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: Water leaks onto passenger side floor from A/C requiring an extension on the condensate drain tube. (1997-03)

Doors: The doors may not unlock with the key, requiring replacement of the door latches. (1997)

Fuel gauge: The gas-gauge needle may not point to full, may show 1/8 to 1/4 full when the tank is empty. (1997)

Fuel odors: The gas tank may fill slowly or the pump nozzle will keep shutting off due to a problem with the fuel-tank venting system. (1997)

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)

Steering problems: Fluid leaks from the power-steering reservoir. (1997)

Water leak: Water may leak onto the passenger-side front floor due to leaks in the heater and air-conditioner housing or from a problem with the evaporator drain tube. (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 Wrangler: Airbag could deploy inadvertently when ignition is shut off.

1997 Wrangler: Airbag-control module on some vehicles contains an error that can delay deployment in certain crash situations.

1997 Wrangler w/manual steering: Driver's airbag-wiring harness can break when steering wheel is turned to "full lock" position; in crash, airbag would not deploy.

1997-03 Wrangler w/Bestop hardtop and roof rack: With some rear shell roof racks made for use with aftermarket Bestop hardtop, cockpit cover may not stay latched and could separate from the roof rack.

1998 Wrangler: Front-seatbelt shoulder anchors were not properly heat treated and hardened; in a crash, occupant may not be properly restrained.

1998 Wrangler: Power-brake booster-vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear; may cause increase in engine-idle speed and loss of power brake assist.

1999 Wrangler: Instrument-panel ground-attachment screws could loosen over time, possibly affecting gauges and/or defroster.

2001 Wrangler: 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.

2001-02 Wrangler: Water may leak into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit and possibly a fire.

2002 Wrangler w/4.0-liter engine: Debris can accumulate in the intake and exhaust manifolds, increasing the risk of fire.

2005-06 Wrangler w/42RLE automatic transmission: Cup plug that retains park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed; if it changes position, vehicle may not be able to achieve "Park" position.

2006 Wrangler w/ 6-speed manual transmissions: The hydraulic clutch master cylinder linkage rod may break, causing unintentional vehicle movement, increased stopping distance, and engine stalling. Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder linkage rod free of charge.

2006: The antilock brake system control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit.