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Transmission problems with Lexus ES?

1381 messages,  Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 12:56 PM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus ES 300, Lexus ES 330, Transmission, Sedan

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#458 of 1381 Re: ES330 Reviews [davidz #457] by mrdlexus May 30, 2004 (10:32 am)
Replying to: davidz (May 30, 2004 6:57 am) I think she is referring to the time when the es 300 had a 4 speed automatic instead of the current 5 speed. It is true that 2002 and 2003 models were the worst, with marginal improvement in the 2004 model year. The fact remains that when Lexus changed from the 4 speed to the 5 speed, that is when all the complaints started occurring. The 4 speed was silky smooth!!!!
#459 of 1381 posts 443 and 455 by wrd Jun 04, 2004 (9:00 am)
Those posts describe the problem perfectly. A wonderful automobile that shifts like crap. My 02 has 30k with no improvement or deteriation in shift quality. Will it last 100k? Who knows. Will Lexus stand behind their product if it fails? I am beginning to doubt it. I have driven many 02/04 loaners (300's and 330's) and every one had a noticeable shifting problem. I will never believe it is just 10% of production.(Lexus has admitted to 12%). Just 10% of aware owners. Last time I checked NHTSA'S site, there were 37 reported accidents and one death attributed to ES300/330 transmission problems.   I am also driving my second LS400 and had plans to buy a new 430 until I read posts from two owners complaining of abnormal shifting with their new 430's.
#460 of 1381 Why Bother Fixing this problem? by amf1932 Jun 05, 2004 (6:41 am)
I've been complaining about the crappy shifting on my '03 ES from the time I purchased this car till the present, but when I read about Lexus's sales figures from "Auto Spy" I ask this question: Why would Lexus even bother? Quote from Auto Spy: "Lexus passenger cars also posted strong sales of 12,762, an increase of 13.9 percent. The ES 330 luxury sedan recorded best-ever May sales of 7,099 units, up 23.9 percent. The LS 430 flagship luxury sedan posted sales of 2,763 units, up 55.3 percent."
#461 of 1381 Re: Why bother fixing this problem?? by toydriver Jun 05, 2004 (8:38 am)
Well, the way I see it, Lexus/Toyota is starting to "rest on their laurels" the way the "big 3" did before they slid into disrepute, falling sales and slumping stock prices. Toyota considers themselves as the best car/truck manufacturer. Yes Lexus has a way to slide, but if they can get by with cheaper production, of course they will.   The interior of the ES sells itself, so by the time the test drive occurs, the customer is more focused on the wood grain, quiet and ambience of the cabin and not on the transmission.   Well, Lexus should be more concerned about RETAINING customers as much as aquiring new ones.   This customer has NO plans to buy another Lexus after owning 3, and having problems with 2 of them. Next time, I will look elsewhere.
#462 of 1381 Transmission anomaly by motownusa Jun 06, 2004 (8:10 pm)
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2002/lexus/es300/100003424/roadtestar- - ticle.html?articleId=73568   The full report on the 02 ES300 does mention the transmission anomaly. It says during normal driving the upshift is barely perceptible, however during aggressive driving the upshift is harsh and the downshift delayed as if the transmission is confused about the driver's intention. So, it is understandable why the majority of the owners probably will not feel the symptoms being described on this board since 90% of the owners probably will not drive it in a way to induce the transmission problem. However, if you read the entire article, you will see that the overall review of the car is very positive calling it one of the best entry level luxury car in terms of fit and finish and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) even saying to pass up the MB C320 for this car. Replies to this message: johnpar (Jun 08, 2004 1:18 pm)
#463 of 1381 by maxhonda99 Jun 07, 2004 (4:50 am)
About 2 months back I had a 2002 ES300 as a loaner car. Being that I read these boards alot, I was really looking for a transmission problem. I drove it about 50 miles, and although it wasn't a perfect shifter, I couldn't duplicate any of the problems anyone has mentioned on this board.   Basically I did find it a little slow to kickdown gears when driving at about 40-50MPH but it wasn't dangerous and it wasn't any worse than my Accord V6, which I feel has a so-so automatic transmission.
#464 of 1381 Here is a reply from one of the Southern California Dealers.... by georgeb7 Jun 07, 2004 (7:42 am)
"Yes, there were a few minor transmission concerns in previouus ES 300 models but these cocerns have been addressed with the ES 330 models. Besides, if Lexus is still #1 in dependability and realibity, can you imagine the how many more problems the other makes are dealing with? You'll still get the best value for your money with a Lexus without a doubt".   This does sound like - we are the best so if we have one problem, why should we fix it if others have more problems.
#465 of 1381 Re: Lexus ES330 appears to remedy the glitch... [riskyb #329] by five aces Jun 07, 2004 (5:53 pm)
Replying to: riskyb (Dec 08, 2003 1:05 am) I was looking seriously at buying a ES 330, and test drove the car three (3)different times from three (3) different dealerships. I was very impressed with the smooth, quiet ride, just what I was looking for, when all of a sudden when I tried to accelerate, "what the heck?". There was a very noticable hesitation before the engine accelerated, and it was annoying. It has happened to me everytime I test drove the vehicle. I started looking into this, talking to other people who had Lexus', and calling service departments and talking to technicians. Guess what? There is a problem. The Lexus technicians acknowledged it. Check out consumerguide.com and look how they rate the Lexus under "acceleration". They nailed it. I don't know if it is a huge issue, but it is annoying and frustrating. It may not be a deal killer, but for me, I'm starting to look again at the Avalon's. Where is Edmunds on this issue?
#466 of 1381 riskyb Re: remedy the glitch by toydriver Jun 07, 2004 (6:37 pm)
Edmund's pays reviewers to write complementary notes about the manufacturers that pay Edmund's (advertising).   Re: the Avalon. I believe the new '05 Avy will have the same drive train (3.3L V6 5sp auto - drive by wire system that is in the ES). So, if you want silky-smooth shifting, check out the '04 Av before the model end. IMO. Replies to this message: five aces (Jun 07, 2004 8:12 pm) five aces (Jun 07, 2004 8:27 pm)
#467 of 1381 Re: riskyb Re: remedy the glitch [toydriver #466] by five aces Jun 07, 2004 (8:12 pm)
Replying to: toydriver (Jun 07, 2004 6:37 pm) I wonder how good the stereo systems are in the '04 Avalon LXS?

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