Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans Lexus ES Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
1381 messages, Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 12:56 PM
You are in the Lexus ES Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
|
Replying to: toydriver (May 19, 2004 3:31 pm) All cars have some lag between the time you put your foot on the gas pedal and when the car responds. Some more than others. And granted the ES330 could be better in this regard. But dangerous? I don't think so. Also, I've read about 3 reviews in car magazines of the ES300 (C & D) and the ES330 and there was absolutely no mention of the issue. The only place I see it discussed is by a few ranters on the Internet.
|
|
|
Thanks for your note. I, too am puzzled why C&D and other independant reviews wouldn't comment on this issue, since there are several websites full of commentary from owners. Anyway, I enjoy my ES (for the most part), but wish that Lexus would correct a deficiency in performance that isn't present in any other Lexus/Toyota cars and trucks that I have owned or driven. Best of luck with your car selection. |
|
| The point that I am trying to make is that for $30k-35k you can do much better. Yes the car is smooth and quiet, but the unpredictability of the shifting pattern is what is questionable. Everything is great about my car except for the shifting and lag during shifting. Another problem is that the car does not always follow a certain shift pattern or hard shifting, sometimes it is fine. The people that do not recognize the shifting issues are the same people that do not realize that they are driving on a flat tire. This is the worst shifting car I have ever had, hands down. I can shift a truck smoother than this shifts, and that's a fact. If you notice any weird shifting habits during the test drive it will not get any better with time. Don't get fooled just because it is a Lexus, just go with your gut feeling. If you like the car then buy it, but remember that many people have complained about this problem to Lexus with no results. You will be stuck like I am, paying for a lawyer to try to get your money back. Also the new engine has no affect on the transmission shifting issues, they are still there. Whether you have an ES300 or 330 the car still shifts hard and clunks into gear. No matter what anybody says an entry-level luxury sedan should be smooth and quiet, and yes that includes the transmission. Possibly the reviews sent out by major car magazines and online are bogus. I have read nothing prior to my purchasing the ES330 about poor shifting or lag during shifting. But as soon as I get the car and search for a specific problem it comes up all over the place, something is fishy. I just hope to get my money back and I can get something that I will be happy with. By the way my previous car was a Camry, no problems at all, loved it 100% The point of my rambling is to help anyone in the market for a new Es330, I don't want to see anyone else get ripped off. | |
| In a recent post(#430), I described the sluggish transmission/acceleration problem with my new 2004 ES330 that so many on this board have detailed. I had the car in for the 1000 mile service yesterday and asked them to check out this problem. They said they checked the transmission by computer and that it was operating as designed. When I asked if the shift points could be extended, they said that no changes could be programmed into the transmission control computer. The service writer did admit that many customers have complained about this problem and suggested I call Lexus to log in my complaint. I guess I will do that, but don't expect any solution will result. So, the purpose of this post is to warn any of you folks out there who may be considering the ES330 to beware. I don't know if this problem applies to every car or whether some are worse than others. Be sure you take an extended test drive, not just around the block, to determine if you can live with the way this car performs. While I'm at it, what cretin designed a climate control system that runs the A/C and recirc automatically and requires you to shut them off, and provides no way to get fresh outside air through the vents. | |
|
Did your service writer tell you about the software "upgrade" that can be installed?? Another option (according to my service guy ) is to "re-set" the transmission computer to allow it to "re-learn" your driving habits. (He thought this was a good first step because the "upgrade" installation prevents going back to the orignial computer software, once it's installed.) Check back on older posts on this site. |
|
| The lousy drivetrain remains a lousy drivetrain in an otherwise nice car. Buyers beware. | |
| I saw a notation on the dealers copy of the service order that said "beyond trans update calibration", so I assume this means that my car has the latest software update available, especially since it's only 1 1/2 months old. The service guy did say that the only thing they could do is erase the computer's memory of our driving style, but he didn't think that would help in my case since I've been trying to "train" the car rather aggresively. I fear that vcheng may be right. | |
|
I recently had the re-set done, and I think that it has helped some. I intentionally drove aggressively during this second "break-in" period, as they suggested. I bought the car new, out of state, and drove it 500 mi home with little change in the highway speed. I may be getting use to it's jerky habits as it now has close to 10K miles. Anyway, just suggestions that might help. |
|
| Thanks. I think I will take the car back and have them erase the memory and break it in a second time. It couldn't hurt. Are there any Lexus service techs out there who can shed any light on these transmission woes? | |
|
|
|
I test drove an ES330 and loved the car except for some rough shifting. I read this forum and went back for another test drive with a more focused attention. I could make the transmission misbehave pretty easily. After all of you folks experiences I changed my mind and bought a used (19,000) Mazda Millenia that drives just as well and and has a silky smooth engine and transmission for $15,000. I'm happy and saved $17,000. Thanks folks, the Internet rocks! |
|
You are here:
Forums
Sedans Lexus ES Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2003 Lexus ES 300
2006 Lexus ES 330
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
