Lexus ES 300/ES 330

bartalk3 · March 2005

In its latest auto issue (April), Consumer Reports downgraded the repair record of the 330 to average because of...you guessed it, transmission problems.

lexusva · March 2005

I bought one of the first 2005 ES330's - the first sedan I've owned and first import. Except for a few minor "quirks", I like this car alot! The build/quality is like no other car I've owned and I actually find myself looking forward to driving it. Except for the adjustable pedals and chrome rims, its got it all including the navigation system. I notice alot in these forums about complaints about the transmissions and that was the only issue I was concerned with before I bought the car. I talked to service at Charles Barker Lexus and I was told that the car "learns" to shift as it it driven by the owner. Though I'm not an "aggressive" driver that takes off from a dead stop, I was advised to drive the car a little harder than normal for the first 1000 miles. I have to say that even after a few hundred miles, the "hesitation" or slight lag was totally gone. Very noticable difference since I bought it and now I'm not concerned at all about it. Had I not done it, the advisors said they would reset the computer, and so that again it would "relearn". Something you may want to consider.

lexusva · March 2005

I did, and just yesterday they took care of it AND refilled the gas tank! You gotta love Lexus

lexusva · March 2005

Glad to know that my dealer wasn't the ONLY one telling me this was the way the transmission worked on this car....I'm beginning to think some of the service personnel at other dealerships aren't as knowledgable as they should be.

bikegal · March 2005

I too, worried about the hesitation problem before I purchased my 2005 ES in December.

I drove my car several times before I decided it was okay, which was hard since it only had 10 miles on it when I first drove it.

I now have 2,800 miles and I am SO glad I got the car, despite the many complaints about the transmission/throttle lag.

So far I am among the lucky ones.

Knock wood the problem won't arise after several thousand miles.

dwarnacutt · March 2005

Is there a recall of the 2005 ES? I bought mine in December and have not heard anything about a recall. If anyone knows about this, please post the details. Thanks.

jerryfle · March 2005

I have the same "hesitation and lurch" problem with my new ES 330 (purchased Feb 1, 05); The dealer (Keyes Lexus in Van Nuys, CA) gave me the same song and dance, although Lexus customer service at the Calif. headquarters acknowledged the problem and said "they are working on it".

I wrote them a strong letter, with a copy to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, highlighting the safety issue. I'll send you a copy if you want.

Email me at: JerryFle@adelphia.net

sv7887 · March 2005

Hi MidnightCowboy,
Actually you can have that cluster repaired. I had a similar problem in my LS400 and will send it out to have it done soon. Here is the person I'm thinking of using:

Mikado Engineering in San Fran.
1435 Huntington Ave
SF, CA 94080
650-615-9966

I had my Climate Control unit rebuilt by them as well. Also, consider this guy too. I've heard good things about him on other forums

http://www.dashusa.com/japanese_imports.htm

Hope this Helps,
SV

about2buy · March 2005

I purchased at 2005 ES330 back in September. During the first few hundred miles I experienced the hesitation problem too especially when trying to slowly accelerate from a full or rolling stop. I complained to the dealer and was told to drive the car more "aggresively" so that the intelligent transmission will "learn" your driving patterns. It sounded strange but I took their advice and by around 800 miles the problem was completely gone. The car has over 7,000 miles now with no furthur hesitation issues at all.

isdsms · March 2005

I have heard that a model makeover is due fairly soon. Does anyone have information regarding the change and the timing of it?

307web · March 2005

It's probably time to stop worrying about the transmission problem.
They have done everything that can be done for the current model and a redesigned model will be coming one day.

motownusa · March 2005

Most likely it will be for MY 2007 although it could be launched in the Spring of 2006. The new engine most likely will be the 3.5L 280 Hp V6 found in the 05 Avalon. If you are concerned about the transmission issue just check the 2005 Avalon forum as new owners are posting their ownership experience. I haven't seen anything negative regarding the transmission so far.

isdsms · March 2005

My concerns are not so much with the transmission for I understand the technology, but rather with the outdated exterior styling, weak engine and techno features. Other than those items, I love the car. The TL is cheaply made and the Avalon Limited 05 is improved but still dowdy. My hope is that my concerns will be addressed in the model revision.

307web · March 2005

I'm not sure "outdated" is the word for the exterior styling.
It wasn't attractive even when it first came out. They ruined the looks from the previous generation. Only the interior looks better than before.
The engine is not weak, but it has less power than most competitors other than the Mercedes C240. Even a 325i has less than 200HP.
The ES330 certainly has adequate power for a car that is non-sporty.
If the transmission\throttle response was as slick and refined as you would expect in a Lexus, it would be very nice to drive.
I wish it were quieter also. It is somewhat quiet, but not even remotely as quiet as an LS430. I think every Lexus except the IS should be shockingly quiet and this isn't. Tire noise is quite apparent on average roads.

venture · March 2005

I test drove an '05 ES 330 today with heated seats. I say that particularly because it felt like there were two big cobblestones under the seat. I can't imagine driving it for a few thousand miles in a copule of days. I was uncomfortable after about 15 minutes.

