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

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)

Vehicle noise: A thud or thump, which comes from the rear 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 multifunction switch. (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 w/bench seats, built at Windsor plant ("R" in 11th position of VIN): Rear-seat bolts can fracture; in an accident, seat could break away.

1996: Fuel-tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into vapor canister, resulting in 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 being 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 w/Goodyear tires and steel wheels: Tires were damaged, and may lose pressure suddenly.

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.

1997: Wheels on small number of minivans were damaged by equipment used for mounting.

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: The front-seatbelt retractor does not comply with the requirements of the standard. If the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.

2000 Caravan and Grand Caravan: Certain vehicles are missing certification labels about maximum tire load capacity. Dealers will distribute labels.

2000 w/3.3-liter and 3.8-liter engines: Seals on fuel rails can degrade, allowing an underhood fuel leak, which would increase likelihood of vehicle fire.