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.

Automatic transmission: Transmission may shudder when accelerating from a stop, thump when coasting down to a stop, or slip when shifting. (1996)

Blower motor: Blower motors make a whine in low and second speed. (1996)

Blower motor: Blower motor quits working and a new resistor and wiring repair kit is required. (1996-97)

Brakes: The antilock brakes may activate at speeds under 10 mph due to one or more faulty wheel speed sensors. (1996)

Dashboard lights: The instrument cluster, mini-trip computer and/or compass may show incorrect information or go completely blank due to a bad relay for the heated backlight. (1997)

Doors: Sliding door and/or liftgate power locks fail to lock or unlock both manually or electrically. (1996)

Engine temperature: Reprogramming the powertrain control module might correct overheating. (1997-98)

Radiator: The radiator fan may run after the key is turned off, or may not run leading to overheating because the fan relay attaching screws break and the relay overheats. (1996-97)

Rough idle: Vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V6 may lose power and/or buck and miss. Problem can be fixed by disconnecting the knock sensor. (1996-97)

Rough idle: Rough running in 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 might be due to broken pedestals in the cylinder heads. (1996)

Vehicle noise: A thud or thump when accelerating or stopping is caused by fuel sloshing in the tank. A foam pad and strap kit does not always fix the problem. (1996-97)

Wipers: Windshield wipers come on by themselves or fail to stop when the switch is turned off due to a problem with the multifunciton switch on the column. (1996)

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.

1996: Fuel-tank rollover valve can allow fuel to enter vapor canister, creating potential for leakage and fire.

1996: On a few minivans, bolts holding integrated child seat modules to seat frame can break.

1996: On certain minivans, fuel can leak from tank at interface of fuel pump module attachment.

1996: Static charge could cause spark as tank is filled; vapors could ignite.

1996-97 w/integrated child seats: Shoulder-harness restraint on child seat can be difficult to release when latch plate becomes contaminated.

1996-98: The clockspring may have been wound incorrectly, resulting in illumination of airbag warning light and possibly causing the driver's side airbag to not function. Dealer will insect and replace affected parts on vehicles with 70,000 miles or less.

1997: Certain master-cylinder seals will not seal adequately, allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into power-assist vacuum reservoir; brake warning lamp will then illuminate.

1997: The D-pillar mastic sound barrier patch could loosen and drop into the seatbelt assembly, rendering it inoperative.

1998 w/integrated child seats: Shoulder-harness webbing was incorrectly routed around reinforcement bar; can fail to restrain child properly.

1998-00: Driver's airbag on some minivans may become disabled due to a failed clockspring in the steering-wheel hub; airbag warning lamp should illuminate.

1999: Front-seatbelt retractor does not work properly and will not adequately protect occupant in a crash.

1999-00 w/3.3-liter and 3.8-liter engines: Fuel could leak from the underhood fuel-injection fuel rail, increasing risk of vehicle fire.