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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 65 of 73

#639 of 727 Re: Rx 300 Tranny issue [slsrme] by ed95682

Aug 18, 2011 (8:25 pm)

Replying to: slsrme (Jul 12, 2011 3:00 pm)
Well, I too am one of the 'lucky ones'. The transmission in our 2002 RX300 went out today, without any warning. We called our local Lexus dealer in the Sacramento area and they were sympathetic to our problem and even shared the fact that this has been an ongoing problem with 1999-2002 models. Apparently, Lexus has known of the problem and even corrected the transmission problem in the 2003 and later models. But, our dealer said that it would still cost us $4,700. in order to replace the transmission with a "re-structure...2003 version".
I inquired as to whether Lexus, knowing they had a transmission problem with these years, if they would discount or assist? The answer was "No".
Frustrating to buy a vehicle you think will last and knowing that the company knows is has a mechanical problem with a particular part, and they are not willing to cut some kind of deal. What a bummer!!!

#640 of 727 Re: Rx 300 Tranny issue [ed95682] by flsjr55

Aug 18, 2011 (8:39 pm)

Replying to: ed95682 (Aug 18, 2011 8:25 pm)
Call Lexus Customer Satisfaction and you may get some help. 800-255-3987.
I spent $750 yesterday to repair the A/C. In the past six months I have spent more to repair than the car is worth.

#641 of 727 Re: Rx 300 Tranny issue [flsjr55] by la4mead

Aug 18, 2011 (10:09 pm)

Replying to: flsjr55 (Aug 18, 2011 8:39 pm)
I agree, I'd call Lexus CS, but knowing that Lexus does not feel obliged to offer assistance. But they seem willing to work with an out of warrantee repair apparently if they think they're earning loyalty, not because they have to (possibly because it did last this long). But if they feel they have an opportunity to make a difficult situation easier earning your loyalty (and they do it right this time) they just might help cover part of the cost... Good luck and please let us know what you find out.
 
FWIW, Lexus replaced my '99's transmission in 2004 (when the original warrantee was about to expire) with a new one with all "updates", and it doesn't beat or burn the fluid like the original did. It's been perfect (nothing on the magnets or in the fluid, unlike original) but now I don't go more than about 15,000 before I either have the transmission serviced with type IV fluid at the trans shop with inspection of the filter and magnets or DIY drain the pan and differential, refill, and drain the rest through the cooler return line myself. It's messy but cheap insurance for any bulky FWD based platform (and my car's 13 years old). The difference between the original and the replacement transmission has made huge difference to me.

#642 of 727 1999 Lexus Transmission Failure by seastburn

Aug 30, 2011 (7:13 pm)

Replaced mine with a JASPER remanufactured one with 18 updates, 100,000 mile/ 3 year warranty through JASPER. They call for a fluid and filter change after the first 5000 miles. I've sent a letter to the local Lexus dealer along with one to customer service center in Torrance CA. Depending on their reply will determine if I glue that nice glass and chrome lemon to the tailgate.

#643 of 727 what can I do now by chika

Sep 14, 2011 (10:14 pm)

I just want to buy Rx 300 2001 model please I need more advise on how to go about it or should I go for another model or probably go for toyota suv ? Becouse am affraid of this transmission failure problems every one is complianing about thanks

#644 of 727 Re: what can I do now [chika] by la4mead

Sep 14, 2011 (10:33 pm)

Replying to: chika (Sep 14, 2011 10:14 pm)
Keep in mind most people don't report "good" experiences. The number of posts are heavily skewed toward complaints only, and statistically only represent a tiny fraction of the total number of owners with or without problems. They don't represent a higher percentage of problems than other models, but they do seem to reflect the expectation of "perfection" because of the "L" on the grille.
 
That being said, you do want to be aware of any potential weakness when looking at a used car of the age of first-gen RX's. Low-mileage models may be more prone to needing a transmission, perhaps because of the type of usage (short trips, etc.) or perhaps because impending failure was not noticed during the origninal warantee period. Check the transmission fluid condition yourself (you should do this on any car), check for transmission service history (tranny service is not a recommended service on dealer's overpriced packaged service), and if you find one in good shape, make sure there's enough room in the price for you to be happy with it even if you need a repair.

#645 of 727 Re: what can I do now [chika] by gbryant

Sep 15, 2011 (1:01 am)

Replying to: chika (Sep 14, 2011 10:14 pm)
The majority of tranny failures were on the 2000 RX300 with AWD and are grouped in the 80,000 to 110000 mile range. Mine went at 92,000 and was replaced by the dealer for $4000, with a Jasper rebuilt. I have since sold my ES300 and am trying to sell the RX300. I've also purchased a 2011 MB, ML550 and I'll never own another Lexus or Toyota product.

#646 of 727 Re: what can I do now [chika] by flsjr55

Sep 15, 2011 (6:53 am)

Replying to: chika (Sep 14, 2011 10:14 pm)
Do not buy a 2001 Lexus RX. Most of these vehicles are lemons. It is not just the trans but many other problems. I have already spent more money in the last six months than the vehicle is worth.

#647 of 727 Re: what can I do now [chika] by denni1960

Sep 15, 2011 (7:42 am)

Replying to: chika (Sep 14, 2011 10:14 pm)
Chicka, I own an RX 300 2001 model... I love it. I bought it used from original owner with 43,000 miles. It now has 168,000 and I have never had anything major go wrong with it. I did have a scare with the transmission a few months ago, but my mechanic serviced it (new oil) and it's fine now. I agree with one of the posts here... this forum is with people that have complaints... you probably won't see anyone writing about how great their car is...so don't let the comments here scare you. I plan on buying another RX 300 when the time comes. Just a side note... up until I bought my RX 300, I would trade/buy a different car about every 3 yrs, I've had my RX 300 for about 5yrs now and don't have any plans on trading/selling it. My next purchase will probably be an 04 or 05 model.

#648 of 727 Re: what can I do now [chika] by wwest

Sep 17, 2011 (9:23 am)

Replying to: chika (Sep 14, 2011 10:14 pm)
My '01 F/awd RX300, purchased new, is now approaching 90,000 miles and I am mentaly prepared for a transmission failure within the next 20-30,000 miles. ATF has been double drain/fill, 5 qts each time, twice, once at 40,000 and more recently at 80,000.
 
Since I am fully aware of the details of the design flaw it makes it easier to accept the failure when it comes.
 
I would look first for an RX330 that has DBW to prevent these premature transaxle failures.

Messages Page 65 of 73

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