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Are you saying the 'hesitation' occurs on es330 too. Can it be that they just added 'the fix' to es330 and claim problem solved?
I drive a 2003 es300 and actually it seems to do fine to me. When I merge into freeway it speeds up just fine. But then I don't pump it up to 70-80 right after merge and get to the leftest lane. Other than that it accelerates normally to me. How does one really test/sense the transmission problem (from which speed to which speed)?
It is not a feature, it is not universally a problem, it is just a transmission design that SOME owners don't like (or so goes the Toyota company line)!!!
If Toyota does not acknowledge a feature or a problem, then there is no way they can say they removed the feature or problem it in a later model. So, I think your dealer's statement was misleading in that the statement implied that Lexus/Toyota deliberately fixed the ES330.
I believe the best that concerned ES330 potential owners can do is wait for more reports on the ES330 transmission to come through on this board and in other publications and owner forums. If potential owners must make a more timely decision, then I recommend trying to repeat the symptoms described on ES300 boards on thorough test drives of the ES330.
If you already own an ES330, don't go looking for transmission trouble. If you don't feel a problem thank your lucky stars, because if you do feel one, there is no indication that the odds of it being "fixed" are high. For the past 2+ years, Toyota has remained steadfast on their view that the transmission works per design, and I don't see them changing that view anytime soon.
The only way we are going to get relief from Lexus is to let them know that they cannot solve a problem by saying that there isn't one. If anyone else feels this way, contact the above entities.
But I also think that a realistic view might be in order. The hardest thing for those of us who feel the problem to accept is that our experience is NOT universal. It depends on the driver. And, it doesn't matter whether the driver is a dealer rep or not. Some dealer reps will acknowledge the problem and others won't, just as some owners acknowledge the symptom and others don't. This is why the dealers stories are so inconsistent, not because Lexus is lying or the dealers are lying.
In a sense, those owners who don't acknowledge a problem are problematic for those of us who do. Those owners who think everything is hunky dory are contributing to metrics that go into Lexus decision to do something about it or not.
Quite frankly, my biggest pet peeve is those owners (no offense, lenscap and kreativ) who claim that every thing is hunky dory and then run to the dealer to have the "fix" installed!! Not only are they not providing an incentive for Lexus to fix the problem, they are actually discouraging Lexus from doing a fix. After all, if 1/4 of the owners complain, Lexus has to face the issue of investing in "fixing" the other 3/4 of the owners cars; owners who were satisfied in the first place. So, why should Lexus fix anything if 3/4 are satisfied?
My posts are NOT to defend Lexus, but rather to help provide potential owners a realistic view of what might happen if they buy the car.
They may or may not feel the problem, period. If they do feel the problem, they are unlikely to get a resolution any time soon.
I drove the car and it seemed to have a bit of hesitation at all speeds when compared to an Acura TL but otherwise felt normal. It felt similar to a V-6 Camry.
Perhaps the Acura TL is designed to be more of a performance vehicle and therefore is tuned differently.
Does anyone know if the transmission problem has been corrected? Can anyone confirm or deny the dealers statement?
Thanks....
Customer Satisfaction Technical Manager
Lexus
11540 Great Oaks Way
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Then write:
Automotive Design Editor
Automobile
120 East Liberty St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Road Test Editor
Car and Driver
2002 Hogback Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Editor
Motor Trend
5420 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Engineering Editor
Road & Track
1499 Monrovia Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Be sure and copy Lexus with each letter. I'll work up a new list to write later. We have to pound on Lexus because they flat refuse to fix the tranny. They tell me there is not a thing wrong with it. I've been so mad I call them frequently to tell them how I feel. I'd like to give out names, but the Host advised me not to do that. If it makes you feel good then complain all you want, but we all need to do something to make this hit Lexus in the pocket book. They won't take action until it does. This is more than a clunking noise in the engine, I feel it's a safety hazard. When you need power and can't rely on the car, it can get you in trouble. I would suggest you mention it's a safety hazard in your letters.
1. Transmission problem. In some circumstances and for some drivers, there will be a delay in shifting and the engine will race to >4000 rpm before the transmission downshifts (hard!). This acts like major transmission slippage and then a hard shift. So far, I haven't seen a single report of this problem with the new ES330.
2. Hesistation when you step on the gas (fraction of a second). This appears to be related to the drive by wire feature and seems to occur on almost all drive by wire vehicles. There is no transmission problem. That's not to say it isn't a real problem, but lumping it under the transmission problem only confuses the issue. I've experienced this one and personnally don't consider it that big a deal since I don't plan to drag race my ES330.
So, PLEASE identify exactly what you're seeing. From reading this board, many (if not most) people complaining are seeing the drive by wire hesitation and NOT the transmission problem.
BTW, I drive my father's 02 ES300 once in a while and never felt anything wrong with the transmission.
