1997 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 1997 Acura Slx problems
The Acura SLX is a popular SUV that has been around for many years, and while it is known for its reliability, there are some common problems that have been reported by owners.
One of the most common problems with the Acura SLX is excessive oil consumption. This issue is often caused by leaking valve guide seals, which can cause the engine to burn high levels of oil while driving. This can be a major concern if the car is emitting large quantities of smoke from the exhaust. In most cases, the acceptable oil usage per quart is typically 1,200 to 1,500 miles. If the Acura SLX is within this range, then the engine may not need to be replaced or the heads rebuilt. However, if the problem persists, then the heads may need to be rebuilt.
Another common problem with the Acura SLX is a clogged injector, which can cause the number one cylinder to not fire. This issue can be diagnosed by checking the power to the injector using a light. If the injector is clogged, then it may need to be swapped to another cylinder to check if it moves with the injector.
The Acura SLX is also known for having electrical problems. For example, some owners have reported issues with the car beeping and not starting. This problem is often related to the electrical system and may require the attention of a qualified mechanic.
In addition to these common problems, the Acura SLX is also known for having issues with the transmission. The 4L30-E transmission, in particular, is known for being problematic and may require a rebuild.
Overall, the Acura SLX is a reliable SUV, but like any vehicle, it is not immune to problems. By being aware of these common issues, owners can take steps to prevent them and ensure that their vehicle remains in good working order.
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.
Why is Acura not sold in Japan?
Acura, however, is a North American brand. Most of Acura's engineering and manufacturing is in North America only. All of the Japanese luxury brands were essentially invented or designed to be marketed to the US primarily. Acura is sold as Honda in Europe.
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!
What is better Acura or Lexus?
Lexus: Reliability. In their 2021 J.D. Power Dependability Study, J.D. Power determined that when it comes to reliability, “Lexus ranks highest among luxury brands.” This is to say that when it comes to Acura vs. Lexus reliability, there's no contest.
1997 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:
- Air bags problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Suspension problems
- Seats problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Acura Slx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Acura Slx complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Acura Slx.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-01
- 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-06
- VIN: 19UYA2251VL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES, THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-14
- 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
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19UYA2242V1
- Components: SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: VEHICLE LOST ALL CONTROL RESULTING IN COLLISION DUE TO POSSIBLE RECALL RELATED FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINTS (99V-069), NO DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DURING COLLISION AND THE HEAD REST FAILED, THE BOTTOM POSTS THAT SUPPORT THE HEAD RESTS, SPLIT THE HEAD OF THE DRIVER THROUGH THE PADDING MATERIAL. *MJS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-10
- VIN: JH4KA9658VC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 19UYA2243VL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: FUEL CHARCOAL CANISTER OVERFLOWS AND SPRAYS OVER UNDER CARRIAGE OF VEHICLE. GAS FUMES CIRCULATE INTO CABIN THROUGH AIR CONDITIONER ASPHYXIATING DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED. AFTER PARKING CAR IN HOME GARAGE GAS FUMES ARE TOO STRONG TO CLOSE GARAGE DOOR FOR HOURS. THE GAS FUMES ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO BECOME A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD. WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR I BECAME VERY ILL, DIZZY, NAUSEATED, EYES STARTED TO BURN, THAN VISION BLURRED, ALMOST CRASHED AND HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE NOTIFIED ACURA IN OUR LAS VEGAS AND FOUND OUT THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, YET WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-10
- VIN: JH4UA2657VC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE DEACCELERATES 65 MPH UNTIL 0. YH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 19UYA1255VL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: UNABLE TO HAVE ON / OFF AIR BAG SWITCH INSTALLED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS,PARTS NOT DEVELOPED YET. *YC
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION/STEERING COLUMN FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-22
- VIN: JH4UA3648VC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE DOES NOT GO OVER THE END OF THE WINDOW ENOUGH, CAUSING A 7-8" BLIND SPOT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 19UYA2242VL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM SLOW SPEED.
1997 Acura Slx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 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: 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.
Negative 1997 Acura Slx car reviews
Positive 1997 Acura Slx car reviews
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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
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Other years of Acura Slx
Are you having problems with your 1997 Acura Slx?
Gustave McClure 2024-08-08
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!
Ansel Lind 2024-05-22
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.