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Lexus RX Transmission Problems

727 messages,  Last post on Jan 13, 2013 at 11:26 AM

You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX 330, SUV

    

Messages Page 18 of 74

#162 of 727 Re: 2002 RX300 Severe Oil Burn [sktn77a] by twinmama2

Oct 16, 2008 (12:22 am)

Replying to: sktn77a (Sep 08, 2008 8:47 am)
I have a Lexus RX 300 with 153,000 miles, and I've taken my car to Lexus many times because I could here a ticking noise in the engine. Lexus told me that they were going to do a oil consumption test to see if they could find out where the ticking noise was coming from. Lexus said that they could not hear a noise. My car stopped on me while driving, and had to be towed to the Lexus dealership. Lexus said that my transmission has failed.

#163 of 727 Re: 2002 RX300 Severe Oil Burn [twinmama2] by wwest

Oct 16, 2008 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: twinmama2 (Oct 16, 2008 12:22 am)
You should consider yourself lucky, due to the design flaw I fully expect my '01 RX300's transaxle to fail well before 100,000 miles, now at 75,000 miles. Most '99 RX300 transaxle are failing at less than 80,000 miles.

#164 of 727 Re: 2002 RX300 Severe Oil Burn [twinmama2] by la4mead

Oct 19, 2008 (4:47 pm)

Replying to: twinmama2 (Oct 16, 2008 12:22 am)
You mentioned it was being tested for severe oil burn. That indicates a severe engine problem, and is nearly unrelated to transmission condition, unless overheating was part of the problem.
 
Before you have the transmission repaired, you may want to find the reasons for the engine tick and severe oil burn. Otherwise you may end up with a good transmission and an engine thats ready to be run into the ground.
 
I don't think this is what I would want to hear, but I hope I've helped some.

#165 of 727 Re: 1999 Lexus RX300 transmission problem [boutdone] by la4mead

Nov 16, 2008 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: boutdone (Aug 15, 2008 5:20 pm)
Hey Bout,
 
I'm curious if you got up to your next 2500 miles after the last tranny fluid and filter change.
 
Did your transmission end up working well after the guess that it was bad, and then you serviced it to see how it would fare?
 
Did your fluid come out clean?
 
Did the Lucas additive help?
 
Share with us your wisdom.

#166 of 727 Which Lexus RX300 to buy? fewer miles or newer by woody50

Nov 20, 2008 (7:38 pm)

We need a reliable second car. I can buy a 2000 Lexus RX with 33,400 miles for $14,000 (probably less with some negotiating) OR a 2003 Lexus RX with 67,500 for $16,500.
Older with fewer miles or newer with many miles?
Also, has anyone had a good experience with purchasing extended warranties?
I feel like I took a walk through the slums this week, after inquiring and talking with reps who seem like stockbrokers and fast talkers from the 1980s.
 
Thank you for your input
Neil

#167 of 727 Re: Which Lexus RX300 to buy? fewer miles or newer [woody50] by la4mead

Nov 20, 2008 (10:43 pm)

Replying to: woody50 (Nov 20, 2008 7:38 pm)
I'd get the more refined (esp. reliability) mature-model 2003 RX with more miles. I'd use the higher mileage and slow market as leverage to bargain the price down. I have the impression the earlier models with low mileage would not be the best choice for you, for whatever that's worth. Use the keyword "search" and look in this and the main RX300 forum at similar past posts.
 
Good luck and let us know all about it!

#168 of 727 2001 RX300 transmission failure by bradley57

Dec 17, 2008 (8:42 pm)

Maintenance on my SUV had been performed on schedule, no problems. At about 86k, I took it in to be checked after the tranny slipped a couple of times. Lexus flushed and replaced the transmission fluid and said all was fine, never mentioning the record on this model's transmission. At 98k the transmission failed. Lexus wanted $4400 to repair. After searching the Net, I found this site and the record for this model. I called Lexus, told them I was aware of the history of problems and requested their assistance. One day later service rep called back to say the dealership would split the cost 50/50. Thanks guys!

#169 of 727 Re: 2001 RX300 transmission failure [bradley57] by la4mead

Dec 18, 2008 (12:09 am)

Replying to: bradley57 (Dec 17, 2008 8:42 pm)
I'm glad to hear they are still offering the "goodwill". It sounds like you are getting a good deal for a Lexus rebuilt tranny in the hopes of earning your continued loyalty. I hope (and expect) it will work out well for you in the long run. That's a lot better than the out-of-warrantee coverage that would be offered to you from other equally expensive makes.
 
Please let us know how your experience goes.

#170 of 727 Re: 2001 RX300 transmission failure [la4mead] by theozzfactor

Dec 18, 2008 (7:45 am)

Replying to: la4mead (Dec 18, 2008 12:09 am)
I own a 2002 RX300 AWD and happy with it (so far). I have a question. I have been reading lot of stories about the transmission failing, etc and was wondering about that w.r.t. my vehicle. I have never had any issue so far but only issue(s) I can think of is when the transmission is in 'D' (say in highway), when my hand accidentally brushes the transmission stick, it slips to 'N'. I have had this happen couple of occasions. I know its not supposed to change unless I press the button on top of the stick (probably I might have stepped on the brakes during that moment). Is this some sign of a serious under-lying problem ? I bought this vehicle used 18 months back and was thoughtful enough to buy an extended warranty (3 years). So I would say my vehicle is still under Lexus warranty. Any input is deeply appreciated. Thanks
Andy

#171 of 727 Re: 2001 RX300 transmission failure [theozzfactor] by neumie2000

Dec 18, 2008 (10:40 am)

Replying to: theozzfactor (Dec 18, 2008 7:45 am)
No need to worry. I think you will find that under normal driving conditions, you are always able to move the gear lever from D to N without having your foot on the break and without pushing the button on the lever. This is the way most cars operate, and it is not in any way indicative of premature failure of your transmission. Enjoy the car, they are really great vehicles!!

Messages Page 18 of 74

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