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.

Air conditioner: If the air conditioning is insufficient, the engine cooling fan and the air-conditioning orifice tube may have to be replaced. (1997)

Brakes: The brake pedal may not return causing the brakes to drag, get hot and wear out prematurely. The cause may be misadjusted brake or cruise control switches of a defective brake-pedal assembly. (1997)

Climate control: The heater may not be adequate in cold weather requiring a revised heater core and possibly a new distribution duct. (1997)

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)

Hard starting: Corroded electrical connector under the driver's seat can cause hard starting, stalling, and improper fuel gauge readings. (2000-02)

Vehicle noise: A rattling noise from the rear on long wheelbase models equipped with electronic level control requires replacement shock absorbers. (1997-98)

Windows: If the "auto-down" feature of the power window quits, the integrated circuit that controls this function must be replaced. (1997)

Windshield: The windshield may crack in cold weather. (1997)

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.

1997-05 Venture w/second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and power sliding passenger door:: If someone holds onto the sliding-door handle while it's being opened by the motor, that person's arm may be pushed into the seatback or armrest, possibly resulting in injury to wrist or lower arm.

1997-2001 Venture w/passenger-side power doors: Door closes but may not be latched. If this happens, the sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion.

1997-98 Venture w/bucket seats or split bench seat in second or third row: Seat-latch mechanism does not have protective covers; when activating release mechanism to roll a bucket seat forward, finger(s) could be severely injured or severed, if they are not kept clear.

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.

1997-98: Windshield-wiper linkage arm can contact brake line connected to traction-control modulator valve; brake line can chafe, resulting in brake-fluid leakage.

1998: Broken shift-cable fitting or loose shift linkage can occur; moving shift lever to "Park" position may not shift the transmission to "Park," and vehicle could roll.

1998-01 w/passenger-side sliding door: Front passenger-side sliding doors may have inadequate welds. Actuator can jam in the unlatched position and, when the sliding door closes, it will not be latched.

1999: Front lower insulator to cradle sleeve on small number of minivans may collapse, which could result in steering-shaft separation.

2000 w/extended wheelbase: Small number of vehicles have inoperative fuel-tank rollover valves.

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

2001: Owner's manual doesn't adequately explain-child restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.

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

2001: Seat-latch anchor wire diameter may be wider than 6.1 mm, potentially inhibiting the installation of child restraints.

2002: Airbag-inflator could fracture and possibly injure passengers.

2002-04: Exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to the fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve. A fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and leak. Dealers will replace the fuel tank.

2003-04: Owner's manual doesn't adequately explain child restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.

2004: Warning label attached to available second-row integral child restraint is incomplete.