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.

Brake noise: During moderate application, the rear brakes make a moaning sound. New pads are available to correct the problem. (1998-99)

Check-engine light: Chafed wiring harness near the A/C accumulator can cause check-engine light, no-start, ABS warning light, stalling, or poor drivability. (1999-2001)

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. (1997-2004)

Coolant leak: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1997-03)

Cruise control: If the cruise control cancels when the wipers are running, the cruise control module and ground wires must be replaced. (1997-98)

Door handles: On white cars, the door handles turn yellow from the lock-cylinder grease. The company will replace the cylinders under warranty and there is a colorless grease available. (1997-99)

Doors: The power door locks fail due to a rubber part breaking on the actuator arm inside the door. (1997)

Engine misfire: The 3800 engine develops an ignition miss because the grease in the spark-plug boots causes them to crack. (1997-98)

Engine noise: Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1997-98)

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)

Poor transmission shift: The transmission may not shift out of third gear because the wires from the torque-converter switch rub and short out on the air-cleaner housing. (1998)

Tail/brake lights: If water leaks into the left taillight housing, it must be replaced with a countermeasure housing. (1997)

Wipers: The windshield wipers may not park at the bottom of the windshield because water gets into the motor assembly and freezes. (1997-98)

Wipers: The wipers may not stop in the correct position due to a problem with the wiper motor bracket. (2002)

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.

1997: Windshield wipers may stop working, due to separation between drive pin and crescent in crank-arm assembly.

1997-98: 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.

1997-99: When the hazard-flasher switch is used to turn the hazard flashers on or off, the retained accessory power feature can be activated without a key in the ignition.

1999: Driver's airbag-inflator modules could produce excessive internal pressure. In the event of a crash, the increased internal pressure can cause the inflator module to explode.

2000: Front passenger-airbag modules in a few cars have undersized inflator orifice; in a crash, this can cause inflator module to explode.

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

2001: Passenger airbag-inflator modules may have been built without the correct amount of explosive. Airbag explosion or failure could occur.

2003: Right rear brake hose may be too loose, resulting in loss of brake fluid. Dealer will inspect vehicle and tighten affected brake hoses.