1996 Acura Slx problems
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.
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Common 1996 Acura Slx problems
The Acura SLX, produced from 1996 to 1999, is often criticized for its high rollover risk, which likely contributed to its lack of success in the luxury SUV market.
Another common problem with the Acura SLX is related to its electrical system. Acuras, including the SLX, are known to have issues with the electrical connection inside the "main relay," also known as the PGM-FI relay.
The Acura SLX's idle surge or high/low idle problem can also be an issue for early Honda/Acura cars. A simple DIY fix involves adjusting the idle without replacing the idle control valve
. This problem can be resolved by following a specific procedure, which is detailed in a YouTube video
In summary, the Acura SLX faces several common problems, including a high rollover risk, electrical connection issues in the main relay, and idle surge or high/low idle problems. While some of these issues can be addressed with DIY fixes, others may require more extensive repairs or upgrades, such as the Super Handling SLX's powertrain transplant.
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.
Is Acura still a luxury brand?
Acura is a luxury automotive brand! Acura models offer high quality, sophisticated builds, top-of-the-line technology, premium safety features, and much more. Explore our new and certified pre-owned models to see which of these luxurious vehicles fit your driving needs. Readd on to explore the Acura brand!
Is Acura a luxury model?
Acura is a luxury brand that offers the highest of quality in terms of interior amenities and drive quality.
Is Acura expensive to maintain?
Even though Acura is a luxury car brand, its maintenance costs are relatively affordable, especially compared to other car brands in the category. But with long-lasting cars like Acuras, repair costs can add up over the years. An extended warranty may help keep expenses low while offering perks and convenience.
1996 Acura Slx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Slx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Acura Slx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Acura Slx complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Acura Slx.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-28
- 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-08
- Crash: 1
- VIN: ADD
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONT COLLISION AT 35-40 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. NO INJURIES.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-10
- 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4KA9651TC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4KA9651TC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-20
- VIN: JH4UA265XTC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING IS A CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. IN SPEAKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP THEY CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR MODEL. THEY STATED THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A TWO PIECE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE SPLIT IS OCCURING ALONG THE SEAM OF THE TWO PIECES. THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD, YET NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE BY THE MANUFACTURER.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JH4K49657VC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: POSSIBLE RECALL COMPONENT FAILURE (99V-069) CAUSING VEHICLE ROLL OVER ACCIDENT, PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE. MJS
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION IS NOT VERY STABLE CREATING THE POSSIBILITY FOR ROLL OVER.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- VIN: JH4UA2653TC
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: DEFECTIVE CD PLAYER.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: JH4UA3658TC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS IN REAR SEAT CAN'T BE USED BY AN ADULT AS THE MALE AND FEMALE ENDS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER AND THEREFORE DO NOT FIT. *DSH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-27
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE GRADUALLY ENTERING DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE ACCELERATED, PUSHING TRUCK PARKED IN DRIVEWAY INTO GARAGE DOOR AND PUSHING ANOTHER VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4UA3651TC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR BUMPER CRACKED IN CENTER SHOWING STIROFOAM. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4UA3651TC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR BUMPER CRACKED IN CENTER SHOWING STIROFOAM. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4UA3651TC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR BUMPER CRACKED IN CENTER SHOWING STIROFOAM. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1996 Acura Slx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Acura Slx.
- 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.
- 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.
Negative 1996 Acura Slx car reviews
Positive 1996 Acura Slx car reviews
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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!
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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!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Acura Slx problems:
1996 Acura SLX Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Most Common 1996 Acura SLX Problems ... Incorrect oil in rear differential may cause cl... Using the incorrect oil in the rear differential on cars with a limited ...
Acura SLX Questions - Acura SLX Owners - Represent - CarGurus
Feb 12, 2015 ... Their common problems include noisy lifters especally on start up. ... 96 acura slx no power up hills 2 Answers. Rough idle, loss of power ...
I'm Officially Insane: Acquiring a (Cheap) 1997 Acura SLX – the ...
Jan 1, 2019 ... The shaded center section here reflects annual sales between 1996 (at bottom) and 2001, totaling 6,590. Wyatt's SLX was a bit of a rarity – a ...
1999 Acura SLX Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1999 Acura SLX repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Acura mechanics near you.
Isuzu Trooper TOD and 4WD Problems — Car Forums at Edmunds ...
Jan 4, 2009 ... ... common for vehicles that are normally run on ... I have a 1996 ... I have a 1999 Acura Trooper, I mean Isuzu SLX, no Acura SLX yeah that's it Acura ...
Other years of Acura Slx
Are you having problems with your 1996 Acura Slx?
Rhett Douglas 2024-02-12
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!