Has anyone else noticed that or did I drive an odd-ball? Maybe I should have driven another one, but that really turned me off as far as the ES 330 is concerned.

Not to mention that it didn't have much power, but that's another story.

sopecreek · March 2005

My 2001 ES 300 just had 60 k maintenance. I took it to the Lexus specialist instead of the dealer for the service. The cost was $200 lower compared to the dealer, but the dealer service did include "oil conditioning" whereas the Lexus specialist didn't. Anyone knows what oil conditioning does? Does this have something to do with the engine sludge issue?

kreativ · March 2005

You'd have to ask the dealer what they mean by it. They could just be pouring in a bottle of additives during the oil change.

kmg68 · March 2005

" have heard that a model makeover is due fairly soon. Does anyone have information regarding the change and the timing of it?"

My dealership here in Atlanta expects major changes for the 2007 model. Does anyone know what those changes might be, or when the 2007 model will hit the dealerships?

jf02fwd · March 2005

Enter 2007 above in the search field for approximately 13 opinions.

bikegal · March 2005

I feel your pain!

Might want to go to www.autovisuals.com They have an auto pen that gets rave reviews.

I plan on ordering one today since I have small scratches on my NEW 2005's bumper. At least I had the car three months in all it's exterior perfection, smile.

silleck330 · March 2005

Thanks bikegal. That looks perfect for a small touch up. I am going to order a Silver Metallic.

cdnlexusman · March 2005

I have a 2004 ES330 equipped with nav. system. Can anyone confirm if these cars are wired for satellite radio? I note that the AM radio button has "SAT" as alternate. Regrettably satellite radio has not, as yet, been approved by the CRTC in Canada. However, when the day comes, I'd like to know if the car is ready without adding additional receivers etc. Thanks!

about2buy · March 2005

I'm not certain about the 04 as I have the 05 with the nav system. The button reads the same on the 05. Even though satellite radio is available in the US and the radio is equipped for satellite you still need to add Lexus' satellite receiver/antenna to the car. The only thing I think this will save is having to have a seperate display for the tuner as it will come up on the nav screen. Dealer quoted $800 to add the capability to my car. I passed on it.

cdnlexusman · March 2005

Thank-you for your quick reply, About2buy. I see now how it works!!

gelight · March 2005

I read an article in the 3/18/05 Wall Street Jr. that Lexus would be making some changes to the 2006 ES330 to jazz it up a bit. has anyone heard any details on this?

307web · March 2005

Why when, at the end of 2006, the all new, redesigned 2007 model is being released?
All I could imagine is some special trim "Coach Edition" etc. to add some interest in it's final year.

mplatnick · March 2005

Can someone tell me the Pros and Cons of 'summer tires'? We live in NC where some ice and snow occurs in the winter, but the dealer's Lexus's all come with Summer Tires. We're told that makes for a quieter ride, but... will these tires be safe in winter driving?

bikegal · March 2005

I lived in Virginia. My car came with summer tires when I picked it up in December. I have since switched to all season tires. But before I did I got caught in snow one night. IT WAS HORRIBLE. I drove home doing 20 mph. I avoided 95 as I would have died.

You can not drive in icy/snowy conditions. But otherwise they are very quiet and smooth.

navyguy1990 · March 2005

I've just purchased a certified 2001 ES300 with 30,000 on it. I've noticed that there's high pitch whistling sound (similar to an old fan belt sound) which comes on for about 2-3 seconds every minute. Is this normal? This is my 12th car, and I've never noticed it before, but then again this car is much quieter than my 2000 Mercedes.
Is this A/C Compressor going bad? The dealership mechanic told me that this noise is normal, but I am having a hard time believing this.
I'd appreciate any help.
Thanks.

fredvh · March 2005

Funny you should mention this. I also test drove the older model of the ES300 a few years ago. I also noticed this sound when I test drove the car. It bothered me but I hope for your sake that you get used to it. I am almost 100% positive that it is the A/C. I am not sure if it is the compressor or something else having to do when the A/C is on. When the heater/AC is running it is quite normal for the compressor/AC to come on periodically. This is the sound that you hear. Hopefully you will get used to it and in the future you will not even realize it. I hope that this helps. You do have a very nice car there except for this quirk.

navyguy1990 · March 2005

Thank you for a quick response. Maybe I've never noticed this sound on my other cars, because the ambient noise was loud enough to drown out this A/C sound.
I took the car into the shop anyway, and hoping that the mechanic will come to some conclusion, since he already replaced my A/C belt.
Thanks again.

