1997 Acura SLX

Introduction

The 1997 Acura SLX is a mid-size SUV that was produced by Acura from 1996 to 1999. It was based on the Isuzu Trooper and was offered with either a 3.2-liter V6 engine or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The SLX was praised for its comfortable interior, powerful engines, and off-road capabilities. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and dated design.

Engine

3.2-liter V6 Engine

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket, causing overheating and loss of coolant.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt breaks, causing the engine to stop running.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt and any other damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5-liter V6 Engine

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the head gasket, causing overheating and loss of coolant.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips gears or fails to engage properly.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front lower control arm bushings wear out
  • Description/Symptoms: The front lower control arm bushings wear out, causing clunking noises and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the front lower control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear leaf springs sag
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear leaf springs sag, causing the rear of the vehicle to sit lower than the front.
  • Solution: Replace the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $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 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter fails, preventing the engine from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust around the rear wheel wells
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust develops around the rear wheel wells, especially in areas where the paint has been chipped.
  • Solution: Repair the rust and repaint the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power window switches fail
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window switches fail, preventing the windows from opening or closing.
  • Solution: Replace the power window switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate control system failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system fails, causing the air conditioning or heater to stop working.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the faulty component in the climate control system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1997 Acura SLX is a reliable vehicle that offers good performance and off-road capabilities. However, it is important to be aware of the potential issues that can arise with the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior. The cost to fix these issues can be significant, so it is important to factor this into the cost of ownership.