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.

Air springs: Air springs are prone to leaks caused by the bag rubbing against the axle or control arm. (Any so-equipped)

Alternator belt: The drive-belt tensioner pulley or idler-pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1993-96)

Automatic transmission: Transmission shudder or vibration can be caused by improper transmission fluid. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed and that only Mercon fluid be used. (1992-94)

Automatic transmission: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1992-95)

Coolant leak: The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-97)

Hard starting: The connector at the starter solenoid tends to corrode resulting in a "no-crank" condition. (1991-94)

Hard starting: If the engine does not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle-air control valve may be sticking. (1996)

Heater core: Heater cores may repeatedly leak requiring a restrictor be installed in the heater inlet hose. (1990-97)

Oil leak: The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil-pump relief valve sticks. (1991-94)

Vehicle noise: A chattering noise that can be felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1990-96)

Vehicle noise: A broken gusset or weld separation at the frame crossmember causes a rattle from the rear or the car. (1990-92)

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.

1990-91 cars in 25 states: Corrosion of hood-latch striker causes detachment, so hood can open unexpectedly.

1990-97 police/fleet/natural gas: Bearing within lower ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack; could result in separation, allowing control arm to drop to the ground.

1991: Distorted fuel lines may contact steering-column universal joint and be damaged.

1991-92: Secondary hood latch may not engage; if primary latch releases when car is moving, hood could fly up.

1992-93: Speed-control deactivation switch can develop short that could result in underhood fire, whether or not engine is running.

1992-98 Town Car w/speed control system: The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.

1994: Brake-pedal pushrod retainer may be missing or improperly installed, which can cause disengagement and loss of braking.

1994: Nuts and bolts that attach rear brake adapter to axle-housing flange can loosen and separate, allowing damage to ABS sensor, hydraulic line, and parking-brake cable.

1995: Seal between fuel-filler pipe and tank may not be fully cured, which could allow fuel to leak.

1995: Some passenger-side airbags may not inflate properly; also, igniter cap can separate, releasing hot gases.

1995-96 fleet cars only: Corrosion of inadequately lubricated Pitman arms can cause abnormal wear of joint, resulting in separation.

1995-97: Passenger vehicles that have had the driver's airbag module replaced after April 5, 2000, may have modules with inflators that lack insufficient welds and may prevent proper inflation of the airbag.

1996: Driver's door, when closed only to secondary latched position, may not sustain the specified 1000-pound transverse load.

1996: Wrong parts may have been used to service seatbelts with switchable retractor for child restraints.

1996-97: Replacement seatbelts made by TRW and sold by Ford may not restrain occupant in a collision.

1997: Driver's airbag module could stay in position during deployment, but leave the steering wheel cavity afterward.