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.

Ball joints: Ball joints wear prematurely and should be replaced regardless of time or mileage. (1999-2000)

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. (1999-2000)

Battery: Car may not start, and warning lights for CHECK IMMOBILIZER, LOW BEAM, BRAKES may glow due to excessive resistance between the positive battery cable and the main fuse panel. (2005)

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

Poor transmission shift: On less than 10,000 vehicles, the transmission was receiving an announced software upgrade (2000-01) and those with a GM (model 4T65) transmission needed a replacement shift solenoid to correct a shudder between 2nd and 3rd gear. (1999-2000)

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.

1999: Some electric cooling fans could be inadequate, allowing components to overheat and even melt.

1999-00: The ball joint between the front wheel-king pin and the suspension link arm could be loose.

1999-01: 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.

1999-01: Under certain operating conditions, some cooling fans may overheat, potentially causing heat damage and rare possibility of engine-compartment fire.

2001: Rear-outboard seatbelt-anchorage bolts may be loose, leaving occupants improperly restrained in crash.

2005: Positive battery terminal may conflict with starter-motor solenoid, leading to short circuit; smoke may appear from under the hood, and engine may not start or, if car is moving, electrical power may be lost.

2005-06: The label denoting the tire and loading pressure information is incorrect. Dealers will mail the correct labels free of charge.