Most common 1998 Acura SLX problems
Share of the 6 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 →
1998 Acura SLX recalls (1)
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.
What 1998 Acura SLX owners say
Engine & cooling
In June of 2003, we took our 1998 Acura SLX w/45K miles on it into stevens creek Isuzu dealership for a major service and to check out the "pinging/grinding" noise that we had been hearing for a long time. We were told they couldn't duplicate the noise. In June 2004, we took it to the reno Isuzu for an oil change and to check out the noise and we were told that we needed a new engine. Our car now has 54K miles on it. We took it to an independent mechanic shop for a second opinion and were told that a rod was blown and a new engine would be needed. The car is still in the shop. We paid $4K for a new engine so far and will owe about $3K in labor & misc. Parts. We feel that since this problem started while still under "mileage" warranty but could not be diagnosed, Acura/Isuzu should pay for the engine and labor that we have incured. …
Consumer stated she heard knocking and a loud pinging noise coming from the engine. She then pulled over and her husband checked the vehicle and saw that the oil was empty although she had an oil change before the trip. All of the oil spilled from the engine. Engine had blown.
1998 Acura SLX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: —.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Acura SLX a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 SLX rates average: 2.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the SLX at the same age. 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 1998 Acura SLX?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (1) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Acura SLX have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Acura SLX, the most recent from August 3, 1998 (transfer case (4-wheel drive)). 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 1998 Acura SLX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 33% 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.