My 1998 acura slx, with 122,000 miles, requires a new engine. The car developed a loud slapping noise and was diagnosed by 2 mechanics as a broken piston skirt. I was told that this is a common issue with these cars - a result of a mismatch between the isuzu engine and the acura transmission.
The worst 1998 Acura SLX problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine3
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Tires1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine3
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Tires1
Recalls 1
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The transfer gearbox flange nuts were not properly installed, causing the nuts to loosen.
- Risk
- If the flange nuts loosen, the propeller shaft can separate, rendering the vehicle inopeative.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect front and rear flange nuts and, if found loose, tighten to specified torque and secured staked at two places.
Recall number 98V180000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Acura SLX 11
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- The MIL comes on and DTC P1441 (EVAP system flow during non-purge) is set
- Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem...
- Shift solenoid identification
- Clearing antilock braking system diagnostic trouble codes
- This article mentions there is no t on replacement top piston rings
- Subject regarding replacement top piston ring marking
- Subject regarding transmission drain plug leaking automatic transmission fluid
- Information regarding automatic transmission main case oil pan plug leaks
- A condition may exist where static from the speakers while adjusting the power mirrors with the engine...
What 1998 Acura SLX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. Our mileage is extremely low and there should be no reason to replace the engine this soon. We own a 1993 jeep cherokee that have 117k miles on the original engine! We have read many complaints on other websites about the acura/isuzu engines blowing so early. We are very disappointed and will never recommend nor buy an acura/isuzu again.
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. *ak *sc
Throttle sucked to the ground and would not release when brakes applied, when emergency brake was extended.
Unable to steer straight line at 70 MPH 95 degrees, wanders over road, okay when tires cold. *ak( dot number: cll417 tire size: p245/70r16 )
The quick disconnect gas tank connection came loose on the highway. Driver is unaware of leak until made aware of it by someone else.
Compare the 1998 Acura SLX
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Questions about the 1998 Acura SLX
Is the 1998 Acura SLX reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1998 Acura SLX, 6.0 times a typical SLX model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Acura SLX?
Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Acura SLX have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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