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ES300 2002 Transmission Problems - READ ONLY

16 messages,  Last post on Apr 28, 2003 at 2:55 PM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus ES 300, Transmission

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 16 es300trans by rtorreca

Apr 19, 2003 (8:03 am)

I, too, have all the problems you mentioned except my rotors were not replaced but resurfaced at it's 12K service.
 
I received a letter from Lexus a few days after talking to customer service, offering me $2000 towards the purchase of ANOTHER Toyota/Lexus good until Jan 2005. Why not just use that money to FIX OR REPLACE my transmission?! After this bad experience, I don't think I'll ever buy any of their products ever again.
 
I called them again yesterday asking about the fix and all they told me it was scheduled to be released this fall. I heard that story before. I bet come this fall, it would be pushed back to fall 2004.

#8 of 16 rtorreca by es300trans

Apr 19, 2003 (9:10 am)

I am taking my car in for the above mentioned problems in a few weeks (the third time). I will let you know how it goes.
 
Do you live in the Bay Area? If we could get enough of us together, maybe we could take this to the press. They love stories like this in the Bay Area (e.g. how Lexus has been giving us the run around even though they admit a problem exists.)
 
Any others out there in the Bay Area with ES300 Transmission issues?

#9 of 16 My solution was expensive but effective by vcheng

Apr 19, 2003 (9:45 am)

I was so sick of the transmission issues with my ES300 that I traded it in after two weeks and 500 miles.
 
I took a bath financially of course, but at least I am not irritated anymore by that stupid drivetrain!

#10 of 16 es300trans by rtorreca

Apr 19, 2003 (9:35 pm)

I live in Central New Jersey. I think there was a class-action lawsuit filed against lexus from bigclassaction.com but don't really know what became of it. If this could be reported on the evening news, that just might spark the fire under their butts to get things moving along.
 
I was at the dealership today and test-drove the RX330 (wife insisted). Salesperson offered $1K off list and $26 for my '02 ES. I think I'll pass. No more Lexus for me (although my wife might try to change my mind - she fell in love with the RX330).

#11 of 16 Complaining to Lexus 800# by nogermancar

Apr 20, 2003 (10:57 am)

Have any of you called the 800-448-1505 number my dealership gave me?
 
I also wonder what happened to the class action. I do recall texas83 posting a tidbit that no one would touch a class action unless there are dead people involved. Well we'll see. TV is another option.
 
I will post my next outcome soon. I don't want to give away what I'm doing just yet.

#12 of 16 Update? by miller50

Apr 24, 2003 (12:39 pm)

nogermancar--How's your situation? Have you resolved anything yet? I'm curious to know how Lexus really handles problems with their autos. So far I've not had much luck and could use some inspiration.

#13 of 16 nogermancar by es300trans

Apr 24, 2003 (2:11 pm)

I called the 800 number (Lexus Customer Care) that you mentioned above. He told me that since my car is under factory warranty he could not help me. He told me to talk to the dealer.

#14 of 16 ES300 2003 Trans Problem by grandwave22

Apr 28, 2003 (1:57 pm)

I have a 2003 ES300 with 4200 miles. I have had the problem since purchased. My dealership, Lexus of Tampa Bay, also admits to a problem but says a fix is not available and can't give me a time frame when it will be available. She says call back every month. I asked if they would notify those who have complained of a problem and she said no!
 
I seem to have 2 problems:
 
1) On rapid acceleration, especially from a slow speed, the trans delays a second before kicking in causing the car to die and then lurch forward
 
2) when slowing down below aprox. 20 mph and then when I apply th e gas (slow or fast it doesn't matter) the trans will delay before engaging. I don't have a problem from a complete stop or above 20 mph.
 
I have also noticed lately when taking my foot off the gas at highway speed the trans does not appear to coast. It feels like the trans is slowing the car down.
 
I can cause the trans to shudder by shifting from drive to neutral and back to drive. It shudders under approx. 30 mph when going back into drive.
 
It appears these problem arises when the car has to downshift.
 
I plan on sending complaint letters to Lexus. Hope everyone will do the same to create some concern. I'm sure the attorneys would love to get involved once someone is injured.

#15 of 16 Trans Problem by grandwave22 by es300trans

Apr 28, 2003 (2:31 pm)

You should also post your problem on the 2003 ES300 Transmission Problem discussion. People are purchasing the 2003 thinking that the problems with the transmission are fixed. Obviously they are not.

#16 of 16 ES300 2003 Trans Problem by grandwave22

Apr 28, 2003 (2:55 pm)

I have a 2003 ES300 with 4200 miles. I have had the problem since purchased. My dealership, Lexus of Tampa Bay, also admits to a problem but says a fix is not available and can't give me a time frame when it will be available. She says call back every month. I asked if they would notify those who have complained of a problem and she said no!
 
I seem to have 2 problems:
 
1) On rapid acceleration, especially from a slow speed, the trans delays a second before kicking in causing the car to die and then lurch forward
 
2) when slowing down below aprox. 20 mph and then when I apply th e gas (slow or fast it doesn't matter) the trans will delay before engaging. I don't have a problem from a complete stop or above 20 mph.
 
I have also noticed lately when taking my foot off the gas at highway speed the trans does not appear to coast. It feels like the trans is slowing the car down.
 
I can cause the trans to shudder by shifting from drive to neutral and back to drive. It shudders under approx. 30 mph when going back into drive.
 
It appears these problem arises when the car has to downshift.
 
I plan on sending complaint letters to Lexus. Hope everyone will do the same to create some concern. I'm sure the attorneys would love to get involved once someone is injured.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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