My 03's 300 tranny has been as smooth as the ride. I knew this car is not a performance champ but more of a refined quite comforter. Elegant and smoothie. That's the way to drive it. If you have the 240W ML option then you certainly don't want to rush the drive or beat the other drivers all the time, as the stereo 'performance' is truly a champ. Just enjoy the ride in a world class studio.
Can we hear your story ?... any improve or worse?
Anyone else have the bucking after the software install?
With all due respect to those that are happy with their auto, and talk of comfort compared to performance, I would like to point out that we are discussing a "safety" issue here. When I pull out to pass another car, I do not want to be left powerless. I have read on other Lexus forums that the answer is to adapt my driving habits to accommodate the hesitation. That is reminiscent of the tailor who made the sleeve too short telling the customer to keep his arm inside the pocket. I filed a "Lemon Law" complaint three days ago and am awaiting the results. I will let you know what happens.
Acceleration is strong, but hardly neck snapping (0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds). A new electronic throttle feature provides sharper accelerator pedal response, and the engine loafs at 2300 rpm at 70 mph.
But, while the new 5-speed automatic transmission upshifts seamlessly, it is slow to downshift—leaving the impression that the ES 300 would rather not be driven aggressively".
The above review is from carpoint.msn.com. Looks like when test driving the car he felt the so called problem. But his reasoning is that the car is geared toward comfort and refinement rather than spirited driving. Nowhere in the review does he calls the slow downshift nature a safety issue. Other magazines like Consumer Report, Consumer Digest and JD Powers gave glowing reviews about the 02 and 03 ES300. In fact JD Power called it the best entry level Luxury sedan. 90% of the people who own this car don't drive like some of the people who are posting here drives.
I certainly won't support the issue and testify on behalf of a consumer in a lemon law arbitration or trial.
This topic is really beginning to fascinate me!! Those of us who feel the problem just can't conceive of a driver who has NEVER felt it!! And those who don't have the problem just can't seem to repeat it. Very, very strange.
I've yet to hear of a vehicle being wrecked or needing to be towed for this anomoly.
I've been persistently pushing Lexus about this and they were always saying they would come out with something to fix the problem. Now the same people are saying there absolutely is no problem, and that the dealerships have been previously misinformed. Sound fishy? I don't think we can expect anything more from Lexus.
I really goofed with that judge. I should have asked for my money back, but I believed in Lexus. Now I know they're just another auto manufacturer. The Texas Motor Vehicle commission was surprised that Lexus didn't try to intervene and avoid a hearing. The problem is Lexus doesn't know how to fix the transmission. My car is definitely better after the last upgrade but not fixed. Don't count on anymore upgrades.
My ES330 required alignment at the 1000 mile service point. I noticed a very slight drift immediately, but it wasn't bad enough to make a special trip. The dealer gladly fixed it.
I'd suggest having the alignment checked.
So, check the tires pressure!
Recently, I was crawling at 30mph on the freeway and felt a very very hard, jolting shift (the car was not otherwise shifting into another gear). It was such a hard jolt, it felt like someone hit my car. Has anyone had this experience? I am really starting to hate Lexus.
The guy feels a jolt. Without having any more facts than that, texas83 insists that it must be the transmission - no other explanation even needs to be considered. Then runs to a lawyer - even though he says that Lexus improved the shifting on his car.
I have found the 4sp auto in my '95 avalon (4sp) to shift a bit "smoother" than my '03 ES 300 (5sp)
but the other characteristics of the ES (quieter, better seats, radio, wood, and general fit and finish) are clearly superior. Overall, I agree with the JD Power ratings of the ES, but the shifting can sometimes be annoyingly noticeable because the rest of the car is so "perfect".
Which transmission is in your camry?
To Texas83- It is sad you make statements without providing any evidence to back it up. And when you can't win the argument you resort to name calling. People who work for JD Powers or Consumer Digest are neither stupid nor stooges of any car company. I certainly trust their opinion more than yours. If you are really unhappy with your car, sell it and buy a Neon.
Anyway, being mad won't help you. It may get you kicked off the board, and I for one would miss your rational complaints!1
But they don't. I am not a Lexus plant and I am accepting that the majority of owners simply don't have the problem or if they feel it, they don't think it is a big deal!! It is hard for me to accept, I don't like it, but that is reality.
It is not that folks don't think you have a right to complain. The issue is they think you may be beating a dead horse.
Good luck, Texas. I truly hope you get resolution.
I just learned something today. The 03 Camry V6 already had the re programmed software when they released it this February. Maybe that's the reason I don't feel any hesitation and no complaints from Camry owners about their transmission. You probably should get the upgrade even if it is irreversible.
I am frustrated that the testers of these cars, who publicize their findings don't unilaterally comment on the poor shifting. A true fix would probably cost Lexus the earth, however, which is why they don't do it. Eventually, someone will probably get into an accident and sue the company.
I appreciate your ranting.