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Comments
Laputchka, if you read this, would love to hear your comparo of the XC90 vs. the RX330.
I live in New England and park my car outside. Also I have noticed that the clear coating on my wood grain steering wheel has become glazed and foggy looking all the time. Has anyone else experienced these problems?
I really did like the Volvo, it just had so many problems. I do however have to say that volvo bent over backwards to fix everything, they dropped off rental cars to my house each and every time and were always prompt about returning any phone calls.
I have over 1,000 miles on my Lexus and its running PERFECTLY! It is a great SUV, it drives well, and its the perfect size for my daughter and myself. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Here are the problems I've encountered thus far:
1. The vehicle as a whole is not as quiet as I would have expected. (Doubt that there's going to be any solution for that.)
2. Engine noise in particular is greater than I would have expected. My Acura CL had significantly less engine noise.
3. One particularly annoying aspect of the engine noise is what others have described as the "ticking sound" at low RPM's. I can't believe that was intended or accepted by the designers. Simply put, it makes the vehicle sound "cheap." It's the kind of sound I would expect from a much less well-built vehicle after about 70,000 miles. Is there any fix for that?
4. I think I've noticed what some people refer to as the transmission "clunking," although I was anticipating a sound rather than a feeling, which is what I get. After slowing down from a higher speed in city driving, then attempting to speed up again, the transmission hesitates for an instant and then "clunks" into gear with a bit of a jolt. This isn't terribly annoying, but it's not something I've ever encountered on any other vehicle I've driven. What's the consensus on this--is there a fix?
5. I have noticed a hesitation in shifting, I think it's from 2nd to 3rd but could be mistaken, in one circumstance--driving up a slight incline at about 25-30 MPH, the car seems to stay in the lower gear longer than would be expected rather than shifting smoothly to the higher gear. Is this the problem others have identified, and is there a fix?
6. Like someone farther up this page, the rear wiper fails to make contact with the top 3 inches or so with the rear window. I'm sure this is fixable and if anything inspires me to take the car in before it hits 5,000, this will be it because it's a safe driving issue.
7. Very small point, but the outside temperature gauge is pretty worthless. It routinely reads off by 10 degrees or more.
8. Finally, I've been disappointed with the gas mileage. I realize that you probably won't get the top-end mileage in the stated 18-to-24 range, but I expect to be within the lower end of the range. I drive a blend of city and highway miles and have yet to do as well as 18 MPG for a full tank. I've tried all octane levels, with and without ethanol, and nothing seems to make a significant difference. What have others experienced on mileage and do you have any tips on how to improve it?
On the whole, despite the foregoing laundry list of issues, I'm relatively pleased with the vehicle. It just doesn't quite measure up to what I thought to be the Lexus standard of excellence. I'm afraid we're all experiencing what commonly happens when you buy a vehicle in its first model year. In any event, thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.
:-)
2. Insulating blanket.
3. Insulating blanket.
4. I beginning to wonder if the whole transmission shifting issue on the 330 isn't due to the overdrive and gear ranges be so "high" that the engine would lug if the shift pattern weren't "adjusted". 70MPH = 3000RPM on the 300 and 2300RPM on the 330.
5. See above. Tranny must stay in lower gear longer to develop sufficient engine torque.
6. Longer wiper blade.
7.Relocate the OAT sensor away from the A/C condensor and engine radiator so it isn't influenced by their radiant heat.
8. have the dealer use the C-best setting to disable the A/C compressor from automatically running at all times. My 01 AWD gets 21 to 23 MPH strictly highway miles regardless of fuel octane. Too much variation in my city miles stop and go driving to bother checking.
Just a comment about the transmission issue: I had the same symptons/conditions as you are experiencing and I had the TSB change done on my car 10 days ago, and all of those conditions are gone! The transmission acts much smoother and quieter than how it came from the factory.
My mileage is consistenly around 18 mpg, +/- .2 or .3 mpg. On the road, I have gotten in excess of 23 mpg on a tank--all calculations done the old fashioned way, not using the built in computer, which is too generous re mpg. My outiside air temp display is not off as much as yours-maybe the dealer can calibrate it for you.
I have just begun to notice a rattle in the dash, but only on rough surfaces-I will monitor this more.
I agree, we all seem to high expectations, but compared to my prior vehicles, I still like my Lexus the best. Hope you enjoy yours and that some of those issues can be resolved to your satisfaction.
As far as the rear wiper and ticking engine, I don't remember reading about any adequate fixes.
The clunking, hesitant shifting, and dash rattle are all TSB's (technical service bulletins). Your service department should be aware of these and will make the necessary mods the next time you are in for servicing. The fix for the shifting issue is an ECM update which the service technician will warn you that once programmed into the car, cannot be undone. Everyone whose post I have read has been happy or very pleased with the results. The fix for the rattle, however, has worked better for some, than for others. Some people have needed multiple trips to resolve this, so make sure you ask to go on a test drive with a technician before you take the car back!
I think wwest answered your noise issues very well. I'd like to add that since the previous RX was accused of being too quiet and non sporty, this version was given a larger engine with a throatier growl. I don't mind the engine noise as much because the car is now sportier with the 18" wheels and low profile tires, which incidentally,also contribute to more road noise.
About your temp sensor and low gas mileage, I can't tell you much about the former except that your dealer should re calibrate it or replace it. As for the disappointing gas mileage, I have gotten highs of 18mpg to ridiculous lows of 13.5mpg! I talked to the dealer about it and they didn't have much to say. I am at times an aggressive driver, but it doesn't seem to matter even when I ease up on the pedal. I am chalking up my seemingly high gas consumption to possibly inaccurate gas pumps and many short driving trips, which usually produce the worst fuel efficiency. For now, I am continuing to monitor fuel efficiency before my first scheduled service.
Please keep us posted. I wish you luck and a speedy resolution to your issues.
When our salesman followed up via phone I mentioned it to him, he called back an hour later saying he had checked with the service manager and he didn't recall this to be a recurring theme. As we live an hour from the dealer I'm waiting until the 30 day service check.
BTW, my wife made a 330 mile round trip to Houston last week and she got 24.4 mph, via calculator, not the built in gauge, that's on 87 octane. Probably about 35 stoplights each way, so we consider that pretty respectable mileage.
These two fixes made a huge difference. I felt that I was in a different car on the drive home from the dealer. I wouldn't wait to get this fixed if it bothers you now because it really does change the driving experience. BTW, my dealer, Lexus of Norwood, in MA does approximately 5 dash fixes per week. They did 3 on the day my car was in.
W west--thanks for the idea of a sound insulating blanket. Any advice on where I can get and have one of these installed? I'd actually been thinking of fashioning something of the kind on my own.
Once again, thanks to all on this board who share experience and advice. It is very helpful to someone like me who is not car savvy.
Katherine
gardencar, you mentioned the clunking is in TSB. Which one is it? Can you tell me either Service Bulletin Num or NHTSA Item Number? Thank you.
I also have a same experience about the rear wiper and ticking engine.
I posted a message (#263) regarding to the whining noise (sounds like "OO"). Does anyone have the same experience?
The TSB number is TC005-03, titled "ECM Calibration: Shifting Enhancement".
We have reason to believe that newer deliveries (including 12/03) should have the ECM updated coming out of the factory. However, it appears the only guaranteed method to verify you have the updated program is for a technician to hook up the diagnostic tester and read the ECU Calibration ID.
Before this ECM TSB was performed on our RX330, I thought there was a noticeable hesitation before downshifting (such as from 3rd to 2nd gears), when driving at lower speeds and attempting to accelerate. Perhaps the opposite was also true regarding upshifting? Being a person who is a bit more "performance" oriented, I was primarily concerned with the slow reaction to the downshift. The ECM update improved the shifting significantly. Is it perfect? That depends on your driving style. It still isn't as quick to react as the transmission in my BMW, but I'm not complaining. This isn't a performance vehicle.
I was scanning some discussion topics concerning the Mercedes M-Class SUV, and if I remember correctly, someone was comparing the number of posts within the different SUVs' "Problems & Solutions" discussions to help judge the vehicle's reliability! This was not looking at the types of problems; not even the number of problems; just comparing the number of posts within each discussion! Can you get any more scientific than that??
Anyway, they wanted an update from me on the dash rattle. For those new to this list, I have had my dash worked on a couple of times.
The last service visit fixed about 99.9% of my rattles but on rare occasions I still hear a small pop in near the windshield on the drivers side.
To make a long story short...here's what the dealer told me. Lexus has sent a team of engineers into the field to address this and some of the other issues mentioned on this post (ticking noise from fuel injectors to name one). My service manager said the engineers are working side-by-side in service departments across the country so they can develop a uniform dash repair "kit". So far, there isn't a universal fix...each dealership is fixing dash rattles based on "the best way we know how to address them based on individual complaints."
