1. rear end howling noise (3/18/2005) - hear noise when accelerating between 40 and 65 mph. When letting off of accelerator, noise goes away, comes back again when accelerator is pushed again. Dealer service dept replaced rear carrier bearings, cup, seals, and spacer in rear differential. Noise now occurs between 65 and 70 mph. Was taken back to dealer service dept on 4/11/2005. Was informed 4/20/2005 that rear differential was adjusted with new spacer, but noise is still there. Service manager has another Ford Explorer on lot and test drove it. This Explorer has same noise between 40 and 65 mph. One of the techs (who used to work at a Ford dealership) told service manager that alot of 2002 Ford Explorer owners have been having this problem. Ford has no solution or cure. 2. noise in timing chain area. Ford has a tsb on this. I can hear this rattling noise coming from this area and told dealership to look into it. They could not duplicate the noise, although when test driving it with assist. Service manager, I could still hear the noise, but he could not. I had my local mechanic check this out, and they can hear the noise that I'm talking about. This problem has yet to be fixed. 3. vibration coming from front end on interstate that starts at around 70+ mph. When climbing a steep hill on interstate and transmission downshifts, can feel a grinding noise in powertrain. Dealer believes that the fluid in the transfer case might need to be changed, causing clutches inside to stick. Will find out tomorrow (4/21/2005).

- Ballard, WV, USA

The vehicle experienced strange sounds and delay when shifting the vehicle from park to reverse. The ABS light was illuminated continuously.

- Lincoln, CA, USA

Transmission had to be replaced. The vehicle was shaking, made rattling noises and had become impossible to steer. The mechanic suggested that the transmission had looked as if it fell apart and may be a result of an assembly line error and. The mechanic also found that the 4WD was inoperative.

- Worth, IL, USA

The vehicle stalled while idling at a light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the valve. Unfortunately within three day the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but they were unable to duplicate or repair the problem. The vehicle began to surge while surging idling. The dealer was unable to permanently resolve that problem. The consumer noticed a whine in the rear end of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the rear differential but when the vehicle was returned to the consumer the noise was still present. The vehicle was still under warranty when all these problems started.

- Sanford, FL, USA

The stated the vehicle felt as though it was going to shut down, as if the transmission was failing. As days went by the overdrive light started to blink days later the vehicle made a sudden halt in the middle of the road, the consumer turned the engine off and back on, it ran for awhile and then stopped again.

- St Croix, VI, USA

The vehicle rolled back, when the consumer took his foot off the brake. The vehicle did not stop rolling until the consumer placed his foot back on the brake. The transmission was replaced.

- Hewitt, NJ, USA