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.

Alarm system: Some hoods do not contact the alarm switch enough, causing false alarms. The company was replacing the switches on an as-needed basis. (2001)

Audio system: Alternator whine on certain radios after a cell phone is installed requires a filtering condenser; a weak battery causes a delay in the audio and display on vehicles that also have the navigation system; and lack of power to the antenna amp causes no AM reception and poor FM reception. (2000)

Dashboard lights: The CHECK OIL light may come on when the engine is turned off despite the dipstick reading full requiring the control module to be reprogrammed. (2000)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge may not read full despite a full tank on models built prior to Aug. 2000, requiring replacement of the sending unit. (2000-01)

Steering problems: Steering-wheel vibrations on early production models with automatic transmission and 3.0L engine can be corrected with a countermeasure vibration damper. (2001)

Transmission leak: The manual transmission may leak from the drain plug requiring installation of a countermeasure plug. (2000)

Vehicle noise: Early production models made a clicking noise when the windows were opened and closed while those built after May 2000 do not because a plastic coated regulator was used. It can be retrofitted into earlier models. (2000)

Windows: Water leaking into the A-pillar corrodes a connector for the power locks, windows, and mirrors rendering them inoperative, requiring replacement connectors and sealing the leak. (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.

2000: In rough road conditions, the collar on the steering rack may loosen and separate from the rack, causing loss of steering capability.

2000: One of the steel-mesh oil lines may chafe a brake line, causing the brake line to rust through and leak.

2000-01: Due to disruption in electrical current, the vehicle may switch from "Park" or "Neutral" to the emergency program and the ability to maintain speed in traffic will be diminished.

2000-01: Some vehicles may have faulty safetybelt buckles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

2000-01: The brake-pedal arm could detach from the bracket, rendering brakes ineffective.

2000-02: Some vehicles may have faulty brake-line retaining clips, resulting in loss of brake fluid. Dealer will insect and replace affected parts.

2001: A tie rod may disconnect from the steering gear box, causing noise from the steering linkage and misalignment.

2001: Brake-pedal travel may be reduced due to relative movement between the pedal and booster, adversely affecting braking performance.

2001: Front-seat seatbelt anchorages may not have been properly secured.

2001: Loss of steering capability may result from a disconnected spindle.

2001: The bolts that fasten the pulley to the pump could loosen and cause the pulley to throw off the drive belt. Power-steering assist, water pump, and alternator functions may be lost.

2001: The cooling-fan motor may fail, overloading the circuitry of the fan-control unit and possibly overheating the engine.

2003: Insufficiently tightened engine-support bolts may lead to a loss of vehicle control. Dealer will tighten all affected bolts.

2003: On some vehicles, the distance between brake line and the steering shaft joint is too short, resulting in a reduction of front brake performance. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

2004: Engine stalling could occur due to incorrectly attached fuel line on certain vehicles, even though fuel gauge indicates that gasoline is present in tank.

2004: On certain V8 models, engine stalling may occur after short period of operation; engine may be unable to restart.

2004: When certain vehicles with 3.0-liter V6 engine and manual transmission are moving slowly in first gear, with gas pedal held in constant position and clutch pedal in partially depressed position, vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly.

2005: On certain SUVs, front left brake hose on certain SUVs could become damaged by rubbing against wheel well, possibly resulting in loss of brake fluid.