acura Slx , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Acura Slx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Slx model years

A total of 4 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Slx model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Acura Slx . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Acura Slx vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Acura Slx 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-12-01
  • Date Complaint: 2008-10-27
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: I HAVE THE 1997 ACURA SLX. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS COMING ON WHENEVER IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE. WHEN THE TEMP IS 30 DEGREES OR LOWER THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT CAUSES THIS BUT NO ONE CAN CORRECT THE PROBLEM OR EVEN KNOWS WHAT CAUSES THE LIGHTS TO COME ON. AS A RESULT OF LIGHTS COMING ON IT RUNS DOWN THE BATTERY. I HAVE HAD THE CABLE WIRES REPLACED I HAVE PURCHASED NEW BATTERIES AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. DO YOU KNOW WHAT COULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Acura Slx 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-05-04
  • Date Complaint: 2006-05-07
  • VIN: JAEDJ58X8W7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MY 1998 ACURA SLX, WITH 122,000 MILES, REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE. THE CAR DEVELOPED A LOUD SLAPPING NOISE AND WAS DIAGNOSED BY 2 MECHANICS AS A BROKEN PISTON SKIRT. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS - A RESULT OF A MISMATCH BETWEEN THE ISUZU ENGINE AND THE ACURA TRANSMISSION. *NM
Acura Slx 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-02-28
  • Date Complaint: 2006-03-01
  • VIN: JAEDJ58V9T7
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE AND STOPPING DISTANCES WERE INCREASED AS A RESULT. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 97V092002, REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES HOSES AND LINES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR.
Acura Slx 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-06-01
  • Date Complaint: 2004-07-18
  • VIN: JAEDJ58X0W7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: IN JUNE OF 2003, WE TOOK OUR 1998 ACURA SLX W/45K MILES ON IT INTO STEVENS CREEK ISUZU DEALERSHIP FOR A MAJOR SERVICE AND TO CHECK OUT THE "PINGING/GRINDING" NOISE THAT WE HAD BEEN HEARING FOR A LONG TIME. WE WERE TOLD THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE NOISE. IN JUNE 2004, WE TOOK IT TO THE RENO ISUZU FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TO CHECK OUT THE NOISE AND WE WERE TOLD THAT WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. OUR CAR NOW HAS 54K MILES ON IT. WE TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WERE TOLD THAT A ROD WAS BLOWN AND A NEW ENGINE WOULD BE NEEDED. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. WE PAID $4K FOR A NEW ENGINE SO FAR AND WILL OWE ABOUT $3K IN LABOR & MISC. PARTS. WE FEEL THAT SINCE THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHILE STILL UNDER "MILEAGE" WARRANTY BUT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED, ACURA/ISUZU SHOULD PAY FOR THE ENGINE AND LABOR THAT WE HAVE INCURED. OUR MILEAGE IS EXTREMELY LOW AND THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON TO REPLACE THE ENGINE THIS SOON. WE OWN A 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE THAT HAVE 117K MILES ON THE ORIGINAL ENGINE! WE HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON OTHER WEBSITES ABOUT THE ACURA/ISUZU ENGINES BLOWING SO EARLY. WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WILL NEVER RECOMMEND NOR BUY AN ACURA/ISUZU AGAIN.
Acura Slx 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-20
  • Date Complaint: 2004-01-16
  • VIN: JAEDJ58X5W7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATED SHE HEARD KNOCKING AND A LOUD PINGING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE THEN PULLED OVER AND HER HUSBAND CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE OIL WAS EMPTY ALTHOUGH SHE HAD AN OIL CHANGE BEFORE THE TRIP. ALL OF THE OIL SPILLED FROM THE ENGINE. ENGINE HAD BLOWN. *AK *SC *JB
Acura Slx 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-01-06
  • Date Complaint: 2003-01-09
  • VIN: 19UYA2251VL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES, THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM
Acura Slx 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-06-14
  • Date Complaint: 2002-06-28
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: KMHVF24N6VU
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AT A 25MPH VEHICLE CRASH DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT FULLY DEPLOY. CAUSE UNKNOWN DEALER NOTIFIED.*AKI
Acura Slx 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-08
  • Date Complaint: 2002-04-24
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: ADD
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: FRONT COLLISION AT 35-40 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. NO INJURIES.*AK
Acura Slx 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2001-03-21
  • VIN: JAEDJ58X4W7
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THROTTLE SUCKED TO THE GROUND AND WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, WHEN EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS EXTENDED. *AK
Acura Slx 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-12-15
  • Date Complaint: 2000-12-15
  • VIN: JAEDJ58X6X7
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TIRES WERE IN GOOD SHAPE, COMPLETE SEPERATION OF TIRE WALL WITHOUT ANY WARNING. OUTSIDE TEMP. APPROX . 53 DEGREES. (DOT NUMBER: ELMTCLL239 TIRESIZE: P245/70R16)
Acura Slx 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-10
  • Date Complaint: 2000-10-30
  • VIN: JH4UA2642TC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: FRONT BALL JOINTS MAKING NOISES. RECALL WAS FROM CARS BUILT PRIOR TO AUG, 1995 BUT THIS CAR WAS BUILT IN SEPTEMBER OF 1995. THE DEALER REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE OR TO HONOR RECALL AND NOW THE BALL JOINTS ARE NOISY AND THE CAR UNSTABLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. CA. *AK
Acura Slx 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-20
  • Date Complaint: 2000-09-20
  • VIN: JAEDJ58X8WB
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: UNABLE TO STEER STRAIGHT LINE AT 70 MPH 95 DEGREES, WANDERS OVER ROAD, OKAY WHEN TIRES COLD. *AK( DOT NUMBER: CLL417 TIRE SIZE: P245/70R16 )
Acura Slx 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2000-09-06
  • VIN: JH4KA9651TC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Acura Slx 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2000-09-06
  • VIN: JH4KA9651TC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Acura Slx 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-08
  • Date Complaint: 2000-08-07
  • VIN: 4S3BH6653Y6
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THE TIRE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED ON A CITY STREET. IT SPLIT ACROSS THE FULL WIDTH OF THE TIRE COMPLETELY THROUGH THE TREAD. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER WHO DIRECTED ME TO A SEE A LOCAL TIRE MANUFACTURER WHO TRIED TO CONVINCE ME THAT THE TIRE .*AK( DOT NUMBER: 97H M+S ? TIRE SIZE: P225/60R16 )

