1996 Acura SLX

Introduction

The 1996 Acura SLX is a mid-size luxury SUV that was manufactured by Honda. It was powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine and came with a choice of a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The SLX was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful engine, but criticized for its high price and limited off-road capabilities.

Engine

• 3.2-liter V6

  • VTEC solenoid failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The VTEC system fails to engage, resulting in decreased engine performance and fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replace the VTEC solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The head gasket fails, causing coolant and oil to leak. This can lead to overheating and engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Four-speed automatic

  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips out of gear, causing difficulty driving.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission or rebuild the existing one.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
    • Recalls: None Found

• Five-speed manual

  • No issues found

Suspension

• Front suspension struts
  • Description/Symptoms: The front suspension struts wear out, causing a rough ride and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to stall.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Test the electrical system for parasitic draw and repair or replace faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on undercarriage
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forms on the undercarriage, particularly in areas that are exposed to road salt.
  • Solution: Treat the rust with a rust converter or undercoating.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater core failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heater core fails, causing the vehicle’s interior to become cold.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Acura SLX is a reliable vehicle overall, but it has some known issues that can be costly to repair. The most common issues include VTEC solenoid failure, head gasket failure, transmission slipping, and rust on the undercarriage. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but it is important to be aware of them before purchasing a used SLX.