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
SUVs Lexus RX 300/330/350 Lexus RX 300 Transmission Problems
306 messages, Last post on Nov 28, 2009 at 8:40 AM
You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
|
I want to add my voice to the 'never again Lexus' crowd. I had my engine replaced at ~90K miles. I fought to get Lexus to pay for that. Only after the class action suit did I get full refund for the repair. The transmission just failed at 130K miles 200 miles from home (the car stoppped on the highway) and was towed to a Lexus dealership. After asking for help with the repair, the Service Manager offered 10% off of the $4600 bill(1 yr warranty). Called Lexus and they refused to assist.I hope someone starts a class action suit for the transmission problem. I'd be happy to join the suit.  So I say, never again a Lexus. I will move my business to Volvo out of respect for my '99 V70 with 165,000 miles and no issues. |
|
|
I was shocked when I found out my transmission was failing at 88K. "It's a LEXUS!" I exclaimed. But after doing a little web search, I was surprised to find this to be a common occurrence. I will also admit I was a little comforted to discover this as well since I had babied the heck out of my car - regular dealer service etc. Well after pondering what to do (can't sell a car with a bad tranny), I decided to shop around for repair. After getting some estimates, I headed straight to the dealer for an estimate and explanation. Lexus was REALLY nice about the whole ordeal. They offered to match my estimate as best as they could as well as give me the nicest "courtesy loaner" they had available. Well, I'm a sucker for that Lexus charm and took the deal. They are going to replace my transmission (refurb) for $3888. I know I could of gotten a local tranny place to rebuild for a bit less but they did match what it was going to cost to replace. Well, I'm driving a sweet 2009 RX350 with all the bells and whistles and loving it. I did fill out a complaint form in hopes that I will get some money back if enough people complain (it worked for my Maytag washer/dryer). I still love Lexus vehicles and their service. Therefore, I can't join the NEVER AGAIN crowd but I am all about the LET'S COMPLAIN TIL THEY FIX IT group.
|
|
|
Replying to: sblexus (May 22, 2009 1:31 pm) I hope your rebuild from Lexus lasts longer (with updated factory parts). My original tranny used to punish and burn the fluid contaminating it with worn material, but my replacement clearly is in a different league. Watch dealer service, though... There's a strong likelihood it might help to specifically ask for regular transmission service including dropping the pan and replacing the filter (not flushing), otherwise it's likely they won't include it. Be comforted to know even though it's a sore point, in today's cars it's not unusual to find a $4000 repair on an 8 year old car. It sounds like you're getting a "sweet" deal. 
|
|
| I am surprised to find out this is a common problem, and to know I have to spend $4,000 to replace. Now I have to find a shop to fix. I haven't done any estimate yet. Do I have to send to the dealer or independent shop is good enough? From the forum, it seems $3200 is a reasonable price. Is it right? | |
I put "going strong" in quotes because although I have never had a problem with it after 180000 miles, I have no idea what kind of condition it is in. I am the original owner. It is the AWD with the "tow package". I have never used it for towing. I have ALWAYS gone to the dealer for its scheduled service. I do not baby the car, got a couple tickets going over 100  Although the dealer maybe expensive, I think in the 9.5 years I've had it I only needed to go to the dealer twice for unscheduled maintenance (O2 sensor). Besides that, it has been a dream to own. I'd like to know from the people that complain about the tranny if they stuck to the routine schedule religiously? Did they get the tow package? P.S. I purchased my 2000 RX300 from Longo Lexus in SoCal in Dec. '99.
|
|
|
Replying to: rdaught (Jun 23, 2009 12:32 am) I have a friend with a 2000 AWD who has at least as many L.A. commuter miles (definately not babied), and I've reminded him to ask the dealer (local Toyota dealer) specifically to service the transmission with new fluid, filter, and inspection from the pan at least every couple years, which I think is a good idea regardless of model. No problems so far. Enjoy the drive! |
|
|
Replying to: rdaught (Jun 23, 2009 12:32 am) Please help me with what are updated parts? I am debating whether to put in a salvage or a rebuild. Based on discussion posts, it appears a used transmission is a bad gamble. Would a used 2002 or 2003 be any better than 2001 and earlier? thanks BTW, a bottle of Lucas Transmission fix after death decree at the dealer, enabled me to drive home from orlando to tampa and totally stopped all slipping and clunky shifts. Havent tried it yet this morning...just possible last resort FYI for others with clearly worn out tranny to help keep from getting stranded
|
|
|
Replying to: lee7194 (Jun 25, 2009 5:35 am) But given the history of these RX transaxles (I don't expect my '01 to last to 100k) I suspect a "shill" for Lucas is more likely the case.
|
|
|
Replying to: wwest (Jun 27, 2009 8:11 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: steve_ (Jun 27, 2009 11:55 am) 316,000 miles...???
|
|
You are here:
Forums
SUVs Lexus RX 300/330/350 Lexus RX 300 Transmission Problems
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2003 Lexus RX 300
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