Latest 5 recalls Acura Slx

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Acura Slx.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Acura Slx 1998
  • Report Received Date: 1998-08-03
  • Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE TRANSFER GEARBOX FLANGE NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, CAUSING THE NUTS TO LOOSEN.
  • Consequence: IF THE FLANGE NUTS LOOSEN, THE PROPELLER SHAFT CAN SEPARATE, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPEATIVE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FRONT AND REAR FLANGE NUTS AND, IF FOUND LOOSE, TIGHTEN TO SPECIFIED TORQUE AND SECURED STAKED AT TWO PLACES.
  • Model: Acura Slx 1997
  • Report Received Date: 1997-06-03
  • Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE ASSEMBLY LINE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND AN UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION.
  • Consequence: THE LINE CAN BE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. IF THE CLEARANCE IS NOT ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
  • Model: Acura Slx 1996
  • Report Received Date: 1997-06-03
  • Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE ASSEMBLY LINE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND AN UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION.
  • Consequence: THE LINE CAN BE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. IF THE CLEARANCE IS NOT ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
  • Model: Acura Slx 1997
  • Report Received Date: 1997-03-11
  • Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LOCK WASHER AND/OR SCREWS IN THE FRONT HUB.
  • Consequence: THE BEARING ADJUSTMENT NUT CAN LOOSEN, RESULTING IN TOO MUCH FREE PLAY BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND AXLE. THE BEARING CAN SEIZE, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LOCK AFFECTING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT HUBS TO DETERMINE IF THE LOCK WASHER AND SCREWS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IF NOT, THEY WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS.
  • Model: Acura Slx 1996
  • Report Received Date: 1996-12-12
  • Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
  • Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN INCORRECT REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY BUCKLE. THE MISBUILD INVOLVED FITTING A BUCKLE FOR ANOTHER MARKET WITH THE CORRECT U.S. SPECIFICATION SEAT BELT.
  • Consequence: SUCH INSTALLATION RESULTS IN A REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE BELT TONGUE CANNOT BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND A CONSQUENT INABILITY OF THE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE PROPER OCCUPANT RESTRAINT DURING PANIC BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE OR AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT TONGUE AND BUCKLE AND INCORRECT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED.

