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.

Audio system: Scratches or microscopic cracks in the rear-window heater grid cause interference in the radio when the rear defroster is turned on. (All)

Battery: Due to faulty time delay relay, electric cooling fan may not turn off. This usually results in a dead battery. (1989-98)

Climate control: If blower on the automatic climate control quits working, the control unit may have failed. (1994-98)

Engine fan: The battery may go dead because the cooling-fan relay, which allows the fan to run 10 minutes after the engine is turned off, keeps the fan on. (1994-96)

Hard starting: The turbo bypass valve is secured with plastic clamps that break, causing hard starting and poor drivability. (All)

Poor drivability: Stumble, stalling, or hesitation during the first minute after startup is corrected by replacing the engine-control computer. (1994-95)

Transmission leak: The gear-selector shaft seal is prone to leak on manual transmissions. (1994-96)

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.

1994 hatchback: Weld omitted from manual driver's-seat rails.

1994: On some manual front seats, trigger springs at fore/aft lever do not properly lock the seat rails.

1994: Weld points for side-protection beam in rear door may be out of position.

1994-95 w/manual shift: It is possible to move shift lever into reverse, remove key, and still be in neutral.

1994-95: Welds on recliner may be missing, allowing seatback to fall backward when under load.

1994-97: Corrosion can cause throttle lever to bind.

1994-98: Instructions for properly aiming headlights were omitted.

1995 convertible: Steering-column shaft may be misaligned.

1995 w/Bosch "Motronic 2.10.3": Upon startup, engine speed may fluctuate for up to 30 seconds.

1995: Some vehicles may have defective airbag electronic control units, causing an electrical short and possible deployment. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.

1996: Seatbelt anchorage on some cars may not properly secure the occupant in an accident.

1997-98: Airbag alert label on driver's sunvisor was omitted.

1998: Static electricity can build up within the passenger-side airbag module and create enough of a charge to cause an inadvertent airbag deployment.