Engine seizure / catastrophic failure
Seized engine, broken crankshaft, metal shavings found in oil; owners describe the engine as 'blown'
Check engine light: On
Multiple documented cases of engine seizure and catastrophic failure, with broken crankshafts and metal shavings found in the oil — owners describe the engine as simply 'blown.' This has been reported across a very wide mileage range, including some failures at surprisingly low mileage, and often requires a full engine replacement. A failure this severe is typically preceded by check-engine-light warnings, unusual noise, or oil-pressure warnings.
$2,000 – $4,8004,800 – 145,000 mi
↑ Back to the problem table
Engine oil leaks
Oil visible under the vehicle, oil consumption between services
Check engine light: Off
The most frequently named engine issue for this generation: oil leaks from oil pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, the timing cover, and oil pressure sending units. An oil leak on its own doesn't reliably trigger a check-engine light unless oil pressure drops significantly.
$150 – $2,70125,000 – 160,000 mi
↑ Back to the problem table
Starting / electrical issues
Intermittent failure to start (push-button ignition), battery/key fob problems, brake sensor failures
Check engine light: Off
Intermittent starting failures tied to the push-button ignition system, along with battery, key fob, and brake sensor problems.
$600 – $840
↑ Back to the problem table
Fuel system failures
Highway-speed stalling; fuel injector defects
Check engine light: On
Fuel pump failures causing stalling at highway speed and fuel injector defects. One documented report describes a fuel injector failure that burned through an entire tank of fuel within 30 miles — a severe, safety-relevant failure. A fuel-system fault like this reliably triggers a check-engine light.
One documented report describes an injector failure burning through a full tank in 30 miles. This is a severe failure, not a routine fuel-economy issue.
↑ Back to the problem table
Overheating / coolant issues
Cracked radiators, failed water pumps, hose failures, coolant mixing into engine oil
Check engine light: On
Overheating tied to cracked radiators, failed water pumps, hose failures, and in some cases coolant mixing into the engine oil. Overheating like this typically triggers a check-engine or temperature warning light.
$150 – $2,600
↑ Back to the problem table
Sensor problems (crankshaft, O2, throttle position)
Check engine light
Check engine light: On
A cluster of sensor failures — crankshaft position, oxygen, and throttle position sensors — each reliably triggering a check-engine light.
$450 – $700
↑ Back to the problem table
Headlamp failure
Headlamp failure, including cases where headlights randomly turn off while driving in auto mode
Check engine light: Off
Headlamp failure, including cases where headlights randomly turn off while driving in auto mode. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 653 owner reports on file.
↑ Back to the problem table
AC compressor clutch failure
AC compressor clutch fails, often ending AC function entirely
Check engine light: Off
AC compressor clutch fails, often ending AC function entirely. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 221 owner reports on file.
↑ Back to the problem table
Airbag warning light cluster (passenger seat sensor, control module, clock spring)
Erroneous airbag warning light, variously attributed to a passenger seat sensor malfunction, a control module fault, or a clock spring malfunction
Check engine light: Off
Erroneous airbag warning light, variously attributed to a passenger seat sensor malfunction, a control module fault, or a clock spring malfunction. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 168 owner reports on file.
↑ Back to the problem table
Updated Timing Chain Tensioner to Correct Noise on Startup
Startup noise corrected by an updated timing chain tensioner
Check engine light: Off
Startup noise corrected by an updated timing chain tensioner. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 94 owner reports on file.
↑ Back to the problem table
Software update to correct transmission issues
Transmission shifting problems addressed by a dealer software update
Check engine light: On
Transmission shifting problems addressed by a dealer software update. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 87 owner reports on file.
↑ Back to the problem table
Ignition Coil May Fail
Ignition coil failure
Check engine light: On
Ignition coil failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 77 owner reports on file.
↑ Back to the problem table
No Sound from Speakers
Speakers stop producing sound
Check engine light: Off
Speakers stop producing sound. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 73 owner reports on file.
↑ Back to the problem table
The standout problem on this generation is engine seizure and catastrophic failure — multiple documented cases of seized engines and broken crankshafts, with metal shavings found in the oil, often requiring a full engine replacement. This has been reported across a very wide mileage range, including some low-mileage failures, so don't assume a newer-feeling example is safe from this.