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.

Airbags: The airbag warning light may come on if a cell phone or laptop computer is plugged into the accessory power socket. (2002)

Automatic transmission: On V6 models, transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999-2002)

Automatic transmission: Four-speed automatic transmission may shift late or erratically when cold due to faulty linear (pressure control) solenoid. (2002-04)

Blower motor: Blower motor overheats, blows the fuse and may melt the fan because motor cooling hose becomes clogged. (1990-04)

Brakes: The brake light may not go off. The cause is a saturated float in the master cylinder that should be replaced under warranty or beyond. (1998)

Check-engine light: "Check EngineÓ light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (1998-02)

Oil leak: Oil leaks from multiple locations including bolt holes on V6 engines. (1998-2001)

Paint/body: If the car is driven on rough roads, the spoiler on the trunk can rub through the paint unless spacer pads are installed between the spoiler and trunklid. (1998)

Suspension noise: Loose nuts on the rear stabilizer bar cause it to rattle. (1998)

Transmission problems: Automatic transmission problems prompted to company to extend warranty coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles. (2000-02)

Vehicle noise: Noises come from the top of the windshield and rear window because the teeth for the glass fasteners aren't engaged. The teeth must be trimmed and a wool felt installed. (1998)

Wheels: Clicking noises from the wheels can be remedied by applying special grease between the wheels and hubs. (1999-2000)

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: Irregularity in transmission cover can allow car to roll down an incline while transmission is in "Park."

1998-99: Worn ignition switch may cause interlock to fail, allowing key to be removed without shifting into "Park."

1999-02: Ignition-switch interlock may not function properly, making it possible to turn key to "off" position and remove it, without shifting transmission to "Park."

2000: Airbags may not deploy correctly, due to improper welding.

2000: Rear suspension lower arms and/or control arms could break, due to improper welding.

2000-01: Certain rear seatbelt buckles were improperly manufactured and may be difficult to unfasten after a crash.

2000-01: Dimmer control for instrument panel lights on some cars could fail due to heat build-up, possibly causing instrument lights to fail.

2001: Broken plastic piece of air cleaner box cover could travel into the intake chamber. If the piece lodges in the throttle body, the throttle could stick in a partially open position.

2002 w/V6 engine: Engine will stall if timing belt breaks due to a misaligned tensioner pulley on the water pump.