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: Transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999-2003)

Seat: The driver's seat may rock because the bolts in the motor that controls the up/down movement come loose. (1996)

Seatbelts/safety: The button that prevents the seatbelt tongue from sliding to the floor breaks. (1996-98)

Speedometer: The speedometer may read higher than actual speed. (1996)

Vehicle noise: Knocking noise from the front of vehicle is likely due to a worn bearing in the upper suspension arm(s). (1996-98)

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.

1996-98: Ball joints on certain cars could wear out prematurely and, in worst case, separate and cause front suspension to collapse.

1996-99: Bolt can loosen and fall out, allowing transmission to disengage from differential. Not only would the vehicle lose power to drive wheels without warning, but shifting into "Park" would not lock the wheels.

2000: Brake master cylinder may have internal corrosion, resulting in reduced braking performance and increased stopping distances. Dealers will replace the master cylinder assembly, reservoir, and brake fluid.

2000-02: Oil applied during manufacture can leak into the brake stop switch and contaminate the electrical contacts.