Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 6 | 2.7× | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 1997 | 1 | −67% | 2 | Headlight | Few |
| 1996 | 3 | −20% | 2 | Suspension | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median SLX year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Acura SLX problems
Latest Acura SLX recalls
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The transfer gearbox flange nuts were not properly installed, causing the nuts to loosen.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect front and rear flange nuts and, if found loose, tighten to specified torque and secured staked at two places.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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.
Suspension
These vehicles were manufactured without a lock washer and/or screws in the front hub.
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.
Seat belts › Rear/other
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear center seat belt tongue and buckle and incorrect buckle assemblies will be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Acura SLX should you avoid?
None of the Acura SLX years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Acura SLX?
1997 has the fewest complaints compared with other SLX years at the same age, followed by 1996. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Acura SLX problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (3), suspension (1) and air bags (1). Engine complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Acura SLX had?
4 recalls across 1996–1998. The model year with the most is 1996. See all Acura SLX recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.