Latest negative Acura Slx car reviews

  1. Ross Corwin 2024-11-18

    Vehicle year: 1998

    This SUV is reliable and has a great size. It's bigger than most, but not as cumbersome as a Tahoe.

  2. Bradley Torp 2024-10-26

    Vehicle year: 1999

    We purchased this vehicle used three years ago with 120,000 miles already on it. Surprisingly, we have not had to perform any maintenance on it despite having driven it over 30,000 additional miles since then. It's essentially a dressed-up Trooper, and while we were initially concerned about the Isuzu engine burning oil, we have not experienced any issues with it even after 150,000 miles. The previous owner had used synthetic oil, which we have continued to use, and the oil still looks fresh after 3,500 miles. Perhaps we were lucky to find a great one, but this car has been fantastic, especially considering the price of used vehicles. The only downside is its poor gas mileage for a smaller SUV, which is comparable to that of a Suburban despite being half the size. Additionally, it rides a bit like a truck.

  3. Antwan Mayer 2024-09-26

    Vehicle year: 1998

    We purchased this vehicle used three years ago with 120,000 miles already on it. Surprisingly, we have not had to perform any maintenance on it despite having driven it over 30,000 additional miles since then. It's essentially a dressed-up Trooper, and while we were initially concerned about the Isuzu engine burning oil, we have not experienced any issues with it even after 150,000 miles. The previous owner had used synthetic oil, which we have continued to use, and the oil still looks fresh after 3,500 miles. Perhaps we were lucky to find a great one, but this car has been fantastic, especially considering the price of used vehicles. The only downside is its poor gas mileage for a smaller SUV, which is comparable to that of a Suburban despite being half the size. Additionally, it rides a bit like a truck.

  4. Reymundo Buckridge 2024-08-16

    Vehicle year: 1998

    It's great to hear that you have a nice vehicle with lots of space and that it runs well. While it may not hug the road like some other vehicles, it's still pretty reliable. It's important to drive carefully, especially since it has a lower roll-over rating. Additionally, it's good to know that it delivers when towing and hauling. Thank you for sharing your experience!

  5. Gustave McClure 2024-08-08

    Vehicle year: 1997

    It's great to hear that you have a nice vehicle with lots of space and that it runs well. While it may not hug the road like some other vehicles, it's still pretty reliable. It's important to drive carefully, especially since it has a lower roll-over rating. Additionally, it's good to know that it delivers when towing and hauling. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Latest positive Acura Slx car reviews

  1. Garett Bashirian 2024-11-19

    Vehicle year: 1998

    Great truck! It has nice features and is very reliable.

  2. Allan Lesch 2024-10-12

    Vehicle year: 1998

    This thing is great! The 4-wheel drive works well, and it holds plenty of gear in the back. While it may not handle like a BMW, no SUV does.

  3. Reilly Krajcik 2024-09-28

    Vehicle year: 1996

    I love the size of this SUV! It has lots of storage space in the back and plenty of headroom. Plus, the back seat is spacious enough to fit three carseats!

  4. Alec Mayer 2024-09-15

    Vehicle year: 1998

    I love the size of this SUV! It has lots of storage space in the back and plenty of headroom. Plus, the back seat is spacious enough to fit three carseats!

  5. Timmothy Bahringer 2024-09-12

    Vehicle year: 1997

    I really appreciate this SUV! It gets 20 MPG and tows my 18 ft boat with ease. I've had no issues at the boat ramp and switching in and out of 4WD is a breeze. I would definitely buy another one. I'm so glad I got this SLX, even if it wasn't brand new. Thank you!

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