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.

Accessory belt: The serpentine belt may come off in wet weather. A revised belt tensioner and water pump pulley are available. (2001-02)

Accessory belt: The serpentine accessory drive belt on 4.6L engine comes off in wet weather requiring a redesigned water pump, tensioner pulley or both. (2001-02)

Air springs: Air springs are prone to leaks caused by the bag rubbing against the axle or control arm. (1992-96)

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

Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission is notorious for shuddering or vibrating under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed. (1992-94)

Brakes: A corroded electrical connector may cause the antilock brakes to activate unnecessarily and/or flash the ABS light. Revised connectors are available. (1995-97)

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 (1996-2001)

Engine misfire: The cam lobes may become loose on 4.6-liter V8. The only solution is camshaft replacement. (1992)

Engine noise: 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)

Hard starting: The connector at the starter solenoid tends to corrode resulting in a "no crank" condition. (1992-94)

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

Heater core: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1985-2002)

Oil leak: The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil pump relief valve sticks. Higher than recommended viscosity oils cause wear to the valve bore. (1992-94)

Spark plugs: Spark plug hole threads in cylinder heads are easily damaged or stripped out when removing plugs because carbon builds up on them. (2004-05)

Vehicle noise: A broken gusset or weld separation at the frame crossmember causes a rattle from the rear of the car. (1992)

Vehicle noise: A chattering noise that can be felt, and sometimes heard, 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 (limited-slip) differential. (1992-96)

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.

1992: "Antilock" brake warning lights in small number of cars will not actuate.

1992-1998 Crown Victoria 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.

1992-93: Speed-control deactivation switch can develop a short, which could potentially result in fire even if engine is not running.

1992-99 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.

1993-94 w/police option: Upper-control-arm bolts can loosen and fracture, causing substantial negative camber and steering pull; fracture at both holes could result in loss of control.

1994: Nuts and bolts that attach rear brake adapter to axle flange can loosen and eventually separate.

1995: In the event of short-circuit or overload, both headlamps can go out without warning.

1995: On some cars, passenger-airbag's inflator body is cracked and may not inflate properly; also, igniter end cap can separate.

1995: Rivet heads holding rear outboard seatbelt D-rings may fracture under load, reducing belt's restraining capability.

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

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

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

1996-00: Replacement seatbelts made by TRW and sold by Ford may not restrain occupant in a collision.

1996-03 CNG vehicles: Vehicle fire could lead to natural-gas tank explosion.

1997 w/traction control: Rear brake line may chafe due to contact with floor pan stiffening rib, resulting in brake fluid leakage; brake pedal could develop "spongy" feel and brake performance may be compromised.

1998-00: Incorrect jacking instructions may cause personal injury.

2000: During high-load conditions (ice, snow, or other debris), windshield wipers could become inoperative with no advance warning.

2000: Left-rear seatbelt-retractor bolts were incorrectly tightened on a few cars.

2000: Loose module on a few cars could result in delayed airbag deployment.

2001: A restraint control module (RCM) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing.

2001: Driver- and/or outboard front-passenger's seatbelt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection.

2002: A T-fitting that connects two of the fuel tanks can develop a leak when the ignition switch is on or during refueling, increasing the risk of fire.

2003 Fleet: Overloading the wheel bearings and axles on certain police, commercial and passenger models sold to fleets could lead to early bearing failure, and ultimately to axle-shaft fracture.

2003-04 Heavy-duty Fleet and Police: At extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel could sag and possibly contact the catalytic converter, resulting in burning odor, smoke, and potential for fire.

2003-05 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor models w/steel wheels: Some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim near the weld line that connects the rim to the disk. The cracks can ultimately result in rapid air loss from the tire and could affect vehicle control. Dealers will inspect and replace affected wheels.

2007: The windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body, resulting in wind noise, squeak/rattles, and/or water leaks. Dealers will replace the windshield.