Personally, I am encouraged by this news. It tells me Lexus is serious about addressing any and all major complaints.
I am off to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a few days...so it will probably be a few weeks before I visit this site again. I'll miss you!
Going home, I use a different route, about 11 miles but using interstate for about 9 of those miles. On weekends it is usually surface streets for errands and such-very little expressway/interstate use-again, about 20 minutes due to dropping off the office mail at the main post office on the way home each work night.
I will have to pull out my mileage log and give my worst/best mileage. I have only had one fill-up since I had the transmission TSB done and it was at 17.7 mpg.
I agree about the rear wiper issue-I have only had to use it a couple of times out here, but the very top couple of inches is smeary.
My RX has AWD, primarily because our sons and new grandbaby live up in Reno, and in the winter months snow is possible from about 150 miles north of here on into Reno. We were up there in January and got to use the rear window and side mirror defrosters and seat heaters!!!! They worked great!!!!!
Thank you for the update on what Lexus is doing. It sure is encouraging. It certainly shows Lexus' commitment to keeping us clients happy. I guess you are off to the Congo to write a story. I think I remember you writing that you are an international affairs reporter. Have a safe trip and look forward to hearing from you when you return.
Another thing, I noticed your post about Mobil 1 and I am also going to use it at my 5,000 mile service. I'd like to hear some of your thoughts on using synthetic oil and why Mobil 1 in particular. Also, did your tech have anything to say about using it on your new RX330?
I've never used a full synthetic before, just syntec blends. However, for the RX330, I'm willing to shell out the extra bucks, considering that the previous gen RX engines had the sludge problems. Thanks in advance.
I am off to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a few days...
BTW - they DO have internet there! Check in here if you get a chance!
tidester, host
Wonder if tidester knows something about this?
Steve, Host
However, I just looked at my own profile and saw that my email address is also set for private and it's not supposed to be. I just now set it back to being visible but the system still insists it's private.
I'll send it up the chain!
tidester, host
Katherine6 and disdm, there is a sound insulating material called Reflectix that you can use to deaden the noises in the RX. The installation is somewhat laborious, but the results "sound" super. There is a helpful post #89 by chitung that also provides this link with a detailed article: http://www.bitwalla.com/cruisers/articles/sound.html
Happy driving to all!
Sorry to hear you'll be away from this topic for a few weeks. Have a safe trip!
What is your windshield did crack because a rock hit it? Why should it be covered under warranty?
BTW, no manufacturer's warranty covers cracked windshields from rocks etc. Warranties only cover what could be caused due to factory defect.
If the above is the case the crack usually originates at an edge.
To all interested in the DRC trip. I am almost done packing and checking this site one more time before I leave. I will be accompanying a UN delegation investigating the plight of those displaced by the war there (tentative truce in some parts of the country at the moment). I doubt I will get a chance to check in...but I will if I can. Thanks for all of your thoughts...
Having said that, I have a Yukon with over 100k miles and a Vette with 73k miles and have used Mobil 1 in both (that's what the Vette comes with and is specified in the manual) and have not had any engine problems with either vehicle.
I was not aware of a sludge problem but I will adhere to a 5k mile oil change regimen (we change the oil in the Vette every 3k miles). I figure if Mobil 1 is good enough for the Vette, it is good enough for the Lexus, and the Lexus engine works a lot harder than the Vette, rpm wise. I guess time will tell. I have had my Lexus oil changed twice now with Mobil 1 and no challenge nor warning from the service advisor.
Yep, he's our 1st grandchild--my much-better half is just beaming with a new grandson--thanks!
On the one hand, hasn't Lexus sold over one hundred million RX330s thus far? OK, maybe that is an exaggeration, but one must remember that we may be representing a very, very small minority of all the RX330 owners. I'm not sure if I would have ever spoken up about the hesitating transmission if I had never read about the Lexus ECM TSB within these Lexus forums. (It really wasn't that big of an issue!) When I did speak up to my Lexus service advisor about 3-4 months ago, she claimed she had never heard of it. She checked with other personnel in her service department and gave me a call back to say that only one RX330 owner had requested that ECM update, thus far.
Thus, if many of the Lexus service advisors are not aware of this TSB, then what are the odds that the salesmen are going to be informed of this issue? I typically don't go back to talk to my salesperson months after I've purchased a car. And from what I've seen, the sales staff do not hang out with the service reps. In summary, I see a strong possibility that many Lexus salesmen are not tuned into this issue whatsoever.
