Most common 1996 Acura SLX problems
Share of the 3 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura SLX complaints by model year
Best SLX years: 1997, 1996. Compare all years →
1996 Acura SLX recalls (2)
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1996 Acura SLX:
Risk of rollover
Cu attorney (nancy perkins, arnold & porter) and odi agreed that an extension in the petition review process will be necessary to allow odi time to conduct a proper review of the new material submitted by cu on December 23, 1996.therefore, the new due date will be April 21, 1997.consumers union (cu) petitioned the agency to open an investigation to determine whether the 1995 and 1996 model Isuzu trooper and Acura…
1996 Acura SLX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: —.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Acura SLX a good car?
Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 SLX rates few complaints: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SLX at the same age. It is one of the best SLX years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Acura SLX?
The suspension — 1 complaint, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (1) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 Acura SLX have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Acura SLX, the most recent from June 3, 1997 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura SLX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997 and 1996. See the full Acura SLX years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Acura SLX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 113,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.