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. (1991-94)

Automatic transmission: 440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-92)

Coolant leak: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-96)

Coolant leak: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-96)

Engine noise: Bearing knock was common on many 3.8-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number one main bearing. (1992-94)

Engine noise: An intermittent rattle at start up may be due to too much wrist pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)

Engine noise: An intermittent rattling noise at start up is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1991-95)

Oil consumption: Models with the 3.8-liter engine are prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock during normal driving conditions due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1993-95)

Steering noise: The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking that can be both heard and felt. (1994-96)

Transaxle leak: The right front axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)

Valve cover leaks: The plastic valve covers on 3.1-liter engines were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)

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 w/Kelsey-Hayes steel wheels: Cracks may develop in wheel mounting surface; if severe, wheel could separate from car.

1990: Brake lights may not illuminate, or will not stay lit all the time when brakes are applied, due to faulty switch.

1990: Front shoulder belt may not properly restrain passenger in an accident.

1990-91: Steering shaft could separate from steering gear.

1991 in 15 states: Corrosion due to road salt could allow one or both front engine-cradle bolts to pull through their retainers; steering shaft could possibly separate from steering gear.

1991: Front-door shoulder-belt guide loops may be cracked.

1992: Reverse servo apply pin of 4-speed automatic transmission may bind, which could cause loss or slipping of reverse, poor performance, or transmission to remain in reverse while indicator shows neutral.

1993: Manual recliner mechanisms on some front seats will not latch under certain conditions, causing seatback to recline without prior warning.

1993-95: Replace clear front side-marker bulbs with amber.

1994-95: Rear brake hoses can contact suspension components and wear through, resulting in loss of brake fluid.

1994-95: Strained wire can cause intermittent or nonexistent wiper/washer operation.

1995: Center-rear-seatbelt anchor plate could fracture in a crash.

1995: On a few cars, steering-column support bolts could vibrate, loosen, or fall out.

1995: Seatbelt anchor can fracture during crash.

1995-96: The driver's airbag could deploy inadvertently and injure the driver.

1996 w/3.8-liter V6: Backfire can break upper intake manifold, resulting in possible fire.

1996: Left front brake line can contact transaxle mounting bracket or bolt, causing line to wear through, resulting in loss of fluid and eventual loss of half the brake system.