On the other hand, I'm not quite sure I understand why Lexus doesn't provide more publicity regarding these TSBs. In a perfect world, Lexus corporate would make a solid effort to ensure all Lexus service centers are fully aware of every TSB that is issued for all Lexus models. But maybe that isn't practical, if you consider all the possible TSBs that may be written for every single model, with variations for each model year?
And then again, there will always be some salesmen who will knowingly "deflect" your questions by replying, "Problems? What problems??"
They were there to complain that the windshield fogging had been so bad that morning that they had to pull over out of traffic so as not to become an acident statistic. The woman was very irate and said that this was the last time the dealer would get the chance to fix the car.
I own 2 RX's and over the years have had a few instances where the service advisor might float an idea about scrimping on repairs, but will back down at once if you object strenuously enough.
Thanks
Bromley22, zhito, I have an RX330 and after the adaptive transmission learned my driving style, I had no major shifting issues as mine already came with the EMC update. I have no rattles or undue noises at 2000+ miles. Only complaint has been the lower than expected gas mileage, but could be a combination of the vehicle breaking in, and hilly terrain here in the Bay Area. Overall, I am very happy with ride quality, fit and finish, utility, and sportiness of the RX. It is very comfortable to drive and ride in. Even when comparing it to my LS400, the RX holds its own. In sharp contrast, it is worlds apart from a truck based SUV, like the Explorer.
Although some owners are experiencing quality issues, they are being addressed aggressively by Lexus USA as posted by lovemylexus1 on post #288.
The RX330 is bound to have some issues because it is a first year model, even though it is a Lexus. If you take a look at the records of any luxury SUV, with the exception of some Japanese marques, you will see that in comparison, the RX'S problems are relatively minor. Log on to the ML, X5, XC90, and most recently, the Touareg problems boards to confirm this.
If you are wondering whether to "risk" getting the RX330, I must assume that reliability is a very large factor for you. If this is true, then the only other comparable lux utes are the FX or the MDX. One is short on utility and the other is long of tooth.
If you like neither the Infinity nor the Acura, and have your heart set on the RX, but are still doubtful about its reliability, then wait. Wait and watch this board to see if other, more serious issues develop. Wait for the 2005 model, if you can. That's the question, can you wait until next fall or winter? If you can, then do. IMO, I feel the extra year I am getting to enjoy the RX, is worth whatever first year bugs I may run into.
Whatever other bugs, I am confident that as they surface, Lexus will come up with permanent fixes. They have no choice. They have too much to lose if they don't. The previous generation RX being their largest seller, they will not risk losing such success with this generation RX. I've bet $40,000+ on it! Good luck and happy hunting.
I'd also like to add that even the other established Japanese marques have their problems as well. We had a dash rattle for nearly two years with our previous MDX, with some climate control problems occurring after 2.5 years. My neighbors' experiences are scaring me away from recommending the Honda Pilot. I'm sure we could find some complaints about the FX if we scan all of its discussion topics. No doubt, if reliability is a primary concern, stay away from the European SUVs until data suggests they are consistently reliable. If the RX330 purchase can be put off, then be patient and see what the 2005 model has in store. I guess I haven't seen proof of this, but I'm certain the RX330 will continue to be available in 2005, along with the new hybrid model. The sales volume is just far too high to be supported entirely by a new hybrid.
Oh, I just realized I almost lied to everyone. I do have one complaint. These 18" Goodyear RSA tires are expensive! My wife must have run over a box of nails last week. Both passenger-side tires were overrun with nails when she made a trip into town. One hit the sidewall, and the other tire had too many nails for repair. Hence, 2 new tires were needed. I called around a couple of tire dealers, and even after negotiating the price down, they still cost me nearly $200 each, installed. And that was before buying the roadhazard warranty, which I wasn't going to do without after this experience!
By the way, it appears that the equivalent 18" Michelins are less expensive than the Goodyears. In fact, Tire Rack offers them for about $110 each, before shipping.
Have you EVER met a salesperson who really knew the product? Folks who know the product don't have to work on commission.
Also, found your experiences with the MDX very interesting, as we are looking at getting one as a possible replacement for the Explorer. How did you find the change of going from the larger MDX to the smaller RX? Have you written a comparo? Would love to read your opinions. Take care.