I've had one for a number of years and no problems but my daughter had one that died back - I think in her case the lack of regular watering was the cause!

Lack of regular watering, in a windy spot, in alkaline soil, in full sun, in full shade...

Acers need to be in acidic to neutral soil, grow best in semi shade, do not like being in a windy spot, do not like being dry, they also need lots of humus in the soil.

It looks like one of my Acers has died back (a Sangu Kaku). I think it was due to the cold weather as the long thin branches are not that hardy.