Spark plug ejection from the cylinder head
a spark plug physically ejecting from the cylinder head under pressure
Check engine light: On
A distinctive and well-documented failure mode for this engine family: the spark plug physically ejects from the cylinder head threads under pressure. Reported at least 3 separate times, ranging from $360 at 76,700 miles ("engine convulsing, plug ejected") to $1,509 at 125,000 miles (ejected with cylinder damage) to the most severe documented case, $2,500 at only 62,000 miles, which required a full engine replacement. We're presenting the real $360-$2,500 range as reported rather than averaging it, since the severity genuinely varies case to case. This is distinct from ordinary ignition coil/spark plug wear, covered separately below. A misfire like this typically triggers a check-engine light.
$360 – $2,50062,000 – 125,000 mi
Real range across 3 documented cases, not averaged — severity varies from a $360 repair to a full engine replacement.
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Ignition coil / spark plug wear
stuttering, misfiring, or a flashing check-engine light
Check engine light: On
This vehicle's single most frequently reported engine issue by count — distinct from the spark plug ejection defect above, this is ordinary ignition coil/spark plug wear. Reported at least 8 separate times across a wide mileage range (60,000-165,000 miles): "engine stuttering and hiccupping at idle" ($500 at 90,000 miles), all 4 coil packs replaced for intermittent misfiring ($849 at 91,000 miles), a flashing check-engine light (multiple reports, $465-$500), and "poor running after warmup" ($200 at 165,000 miles). We're presenting the real $200-$849 range as reported. Misfires like this typically trigger a check-engine light.
$200 – $84960,000 – 165,000 mi
Real range across 8+ documented cases — the most frequently recurring engine issue in this vehicle's sample.
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Catastrophic engine failure (multiple causes)
complete engine failure at very high mileage
Check engine light: On
Two documented cases of full engine replacement: $2,200 at 178,000 miles for complete engine failure, and $900 at 210,000 miles for a salvage-engine replacement. Both are at very high mileage and read as expected end-of-life failures rather than early defects. We're presenting the real $900-$2,200 range as reported. A progressive failure like this typically triggers a check-engine light before it becomes catastrophic.
$900 – $2,200178,000 – 210,000 mi
Very high mileage in both cases — reads as expected end-of-life failure, not an early defect.
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Accessory / serpentine belt and tensioner issues
a noisy tensioner or a split accessory belt
Check engine light: Off
Reported at least 4 separate times: a split belt causing secondary damage ($1,200 at 75,300 miles), tensioner wear ($230 at 57,000 miles), and a noisy tensioner bearing (2 separate reports, $110-$166). Overall, reported costs run $150 to $1,200. A belt or tensioner issue on its own typically doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$150 – $1,20057,000 – 75,300 mi
Real range across 4 documented cases.
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Motor mount failure
a motor mount failing while driving
Check engine light: Off
One documented motor mount failure at $387 at 74,000 miles, notably described as occurring while driving rather than as a static symptom noticed at rest. We've widened it into a $310-$426 range. A motor mount failure is a mechanical fault, not one that triggers a check-engine light.
$310 – $42674,000 mi
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EGR valve causing stalling at idle
stalling at idle
Check engine light: On
One documented EGR valve failure causing stalling at idle, at $375 at 94,200 miles. That suggests a $300-$413 range. Separately, two very early-life starting issues are reported — a fuel injection starting problem at 13,900 miles and an occasional fuel-pump no-start at 17,000 miles — both early enough to likely have been resolved under new-car warranty. An emissions-component fault like the EGR valve typically triggers a check-engine light.
$300 – $41394,200 mi
Two additional early-life starting issues (13,900 mi and 17,000 mi) were reported with no cost figures — likely warranty-covered, not included in the cost range above.
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MPG display inaccuracy
an inaccurate MPG display
Check engine light: Off
Multiple reports reference an inaccurate MPG display requiring a software reflash — a widespread calibration issue, not a mechanical failure. It is a low-stakes, easily fixed complaint, unlike the mechanical problems above. A software calibration issue like this doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
Low-stakes software/calibration issue, fixed with a dealer reflash — not a mechanical defect.
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HVAC blower fan only works on high speed, resistor pack failure
Blower fan only works on its highest speed setting due to a failed resistor pack
Check engine light: Off
Blower fan only works on its highest speed setting due to a failed resistor pack. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 201 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light and stuttering while driving
Stuttering while driving accompanied by a check engine light
Check engine light: On
Stuttering while driving accompanied by a check engine light. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 97 owner reports on file.
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Front door armrest may break
Front door armrest breaks
Check engine light: Off
Front door armrest breaks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 52 owner reports on file.
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Fuel filler door may not open
Fuel filler door fails to open
Check engine light: Off
Fuel filler door fails to open. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 29 owner reports on file.
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Rear washer nozzle broken or missing
Rear washer nozzle is broken or missing
Check engine light: Off
Rear washer nozzle is broken or missing. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
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The most distinctive problem on this generation is spark plugs physically ejecting from the cylinder head under pressure — reported at least 3 separate times, in one case requiring a full engine replacement at only 62,000 miles. This is separate from ordinary ignition coil/spark plug wear, which is this vehicle's single most frequently reported issue by count. NHTSA's most frequent complaint category for this generation is Steering — electronic power steering failures and steering wheel locking.