fredvh · March 2005

I will be anxious to hear if he can "fix" it. I have not noticed this sound on other cars that I have driven. It sure did bother me when I drove the ES300 though, but I am very sensitive to those type of sounds. Please let us know how it turns out.

navyguy1990 · March 2005

I've just talked to the service manager, and he told me that it was freon flow sound. He told me that it was perfectly normal for this car. I'm getting another mechanic friend to take a look at it while he's changing my brake rotors and pads. I've driven my father-in-law's LX470 and his GS300, and I've never noticed this noise before. I too am very sensitive car sounds, and it still bothers me. At least I have on paper that I had it looked at for noise, so if the A/C compressor fails on me, I can trace it back to this event.

fredvh · March 2005

Thanks for your reply. I agree with the service manager that it is normal for this car but I still do not like it and it did bother me too. The "freon flow sound" is completely plausible.

ljwalters1 · March 2005

I have some q.s about the voice features of the nav system:

1. Does the system allow you to input addresses using your voice? Both street numbers and street names?

2. Is the nav system integrated with other features, like climate control and radio? My TL allows me to say "Temperature 70 degrees," and then makes the appropriate change.

3. Can you input data while driving?

4. Is it also a touchscreen system?

Thanks for all your help.

sandiegodriver · March 2005

I bought a 2005 ES330 from Lexus Kearny Mesa in December 2004. I have about 3,300 miles on it. I am experiencing the transmission hesitation problem. Had I known about this problem (I should have researched Web sites like this), I NEVER would have bought this car.

I have a typical hour-long southern California commute to work that involves stop-start driving, constantly going between first and second gears. The car frequently lurches forward, to the point where I often don't feel I have control of the car. For me, this isn't just an issue of annoyance; it borders on unsafe. For a $35,000 car, this problem is unacceptable, particularly given Lexus's reputation for quality. Like many others above, I was told at the dealership that "the car is performing as designed" and "you'll get used to it soon". Nonsense.

I called the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Dept. at 1-800-255-3987 and the guy I talked with said they get complaints about the ES's transmission "daily". I am disappointed that this problem -- one that clearly many people know about -- was never disclosed by the Lexus sales staff.

I have already filed a report with the National Highway Safety Administration (1-800-424-9393) and am filing written complaints with Lexus and Consumers Union. I urge others who are having this transmission/acceleration problem to take action. It's clearly the only way we're going to get results.

jf02fwd · March 2005

See messages 4775 and 4782. You may be able to improve performance by "reprogramming" with a more aggressive driving style. I got my '05 this month (Jan. build date) and it has some of the sluggishness, delayed throttle response mentioned by others on this board. (It is a lot like my '02 Highlander in this respect.) I plan to try the aggressive driving style mentioned by others in hopes of improving response. I would not classify my car as exhibiting anything approaching unsafe performance...just mildly annoying. I went into the purchase eyes open, having read this board thoroughly. Good luck.

turnbowm · March 2005

For me, it was a deal-breaker. There is no excuse for having hesitation/transmission shifting issues in a car at this price point.

The wife's '98 ES300 seems to be the one with the advanced technology!

Martin

about2buy · March 2005

In answer to your questions:

1. No. You input street addresses, numbers via the touch screen. No voice commands for that.

2. No. Temperature is set via regular buttons not on the touch screen and not via voice. The radio stations are set via the touch screen although you can command the audio on or off via voice.

3. No. You can give it the pre-determined voice commands while you drive and you can use the touch screen for things like changing the radio stations and the views of the maps but you can not, for example, change the destination information (things you would use the touch pad to do) while the car is moving. The touch screen actually dims those buttons once the car is in motion.

4. Yes. (See above)

I find that the voice commands are frequently misunderstood by the system while the car is in motion. I'm told by the dealer that it's the background noise of the movement the causes the system to get the voice commands wrong.

venture · April 2005

turnbowm,

"For me, it was a deal-breaker."

Me too - that and the uncomfortable drivers seat. I only drove the car for about 15 minutes, but the hesitation was horrible. (The drivers seat felt "lumpy" too)

I'm picking up my BMW this afternoon. :shades:

cfazzari · April 2005

You guys are scaring the crap out of me! I was at the auto show last night (Twice this week...loved it). I'm looking for 1) Performance 2) Styling 3) Comfort in that order. I just ASSUMED Lexus would have it all. I'm a little disappointed by the interior - it appears to be a bit bland. But I'm still of the biased opinion that when I'm ready to buy Lexus will simply be the best performer - it would be my first and only import. I'd like to hear from some defenders of this model PLEASE.

fredvh · April 2005

You definitely need to look and try out the Toyota Camry. It really does drive as nice as the ES330 and it is just as quiet too. Consumer Reports even went as far as to say that the Camry actually outscored the ES330 overall. There is no doubt that the ES330 is a real nice car but it does cost you a considerable amount.

bikegal · April 2005

I had both a Camry and now the 2005 ES. I would not trade the ES for a Camry.

