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.

Alternator belt: The company issued a (nonsafety) recall to replace the alternators. (1996 and some later)

Automatic transmission: Severely cracked secondary pulleys and pump drives cause the ECVT to slip. (1995)

Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission dipstick may break requiring the broken bits to be removed. (1995-97)

Brake noise: There may be a buzzing sound coming from the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic unit motor and/or an ABS warning light glowing, caused by a faulty ABS relay for which there is a revised part. (1995-97)

Brakes: Some of the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic motors were faulty, causing them to run intermittently even after the key is turned off. (1995-98)

Dashboard lights: If the check-engine light comes on in cold weather it is likely due to ice forming in the vacuum line between the engine and transmission. (1995)

Engine mounts: Due to the multitude of configurations (bolt holes, accessory attachment points, etc.), cylinder heads for 2.5L engines are extremely difficult to interchange, often making the simplest solution replacement of the engine. (1995-99)

Oil leak: An oil leak between the oil pump and block is repaired by drilling out the oil return hole to 6mm diameter. (1995)

Poor transmission shift: Hesitation or poor acceleration may be due to the powertrain-control module (PCM) misinterpreting normal engine vibrations as knock, and retarding the ignition timing requiring a replacement PCM. (1999)

Rear axle noise: Vibration and noise from the rear when traveling over 65 mph on vehicles with AWD requires countermeasure dampers on the rear crossmember. (1997-99)

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.

1995: Front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.

1995-96: Inadvertent airbag deployment could occur after undercarriage contact of tow hooks with curbs, dips, speed bumps, etc.

1996-97: Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on support bracket of front transverse link, resulting in separation and failure of front suspension.

1997: Hazard-warning switch can stick in intermediate position, so turn signals become inoperable.

1997: Omitted bearing in throttle-body assembly could eventually lead to incomplete return of throttle, resulting in fast idle.

1997-98 w/automatic transmission: Due to poor welds, ignition key can stick, shift lever/linkages can break, and improper movement of shift lever can occur.

1998-99 w/ABS: In extremely cold weather, master-cylinder seals could fail; brake pedal might then go to floor, increasing stopping distance.

1998-99: Purolator oil filter can fracture, causing vaporized oil spray and subsequent oil leak at hot exhaust system; could result in underhood fire.