List of current ES350 TSIBs
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: VA
Many of the TSIBs have "2007 model year ES 350 vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VIN shown below." Are the last seven digits after the "7" (which I assume means 2007 model year) the serial number of the particular chassis? I.e., does that mean that if a TSIB notes the production change started with VIN JTHBJ46G#72024900, that only cars with VINs JTHBJ46G#72024899 and lower are affected?
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Many of the TSIBs have "2007 model year ES 350 vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VIN shown below." Are the last seven digits after the "7" (which I assume means 2007 model year) the serial number of the particular chassis? I.e., does that mean that if a TSIB notes the production change started with VIN JTHBJ46G#72024900, that only cars with VINs JTHBJ46G#72024899 and lower are affected?
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
The trans TSIB implies vehicles made after the VIN cut-off are somehow ok, they are NOT ok as to somehow being exempt from being problematic.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: MN
Hi everyone new(old) guy here.Am trading my"03 350Z for a new ES350 next week.
Have had es330 and es300 previously.They both suffered from tranny and "rattle" problems.
The Z had numerous issues as well-most were resolved except for MAJOR tire alignment issues.
Despite all this these Japanese made vehicles are still way superior to the BMWs and Merecedes that are CONTINUOUSLY in the dealer for problems(most owners will deny this)
So enjoy these great,relatively reasonable vehicles....
And keep up the TSB reporting-THANKS!!!
Have had es330 and es300 previously.They both suffered from tranny and "rattle" problems.
The Z had numerous issues as well-most were resolved except for MAJOR tire alignment issues.
Despite all this these Japanese made vehicles are still way superior to the BMWs and Merecedes that are CONTINUOUSLY in the dealer for problems(most owners will deny this)
So enjoy these great,relatively reasonable vehicles....
And keep up the TSB reporting-THANKS!!!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: md
Does anyone know how to initialize the Nav system on an ES350 -2004? I have a newer DVD from Navteq from a Chysler Alpine Nav system. Does anyone know if it will work on the Lexux? It is made by the same company-NAVTEQ.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: KY
From the problems thread....
Hopefully OK to enter this here. It's listed as a Camry but the OP mentioned that it's good for the ES350. Watching with interest as I've avoided the ES350 just because of this issue.
TSB from Toyota on Camry 6 speed Transmission same as ES350
Toyota just released a new TSB (TC007-07) for the infamous U660E transmission to correct the flare (slipping) problem. This is, of course, applicable only to the V6 Camry (and Lexus ES350).
The TSB calls for reflashing the transmission computer with new firmware to fix the problem. It also states that if the new firmware doesn't do the trick, the transaxle needs to be replaced (of course, that was in the older TSBs, and didn't solve my problem nor that of numerous other posters).
My conclusion is that they identified two problems with the transmission: one mechanical and one related to programming. The mechanical one was identified months back when they released the valve body replacement TSB and the subsequent R/R transaxle TSB. The firmware update is what's new this time.
What's interesting is that the list of flares the TSB is supposed to fix involves more than just the 3-4 shift flare that's so obvious. Other shift flares that I see mentioned less on discussion boards (with the exception of Edmunds, which has a number of complaints about these) were listed. Also, the TSB says the flares are most noticeable after a cold soak, implying they can occur when the car is warmed up (something many of us already knew from experience).
* 3-4 upshift during first 10 minutes of operation
* 2nd - 3rd upshift
* 4th - 5th upshift
* 5th - 4th downshift when accelerating from coast or decelerating between 30 - 40 mph
Toyota just released a new TSB (TC007-07) for the infamous U660E transmission to correct the flare (slipping) problem. This is, of course, applicable only to the V6 Camry (and Lexus ES350).
The TSB calls for reflashing the transmission computer with new firmware to fix the problem. It also states that if the new firmware doesn't do the trick, the transaxle needs to be replaced (of course, that was in the older TSBs, and didn't solve my problem nor that of numerous other posters).
My conclusion is that they identified two problems with the transmission: one mechanical and one related to programming. The mechanical one was identified months back when they released the valve body replacement TSB and the subsequent R/R transaxle TSB. The firmware update is what's new this time.
What's interesting is that the list of flares the TSB is supposed to fix involves more than just the 3-4 shift flare that's so obvious. Other shift flares that I see mentioned less on discussion boards (with the exception of Edmunds, which has a number of complaints about these) were listed. Also, the TSB says the flares are most noticeable after a cold soak, implying they can occur when the car is warmed up (something many of us already knew from experience).
* 3-4 upshift during first 10 minutes of operation
* 2nd - 3rd upshift
* 4th - 5th upshift
* 5th - 4th downshift when accelerating from coast or decelerating between 30 - 40 mph
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Rominl Stalker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: CA
Hi everyone new(old) guy here.Am trading my"03 350Z for a new ES350 next week.
Have had es330 and es300 previously.They both suffered from tranny and "rattle" problems.
The Z had numerous issues as well-most were resolved except for MAJOR tire alignment issues.
Despite all this these Japanese made vehicles are still way superior to the BMWs and Merecedes that are CONTINUOUSLY in the dealer for problems(most owners will deny this)
So enjoy these great,relatively reasonable vehicles....
And keep up the TSB reporting-THANKS!!!
