VehicleVerdict

1997 Acura SLX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 Acura SLX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other SLX years?

SLX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted6 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints
SLX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SLX years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Acura SLX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting1100%

Does the 1997 Acura SLX have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

97V092002BrakesJune 3, 1997 · 873 units

Defect

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.

97V035002SuspensionMarch 11, 1997 · 123 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 1, 2006

1997 Acura SLX — common questions

Is the 1997 Acura SLX reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Acura SLX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Acura SLX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Acura SLX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SLX years to avoid are 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among SLX years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.