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 conditioner: If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling and/or the air flow from the vents decreases, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor-clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the A/C evaporator to freeze up. (1991-95)

Alternator belt: Deep snow could knock the serpentine belt off the pulleys of a 3.0-liter engine. Installing a shield fixes the problem. (1991-95)

Automatic transmission: 3.3-liter engines may have late, harsh, or erratic automatic transmission shifts that are not transmission related, but caused by a defective throttle-position sensor. (1994)

Automatic transmission: Bad seals in the transmission lead to premature friction-component wear, which causes shudder when starting from a stop, a bump when coasting to a stop, and slipping between gears. (1993-95)

Automatic transmission: The transmission front pump could be leaking due to a worn bushing. The fix involves replacement of the pump as well as the torque converter. (1990-95)

Engine mounts: The motor mount on the left side of the engine tends to break. (1992-93)

Oil consumption and exhaust smoke: High oil consumption and smoke from the exhaust at idle and deceleration on 3.0-liter engines is caused by exhaust-valve guides that slide out of the heads. (1990-93)

Rough idle: 2.2- or 2.5-liter engines may idle rough or stumble when first started below freezing temperatures unless a revised intake manifold (with an "X" cast into the No. 1 runner) was installed (1992), or a revised computer (PCM) was installed (1992-93), or the computer was reprogrammed (1994).

Transaxle leak: 41TE or 42LE automatic transaxles could take several seconds to engage at startup because of a problem with the valve body. (1993-95)

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.

1991 w/ABS: High-pressure hose in antilock braking system may leak or detach, which increases likelihood of brake lockup.

1991 w/ABS: High-pressure pump of antilock braking system may be porous, resulting in increased stopping distances.

1991: Liftgate-support attaching bolts can break, resulting in liftgate falling unexpectedly.

1991-92: Steering-wheel mounting armature can develop cracks and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column; can result in loss of vehicle control.

1991-93 w/ABS: Piston seal in control unit can wear excessively; ABS could fail, and power assist might be reduced.

1991-93: Due to improperly staked left windshield-wiper pivot drive arm, wipers could cease to function.

1991-93: Seatbelt-release button can stick inside cover, so buckle is only partially latched; also, center rear-belt anchor clip can disconnect.

1992: Bolts that attach gas strut to rear liftgate can accumulate fatigue damage, if loose; liftgate could fall suddenly.

1992: Brake pedal pad attachment arm on small number of vehicles could break.

1992: Brake-pedal pad attachment to pedal arm may not have adequate strength.

1992: Fuel tank may drop, or lines may rupture near fuel tank, leading to possible fire.

1992: Zinc plating of some upper steering-column shaft-coupling bolts caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage.

1993-94: Liftgate support attaching bolts can break, resulting in liftgate falling unexpectedly.

1993-94: Lug nuts on optional 15-inch stamped steel wheels may have been improperly installed, which could lead to wheel separation.

1993-95: Wiring that initiates driver and/or passenger airbag could short immediately after turning ignition key to "on" position, causing airbag to deploy inadvertently.