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.

Battery: A magnetic field is created because the battery is located in the trunk and the positive battery cable is routed through the vehicle. Swedish owners who complained were offered a repair kit. (2000)

Dashboard lights: If liquids leak into the center console it can short the mode switch which illuminates the check-engine light. (2000)

Door handles: Water gets into the door handle and freezes in cold weather. (1998)

Fuel economy: Due to contamination entering via the reference tub, oxygen sensors may fail prematurely. (1998)

Headlights: There were campaigns to replace the headlight-wiring assembly (with built-in resistor), headlight bulbs, and headlight-wiper stop lug. Turn-signal-bulb sockets are also covered because of poor contact with bulbs. (1998-2000)

Oil consumption: The screen in the oil filler can come loose inside the filler neck and often would have been replaced when the vehicle was in for other services. (2000)

Oil leak: Replacement copper washers might fix oil pump leaks from mounting screws on 2.5-liter engine. (1998)

Trunk latch: On some vehicles, the tailgate-latch mechanism that fails in cold weather. (2000)

Vehicle noise: Whining noise below 60 mph requires a damper on the four-wheel-drive viscous coupling. (2000)

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.

1998: Front-passenger airbag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharges; could possibly cause inadvertent deployment.

1998: Operation of headlight switch over extended period of time can result in inconsistent operation.

1998-00 S70: Over extended time period, headlight switch may cease to operate.

1998-99 V70 w/third seat: Users of third seat can contact tailpipe when exiting the vehicle.

1999 S70: Fuel-filter bracket configuration margins on some cars are insufficient; in the event of a crash, fuel leakage could occur.

1999-00: A dirty throttle housing and/or inefficient software calibration may force the vehicle into limp home mode. Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles.

2000: Front turn signal may not operate as desired because there is inadequate contact between the bulb and the socket.