I loved my Camry but the Lexus is a step up in many aspects. It is smoother, quicker and loaded with creature comforts like leather heated/cooled seats, moonroof, real wood accents, HID, rear shade, 6 disc CD changer and a four year warranty.

Found the dealership to be much better, too. My car came with summer tires, a fact I didn't realize until the day I picked up my car. The dealer gave me five of the newest Michelins THREE WEEKS later at no charge when I asked for them. Just stamped the paperwork "goodwill." Would Toyota do that? Maybe, maybe not.

I have 4,000 miles on my car as of today. Initially I felt some hesitation when driving 1-5 miles. But it wasn't consistent. I don't have the 1-2 second lag/hesitation some folks do when merging, accelerating, passing.

I would recommend the car.

Good luck.

cfazzari · April 2005

One thing I may not have mentioned here in this forum - the car I buy will need to be very tough and durable. I do NOT stress a car unnecessarily but I DO run the car over some of the toughest roads in the Northeastern U.S. My 1999 dodge Intrepid has 146,000 Miles on it and while the drivetrain is superb (and original) the suspension system on the car is taking a beating - it's gotten mushy on rough roads even though I've spent quite a bit on replacing the front end components.
My question to Camry and ES 330 Owners - How do you think your cars will hold up to a 6-Foot 230 Pound guy behind the wheel, all types of weather and washboard roads?

turnbowm · April 2005

venture,

Yeah, it's hard to believe that Lexus screwed up such a good car. A new ES330 with the styling and driveability of the wife's 98 ES300 would have been a no-brainer for me.

I was also impressed with the BMW "driving experience" and should be getting my new 2005 530i next week. Hope you enjoy yours.

Martin

oralmeddoc · April 2005

Back in Nov, I purchased a 2005 ES and posted all my particulars here. Basically, the $35,709 msrp version...loaded except Nav/ML.
I have been reading about the reported hesitation/transmission problems, and thought that I had been spared. However, today I took it in for the 5k service and had a 2004 ES loaner. I found the loaner to be much smoother than my car, in terms of smooth up and downshifting and a more responsive throttle. When I picked up my car, I mentioned this to the service writer and inquired about why this may be so (different size tires, etc?). He told me that last night(4/1) at 5pm, a new TSB came in with some kind of re-program for the "intelligent" transmission on the 2005...erase the memory, drive normal, whatever. I had the service dept do this fix right then, rather than wait until the 10k service. Took about 2 hours, and I immediately noticed that my car is now much smoother and more responsive...just like the loaner. I have only driven about 15 miles since the fix, but so far so good. Interesting thing, I would not have known that my car had the issue had I not driven the loaner. I guess ignorance is bliss.
The problem may be that since the car learns "your " driving behavior, it may be picking up bad habits when driving in stop and go traffic (the story of my life...about 1 hour per day on Capitol Beltway in DC area).
I hope the fix holds. I guess we'll see. Thought this story may be of interest to some of you. No, it's not an April Fool's joke, unless the dealer's story about the TSB was one on me.

future1 · April 2005

"He told me that last night(4/1) at 5pm, a new TSB came in with some kind of re-program for the "intelligent" transmission on the 2005...erase the memory, drive normal, whatever."

Can you provide more specifics about this fix? The throttle delay still bother me in my 2005 ES330, and I really don't want to get used to it. Is there some number or name assigned to this TSB?

oralmeddoc · April 2005

The writer told me it was a brand new TSB for the 2005. I believe he said it would erase the "memory" of the "intelligent" transmission (which he added he thought was too smart for its own good), and allow it to re-learn my driving habits. He said to drive as I normally would after the erasure. He also said that in the past (for 2003 something like this was done) some owners said it solved the issue, others said it did not. For me, I definitely noticed a difference in the throttle response and shifting pattern immediately...I guess the the transmission characteristics are on the ground floor as of this point, and it will now go about "learning" my driving behavior and incorporating it as we go along. My plan is to introduce an aggressive style, since an aggressive style of driving usually implies quick throttle response and upshift points at higher RPMs. We'll see how that goes. That's all I know. Don't know the name or number of this TSB.

pat · April 2005

You can look up TSBs here by going to the home page of Edmunds.com, then to the Tips & Advice tab, and then to the Maintenance Costs link, which you will see directly beneath the tabs. If you want more detail, you can then go to our Technical Service Bulletins discussion and ask 0patience and alcan to look it up for you.

fredvh · April 2005

Pat, I looked it up as you described but it lists that there is no TSB for the 2005 ES330.

Lexus ES 300/ES 330

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