Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear, because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1991)

Cruise control: Cars equipped with vacuum-operated cruise control (as opposed to the Electro-Motor Cruise Control) may not maintain the proper speed due to a faulty vacuum servo. (1990-91)

Engine stalling: Cars with 3800 engines may stall when decelerating or be hard to start due to a faulty idle air control, which must be replaced. (1990)

Oil leak: Oil leaks may be due to a defect in the oil pan and gasket, and the display may report a false low oil level due to a defective oil level sensor and/or deformed oil pan. (1990)

Oil leak: The oil-pressure gauge may display an intermittent high reading due to a faulty oil-pressure sensor. (1990)

Transmission noise: An intermittent rattling noise at start-up is often caused by automatic transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1991)

Transmission slippage: Model 440-T4 or 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-91)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1990: Brake indicator light may not illuminate properly, failing to warn driver of impending brake failure. Body computer module prom must be replaced.

1990: Forward airbag sensor may have been incorrectly constructed causing a delay in airbag deployment. Senors should be checked and/or replaced.

1990: Transaxle shift-control cable may disengage causing a loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation.