Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
There has been some discussion regarding transmission problems (hesitation) with the 2002 ES 300. Does this problem also exist in the 2003 ES 300? What is Lexus doing about it?
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not take positive action on the trans...
Does the 03 model have the same trans problem?
How do you access the Lexus Customer Hotline?
Thanks for relating your bad experieice.
I will profit from it....
Several ES300 owners have complained about the problem that when trying to accelerate... (highway merging or passing)... at about 50 mph...
the transmission “confuses” on whether to stay at or go up gear (to save gas) OR down gear (for quick acceleration)
You want to accelerate so you keep pumping on gas... but it doesn’t know what to do so no respond...(in a noticeable period) And then suddenly the car speed off
Question for who are having problem:
How does your transmission problem happen ?...
Does it happen all the time or just occasionally ?
It's stall for how long ?... few seconds ?
If you take it little bit easier on gas when passing or merging
Or if you step on gas and no respond can you just take it easy on gas pedal then try again... Does it still happen?
I think the reason it suddenly speed of.... b/c it changes to low gear and your rpm is high
My test drive:
I planning to buy an ES 300 and did a test drive last weekend...
While cruising at about 40-50 mph... I tried (suddenly) pump on gas... the transmission responded little slow (not as fast as my 2 doors Daytona or the Acura TL)... but I think it is OK for a 4 doors sedan...
The car I drove is 2003 with Premium package, VSC + brake assist + traction control, HID, wood trim
"Owners of the redesigned ES 300 have complained long and loud about the transmission. During our testing, we found when driving normally the five-speed automatic shifted imperceptibly. But when exercising the car or driving aggressively, the slushbox responded with harsh upshifts and soggy, delayed downshifts, behaving as though it were utterly confused about what the driver wanted it to do."
This problem bothers me as well, but I could live with this one. Its the shuddering while coasting problem that I can't deal with. And again, it does not occur frequently enough during a test drive. I only noticed it after the first week after I had purchased it. What makes me really angry is that they denied the problem for so long. And after they admit there is an issue, they won't fix it. Utterly frustrating.
Did you try to contact with high level of Lexus ?
If they know problem and don't fix.. I think you can take some legal action with them.... (for violation of warranty agreement)
I searched the web... some people also have the transmission problem of 2002 model... they file a complain at http://www.bigclassaction.com => category Automotive.
I went there and want to read more information... but somehow the complain link is no longer available... (I don't know the case was dropped b/c their cars was fixed or there is some solution, settlement...etc... you may want to contact them)
Do you have a 2002 or 2003?
Lexus claims the problem is fixed on the 2003.
tx.
or long time ago... any respond ?
I went to www.bigclassaction.com and search for the complain:
http://www.bigclassaction.com/class_action/complaint_form_lexus.h- tml
=> "This case is no longer accepting plaintiffs"
I just submitted my complaint based on your post #12, thanks. I was not aware of that site. The fact that there was a prior case that is no longer there at least assures me that the problem may be bigger than we all know. You found a very interesting piece of information.
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h57.pdf
http://www.sdsefi.com/techtemp.htm
With regard to the shuddering/lean engine stumble, when I am coasting at about 40-45 mph. the car will shudder without any acceleration. Is this the same for you (your wifes' car)?
pkorman1: i notice the bucking as well. very annoying. but, one of many annoying issues with the ES300.
for ES: 8548 vs 10,368 .... about 20% decline compare to last year
(http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svsedan.asp)
This month, Lexus has some kind of dealer rebate (info from www.carsdirect.com) to kick up sale and help clean up their over stock... and that's why we have seen a lot of ES commercial recently...
I waited for the end of month (another tip from several people at Emunds board)... This Thursday.. I brought home an ES... for just 32K... with premium pkg ( leather & 6 CDs ) + heated seat + HID + wood trim + VSC.... (sticker 36522)...
I'm very aware of the tranmission problem ... but so far all I have counted is about 50 owners (surely there are more) have that problem... and most are 2002 model....
so compare that number to more than 50,000 ES sold last year.... that is about 0.1%
I cross my finger and enjoy my beautiful Alabaster Metallic with black leather.
I hope Lexus will soon solve the problem of their program with the tranmission...
that will be a happy day for everybody...
Without that problem... ES is a beatifull car, isn't it ???
I wish you all the best
Drive safe..
is the Es330 coming out this year? If so I might wait for it.
Anyone know what features it will have?
I wish I had checked this site before buying my 04 Sienna. I only have about 100 miles on mine and I absolutely hate the transmission. I have it into Toyota to look at today but after reading these posts, I'm sure they are going to say it is working as designed. I've noticed 3 separate problems. First, when you go around a corner at low speed it seems like you are in neutral when you try to accerate. Second, when you are coming to a stop, occasionally, you feel like someone has bumped you from behind. Third, (like some of the posts here) when you hit the gas hard (like when trying to pass) the engine revs up to the red line but there is no power. I think this is a transmission problem, not an engine problem.
A lot people (my count about 50) have complained:
- Transmission responds slow (noticeable) when trying to pass (at speed 40-50 mph)
- some people (2) also complained when cruising at 40-50 mph the car suddenly shudders...
Current logic for the transmission probably is: try to shifting to high gear.. to save gas, and gain quiet... The car will try to study your driving pattern... and making decision
But sometimes... the transmission confuse whether to shift to low gear for quick accelerate or high gear....
2. My research: I’ve research for 6 months almost daily.... (I’m a computer software engineer known a little bit about basic mechanic... I work with the internet and I read Edmunds everyday) .
I’ve counted there are about 50 people complained about the transmission...
- Most of them are 2002 model .
- Few people said 2003 model have it too... but no one clearly said they owned 03 and have problem
- And some people said Lexus claimed their 2003 model is fixed.
3. The risk:
So, compare that number 50 ( there're probably more.. because people may didn't known or didn't complained on internet) to more than 50 thousands ES sold last year .... it is about 0.1%
Thus, yes, there is clearly a chance of having transmission problem with 2002 model.
For 2003 model it is un-confirmed if have, the chance I believe will be small.
If you are afraid of the problem... you can wait until Sept for the new ES330.... with the bigger engine... and probably a new program for transmission (the price for the new ES330 will be at sticker though)
4. Our drive test:
The car I drove test is 2003 model and doesn't have problem... (I tried a lot of suddent acceleration... and cruising for 10 minutes at 40-50mph)
5. We bought:
Last week, my brother-in-law and I... we bought 2 cars for the little less than 32K each... (list price 36552)... more than 4.5K discount...
6. Why we bought ES:
We've started to look for new cars since August last year... Our list are: Altima, Mazda 6, Accord, Acura TL, and Lexus ES300
- Altima: nice body but interior is so cheap
- TL: last year model.. Once the new Accord came out... we remove TL out of our list
- 6: just has zoom-zoom noise...
- Accord EX-V6: our top choice... 240Horse good value.. lot of feature for the price...
- ES: not sporty as Accord or TL, rich interior, pricey options..
Accord was top of our list.. But, Honda dealer didn't give us good deal (add $$ for silver color, window etch, 1K for extended warrant, hefty dealer fee) total at 25K...
But, on March... www.carsdirect.com.. (I've monitored the price almost everyday) and suddenly see ES300 has rebate.. (Still more expensive than Accord of course).. but in our reachable range... So, we went to Lexus dealer... to take a drive test to see how different Accord vs ES...
Our truly intention... is to give ES a shot... if not remove ES out of out list... and nail down our deal with Accord
We have a good deal for ES... not only just the car and the price... but also... with Lexus dealer... totally different with Honda, Acura dealers.. that we have visited...
The price, good service and pleasant treatment outweighs the unknown small risk of transmission problem
So, we decided go for it... (And cross finger.. wish that 2003 model is fixed)
7. Worst case scenario:
If 2003 hasn’t fixed the chance of having problem is small I think the problem is just the decision logic in the algorithm of shifting gears program for the transmission...
Those talent, well-paid engineers at Lexus probably will be able to find out solution for it.... if they can't... they can hire me... :-)
If not... since I bought it with a big discount... it probably will be less hurt to trade in to get a different car...
8. My ES:
Brought it home last Thursday I've put 170 miles on it.... I had a 140 miles up-state round trip in the weekend with a lot of cruising (of course), hill mountain climbing and passing
So far, the car is wonderful... the transmission responds fine....The leather seat (probably b/c new) is a little bit hard though... I'm very happy with the car
I'm following the instruction from the manual ... use premium gas, no hard braking, no hard accelerating and no racing for the first 1000 miles
Hope it may help... and good luck with your research
Yes.. I totally agree with es300trans... ES300 is an awesome car...
es300trans:
I hope they will find solution for your car transmission...
Also, I heard from Edmunds.. some people (2)complained with Lexus and got a $2000 voucher... from Lexus toward purchasing any Toyota or Lexus... Why don't you give it a shot...
Anyway, I hope you enjoy your new lexus. I know there's plenty of people here who absolutely enjoy theirs. Good luck and keep crossing those fingers!
What is a "lemon"? A "lemon" is a vehicle that continues to have a defect that substantially impairs its use, value or safety. In general, if the vehicle has undergone a "reasonable" number of repair attempts for the same warranted defect within the warranty period, and the defect has not been repaired, the vehicle qualifies as a "lemon" under the "lemon laws" of most states. The number of "repair attempts" needed before the lemon law applies varies by state and may also depend on the defect: typically, safety-related defects require fewer repair attempts. However, keep in mind that if the defect is not covered by a warranty, it is not likely to be covered by your state’s lemon law
You don't have to wait 18 months - the problems have to have had occured within the FIRST 18 months of ownership.
Additionally, a vehicle doesn't have to meet the requirement of your state's lemon law for you to seek damages under Mag-Moss.
I told them about the problems which they admitted to me. The dealer has been really great in trying to help me out, but they don't have a fix. This decision needs to come from Toyota Sr. Mgmt.
A4 3.0 - very good fit and finish; you open the hood and the layout of the engine is very nice; interior quality is very good except the position of the hand brake is awkward; test drove it twice and i think the exhaust is a bit loud
TL - average fit and finish; paint isn't good as i expected and the interior is rather dumb, so i didn't test drive it
325i - test drove a 330i two years ago and it was the best at that time; will test drive it soon but in my opinion, the options are expensive
accord - haven't been to the dealer yet
ES300 - the styling is pretty elegant and the fit and finish is good; very comfortable and lots of leg room but there is one thing i don't like: have you noticed the tailpipe has a very large clearance with the chasis and it is like hanging loose and i don't understand why toyota would make this mistake because i have noticed corolla and camry also have this problem.
Consumer guide rate ES300 at 70 point... highest score in its class
(http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id- /23264.htm)
You should read Consumer report Auto buying guide 03 (come out this month April)
TL and ES300 are recommended... Accord V6 (240hp) is also a nice car
I didn't pay attention at other cars...
About Reliability: TL top then ES300 (better than avg).... 3 series on the other side (worse than avg)
A4 and 3 series: They are kind of small.. about the size of corolla or civic...
(I even feel the back seat has less room)
My friend got his 325 last Dec... his car is fine.. he doesn't have any problem yet...it's a nice car.. but I can't sit in the back of his car...
I consider they are like a luxury version of honda civic with rear wheel drive
- I would not go for A4 or 3 series... If you like rear wheel drive performance... go for IS300 or G35 (260hp - motor trend car of the year)
- Accord V6... good value, strong performance, nice car, close but not reach luxury level yet... (save a place for TL)
- TL (a luxury version of Accord)...03 is the last year model... the new design 04 is comming soon
- ES300 (a luxury version of Camry with a lot of borrowing from LS430) is a family sedan with conservative driving... if you like to enjoy driving.. Lexus also has IS or GS
- Find out all cars in market that in the range that you think you can afford..
(if you are not rush.. look for future cars too... own the car we like is priceless... thus... it's worth to wait)
- Eliminate cars that you don't like
- Research (internet, news, friends) for the cars that on the list
. concentrate on reliability... and don't care much about performance (you should do the drive test yourself)
or style (people's styles are different)
. listen for advice... and make decision yourself...
. don't forget to check the insurance rate (you will be suprised to find out.. Accord is little bit higher than more expensive ES)
. you should also take a look at "true cost to own" from edmuns.. thus you can check with your bugde...
. narrow your list by eliminate cars that have too much trouble
- Go to dealers... have close look, have personal feeling and drive test the car...
- Your list now should have very few cars
. good reliability
. in the range you can afford.
. pass all of your research
- Finally, go with your feeling and your heart...
if you are still not sure.. why not drive test again and again... try to do all of them in the same days...
I have been the proud owner of a 2002 ES300 (everything but AVS) for nearly nine months and have yet to experience the transmission issue that has plagued some owners. My vehicle was manufactured in June 2002, and I purchased it in mid-July of 2002. I have a bit over 7,000 perfect miles and look forward to many more.
Most of my driving is highway and the car accelerates in a very smooth manner without any kicks, jiggling or abrupt shifting.
I was out and about today in the Lexus and payed very close attention to the behavior of the transmission and did notice a slight 'lugging' at 40-45 mph and the RPM's were about 1,400, maybe less. I then pressed the accelerator and the car downshifted and accelerated without delay or hesitation. I have used premium since day one, changed the oil twice in 7,000 miles with Mobil-1 5W30 and have nothing but praise for this finely crafted automobile.
I have monitored this forum for some time and do hope that those with the tranny problem will be provided a 'fix' by Lexus. I feel I made the best choice in purchasing this car and I would to it all over again if given the chance.
Smooth and serene motoring to all!
M. J. McCloskey
Is this true? Anybody with an '03 having the common transmission problems discussed here? Please report. If not, maybe Lexus fixed the problem after all.
And read review at other auto websites such as:
motor trend, caranddrive, newcartestdrive.com, new-cars.com, epinions, consumerguide, consumerreview, canadadrive... etc...
(Worked with the internet is my daily job since 96.. my work experience include part of a team development website for an auto site in 98)
My count (as I have previous declared.. there're probably many more)... doesn't represent the real number....
- some owners who have problem and very mad... they posted the problem everywhere.. (so I may counted multiple time... if I see same name I counted just one)
- some owners didn't know they have problem
- some owners don't know (or didn't use internet) how to post it internet..
- they may post their messages at some board... I didn't visit
(*) Lexus is the one who has the most accurate counter... Unfortunately, they didn't post it on internet...:-(
I'm buying a different car tomorrow, but am hoping that when I'm in the market again in 3 years or so, the transmission problem will have been fixed.
I wonder how many potential customers Lexus is losing due to their inability to fix this problem.