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.

Dashboard lights: The gauges and overhead console quit working because of a blown fuse. (1997)

Engine misfire: Engine bucking at about 5300 rpm may occur when many electrical devices are in use. Noise from the generator affects the transmission-governor pressure sensor delaying upshifts. (1997-98)

Engine noise: The timing chain makes a rattling noise, which requires a replacement chain, sprockets, and tensioner. (1997)

Exhaust system: The exhaust manifold studs on the 2.5-liter engine tend to break. (1997-98)

Keyless entry: If the remote keyless entry transmitter batteries die in less than two months, there is a problem with the transmitter and it will be replaced under warranty. (1997-98)

Manual transmission: High shift effort on 5-speed manual transmission may be remedied with a replacement shift shaft lever and shift detent plunger. (1999-2000)

Paint/body: "Radiant Red Metallic" paint suffers chipping problems because antichip primer was not applied during production. (1997)

Rough idle: Poor driveability may be caused by a rub between the camshaft position sensor and the tone wheel. (2000)

Steering noise: Snapping or clicking noise in steering caused by defective upper bearing retainer for which there is a fix kit. (2005)

Suspension noise: Front ball joints wear prematurely forcing relacement of lower control arm as well. Replacement joint with grease fitting is now available. (1997-03)

Suspension noise: A rhythmic squeaking noise from the front of 2-wheel-drive trucks is likely due to a warped front hub, not the rotor, usually after a brake job. (1997-99)

Vehicle noise: A popping noise can come from the rear of the cab because the sleeves in the cab isolators are too long and must be ground down. (1997-98)

Water leak: Power locks may lock/unlock spontaneously because water leaks into the lock cylinder. (2000-03)

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 w/131-inch wheelbase: Some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between fuel line and cab underbody.

1997: Airbag could deploy inadvertently when ignition is shut off.

1997-00 w/2.5-liter engine: Some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between left front brake tube and power-steering hose.

1997-00: Some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between rear-axle vent hose and brake hose.

1997-00: Sound-deadening material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing causing the driver-airbag system to become disabled. The airbag-warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

1998 2WD: Front-brake hoses or antilock brake-system sensor wire may be abraded at front wheels by contact with wheelhouse splash shield; prolonged contact with hose can cause partial braking loss.

1998: Bolts used to attach cab and core support to frame may have been improperly hardened; can allow cab to separate from frame.

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 w/4.7-liter engine and automatic: Automatic transmission may expel fluid from fill tube during normal temperature operation.

2000-01: Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child-restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.

2000-03 w/4WD: If moisture leaks into front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion may cause the joint to wear over an extended time period; could cause clunking noise and possible separation that may result in loss of control.

2001 Quad Cab: Front-outboard lower-seatbelt anchor bolts may not be tightened correctly. An improperly tightened seatbelt anchor may not provide the anticipated level of occupant restraint in a crash.

2001 w/4WD: Electric shift-transfer case may not fully engage into gear, causing the transfer case to end up in the neutral position.

2001-02: Certain vehicles are missing certification labels about maximum tire load capacity. Dealers will distribute labels.

2001-03 w/manual transmission: The clutch may chafe headlamp and dash wiring harnesses, causing the horn, lights wipers and signals to be inoperative. Dealer will inspect and replace al affected parts.

2002-04: Windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion, resulting in partial or total loss of wiping capability.