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: The A/C compressor may fail to engage or fail to disengage due to a faulty thermo contact, which is now available separately from the compressor. (1999-03)

Automatic transmission: A recall was issued to replace the shift-lock solenoid that prevented the transmission from shifting out of park. (1999)

Brakes: If the brake-fluid reservoir cap is not installed properly, fluid can be sucked out of the reservoir through the cap's check valve. (1999-01)

Climate control: There were several problems with the HVAC controls ranging from stiff controls to ticking motors to loose knobs and broken spindles. New parts were being installed under warranty. (1999)

Oil consumption: A banjo bolt in the crankcase ventilation system should be replaced to prevent oil from possibly entering the combustion chamber (causing emissions) or starving the turbo bearing. (1999)

Wipers: The rear wiper may get loose or fall off unless thread-locking compound is applied to the hold-down nut. (1999)

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.

1999 w/manual front seats, made March 4 - October 17, 1998: Failure of "Easy Entry" cable in front manual seats can cause seat fore/aft adjustable mechanism to be unlocked, reducing the restraint capability of the safetybelts in a crash.

2000 9-3 convertibles: The fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump.

2000-02 w/B205/B235 four-cylinder or B308 six-cylinder engine: Overheating and burnout of isolated gated bipolar transistor may occur, most often at engine start-up.

2001: Airbag alert labels may not be permanently affixed.

2001-02 Sedan and Convertible: Some fuel pump retaining tabs were damaged during production; over time, fuel lines could loosen from pump, resulting in leakage.

2002: A loose tie rod could result in a sudden reduction or total loss of steering control.