1997 Acura SLX Problems & Complaints

Few complaints67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SLX at the same age

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1997 Acura SLX with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. The most reported problem area is the lights (1 complaint). 2 recalls cover this model year.

1complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1997 Acura SLX problems

  • Lights
    1100%

Share of the 1 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Acura SLX complaints by model year

199619971998316
Owner complaints per model year, Acura SLX. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best SLX years: 1997, 1996. Compare all years →

1997 Acura SLX recalls (2)

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA recall 97V092002 · Jun 3, 1997 · 873 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 97V035002 · Mar 11, 1997 · 123 vehicles

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.

1997 Acura SLX engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.2L 6-cyl5-speed manual4WD/AWD14 / 17 / 15
3.2L 6-cyl4-speed automatic4WD/AWD13 / 17 / 14

EPA ratings. Class: —.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1997 Acura SLX a good car?

Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the 1997 SLX rates few complaints: 67% 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 1997 Acura SLX?

The lights — 1 complaint, 100% of all complaints for this model year.

How many recalls does the 1997 Acura SLX have?

There are 2 recalls for the 1997 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.

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.