Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability

  • Engine Dies while Driving Or Will Crank but not Start

    The direct ignition cassette can fail causing the engine to die while driving, and/or it will crank but start. Diagnosis may also discover trouble codes for random misfires .

  • Excessive Exhaust Noise From Flex Pipe Failure

    The exhaust flex pipe can fail causing excessive exhaust noise from the front/center area of the vehicle. The flex pipe is a flexible joint in the exhaust that allows for engine movement.

  • Oil Leaks caused by Excessive Crankcase Pressure

    Oil leaks from the timing cover , valve cover , and/or rear main seal may be due to excessive crankcase pressure . An updated PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) kit was released to fix this concern.

  • Check Engine Light due to Electronic Throttle Body Failure

    The Check Engine Light may come on because the electronic throttle body has failed. Other symptoms include loss of acceleration, a high idle or failure to return to idle, and difficulty starting.

  • Crank but No Start Condition and No Fuel Pressure

    If the engine will crank but not start, it may be the fuel pump has failed. Diagnosis may find no fuel pressure when attempting to start the engine.

  • AC Compressor Fails to Engage or Disengage

    The thermo contact in the AC compressor can fail, which means the compressor may fail to engage or disengage.

  • Noise from Idler Pulley Failure

    The idler pulley for the serpentine belt can fail causing noise from the belt area. Our technicians report the pulley has been known to fail completely which can cause the belt to break or be thrown off.

  • Extended Cranking to Start Engine

    The fuel pump check valve may have failed if the engine requires more cranking before it starts. The check valve is a one way valve that maintains the pressure in the fuel lines so the engine is easier to start after it has sat a while.

  • Head Gasket Failure

    The head gasket can fail causing the coolant and oil to mix in the engine, and external oil leaks around the cylinder head and block. Symptoms can include overheating, white smoke from the tailpipe at start-up or acceleration, and the visible presence of oil in the coolant expansion tank .

  • Noise From Water Pump Failure

    The water pump can fail causing noise on the left side of the engine and overheating. Other symptoms include coolant loss and leakage at the front/left area of the engine.

  • Coolant Leakage from Thermostat

    Coolant loss may be caused by leakage around the thermostat . Leakage will be visible around the thermostat at the right, rear area of the cylinder head .

  • Head Gasket Leakage

    The head gasket may leak oil externally. The oil will be visible around the cylinder head and block area.

  • Stiff AC Controls or No Control of HVAC System

    The air blend system in the heating, ventilation and AC ( HVAC ) system can have problems, which can cause the AC controls to be stiff, or a lack of HVAC control.

  • Engine Coolant Loss and no Leak Noted

    2.0L engines may become low on engine coolant with no cause found for the coolant loss. Our technicians tell us than in some cases the engine block may require replacement due to porosity.

  • Knocking Noise While Turning and/or a Banging Noise When Driving on Rough Roads

    A knocking noise while turning and/or a banging noise when driving on rough roads may develop in the front suspension. This type of noise is commonly caused by a front strut thrust bearing damaged due to water intrusion. Our technicians tell us revised thrust bearings are available to correct this concern.

  • The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and/or Traction Control Light May Illuminate

    The anti-lock brake system (ABS) and/or traction control light may illuminate. This can be caused by corrosion in the (ABS) wire harness connector at the right front wheel speed sensor due to water intrusion. Corroded connectors should be cleaned or replaced as necessary to correct this concern.

  • Poor, or No Cooling from the Air Condioning due to Expansion Valve Failure

    The air conditioning expansion valve can fail causing poor, or no cooling from the AC system.

2002 Questions and Answers

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2002 Maintenance and Repair