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.

Coolant leak: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1995-2001)

Coolant leak: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-01)

Engine noise: Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1996-98)

Engine temperature: The engine may overheat due to a problem with the heater hoses, which swell, then loosen from the heater core pipes and leak. (1996)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Fuel pump: Excess material in the plastic fuel tank can collect on the fuel pickup filter and restrict fuel flow. (1995-96)

Hard starting: There is a new Flash PROM available to correct hard starting and stalling under high-load, slow-speed operation. (1996)

Oil leak: Some cars have high oil consumption that is corrected by replacing the PCV harness as well as the valve cover, spark plugs and wires, and oil-fill cap. (1995)

Suspension noise: A popping noise from the front end is caused by a problem with the struts and can be corrected with an additional jounce bumper. (1995-96)

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.

1995 Lumina: Steering-column bracket bolts on some cars may not be tightened.

1995: Right lower control-arm ball-joint mounting hole was incorrectly positioned.

1995: Seatbelt anchor can fracture in a crash.

1995: Strained or separated windshield-wiper/washer switch wire can cause intermittent or nonexistent wash/wipe operation.

1996 Lumina: Left front brake line can contact transaxle bracket or bolt and wear through.

1996: Brake-booster tab is improperly located; if stopping distance is short, crash could occur.

1996: Faulty power steering bearings may have been installed on certain vehicles, resulting in difficulty turning the steering wheel. Dealers will inspect and replace all affected parts.

2000 Lumina: Clamp that secures flexible fuel-fill hose to metal fill tube on a few cars could be loose and might separate, causing fuel leakage.

2000 Lumina: Passenger-airbag modules on a few cars have undersized inflator orifice, so module could explode during a crash.

2000 Lumina: Right front brake hose on a few cars is incorrectly routed and could be cut or separated.

2000 Lumina w/rear drum brakes: Bolt heads on rear spindle rod can separate and affected wheel can shift, causing loss of control.

2000-01: Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.

2001: Airbag sensing diagnostic modules could experience a memory error prohibiting deployment in a collision.