Have had es330 and es300 previously.They both suffered from tranny and "rattle" problems.
The Z had numerous issues as well-most were resolved except for MAJOR tire alignment issues.
Despite all this these Japanese made vehicles are still way superior to the BMWs and Merecedes that are CONTINUOUSLY in the dealer for problems(most owners will deny this)
So enjoy these great,relatively reasonable vehicles....
And keep up the TSB reporting-THANKS!!!
Friend's '03 330i has had some minor trim problems too, but again, nothing major like drivetrain stuff.
03 Mercedes E320 (mom's) hasn't had any problems.
The Germans aren't troublefree, but it sounds like you've had waaayyy more serious problems than if you had gone German. I'm mainly looking at Lexus now b/c I can get free service for it while I can't with the German cars.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: California
Yes I know the TSB I attached to this post isn't a Lexus one, but the info contained in it might give you folks some food for thought; in a nutshell, the TSB recommends the use of 5W-20 or 0W-20 motor oil (depending on specific engine series)...and that it's now being used in all Toyota and Scion engines at the factory since February 2006.
The second page of this TSB lists the engine series that can use 5W-20 engine oil--this list includes the GR series (list doesn't differentiate between specific GR engine models so it is clearly assumed that all GR series engines are included), of which the ES 350 engine (2GR-FE) belongs to.
Like I said, I know this TSB isn't a "Lexus"-titled one, but given that there is no mechanical/functional difference between a 2GR-FE engine used in the ES 350 and a 2GR-FE engine in a Toyota Camry...I can't see what harm could come from using 5W-20 instead of 5W-30 in the ES 350 (anyone know what the owner's manual states as far as recommended oil for 2008 ES 350?)...
Yes 5W-20 is superior when it comes to fuel economy and performance (so says Toyota, so please don't slam me if you disagree), but I wonder if another reason they chose to go w/ 5W-20 was to minimize the possibility of sludge buildup like what happened w/ the whole Toyota/sludge fiasco a while back...
The second page of this TSB lists the engine series that can use 5W-20 engine oil--this list includes the GR series (list doesn't differentiate between specific GR engine models so it is clearly assumed that all GR series engines are included), of which the ES 350 engine (2GR-FE) belongs to.
Like I said, I know this TSB isn't a "Lexus"-titled one, but given that there is no mechanical/functional difference between a 2GR-FE engine used in the ES 350 and a 2GR-FE engine in a Toyota Camry...I can't see what harm could come from using 5W-20 instead of 5W-30 in the ES 350 (anyone know what the owner's manual states as far as recommended oil for 2008 ES 350?)...
Yes 5W-20 is superior when it comes to fuel economy and performance (so says Toyota, so please don't slam me if you disagree), but I wonder if another reason they chose to go w/ 5W-20 was to minimize the possibility of sludge buildup like what happened w/ the whole Toyota/sludge fiasco a while back...
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 564
Likes: 50
From: CA
transmission TSIBs
I see that there are a couple of transmission related TSIBs due to flare. How many cars are affected by this? is it all of them?
Are there any major hesitation issues to look out for with the ES350 - like with the 02-06 ES330's or is that issue taken care of?
I have been thinking about getting a pre-owned 04 or 05 ES330, but now after having test-driven a few cars, and reading the threads on this forum, I am beginning to think that I should spend more and get an 07 or 08 ES350. Have there been any universal issues?
An aside off-topic question - do previous owners of ES300 or 330s find the seat comfort of the 350 to be as good or better than the older models?
thanks
Are there any major hesitation issues to look out for with the ES350 - like with the 02-06 ES330's or is that issue taken care of?
I have been thinking about getting a pre-owned 04 or 05 ES330, but now after having test-driven a few cars, and reading the threads on this forum, I am beginning to think that I should spend more and get an 07 or 08 ES350. Have there been any universal issues?
An aside off-topic question - do previous owners of ES300 or 330s find the seat comfort of the 350 to be as good or better than the older models?
thanks
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,792
Likes: 4
From: Brooklyn, NY
I see that there are a couple of transmission related TSIBs due to flare. How many cars are affected by this? is it all of them?
Are there any major hesitation issues to look out for with the ES350 - like with the 02-06 ES330's or is that issue taken care of?
I have been thinking about getting a pre-owned 04 or 05 ES330, but now after having test-driven a few cars, and reading the threads on this forum, I am beginning to think that I should spend more and get an 07 or 08 ES350. Have there been any universal issues?
An aside off-topic question - do previous owners of ES300 or 330s find the seat comfort of the 350 to be as good or better than the older models?
thanks
Are there any major hesitation issues to look out for with the ES350 - like with the 02-06 ES330's or is that issue taken care of?
I have been thinking about getting a pre-owned 04 or 05 ES330, but now after having test-driven a few cars, and reading the threads on this forum, I am beginning to think that I should spend more and get an 07 or 08 ES350. Have there been any universal issues?
An aside off-topic question - do previous owners of ES300 or 330s find the seat comfort of the 350 to be as good or better than the older models?
thanks
It ended up that I traded in this car with only 16K miles for the ES350, and after driving this new car for over 1¾ years, I still get all excited whenever I get into this car to take it for a drive, either around the corner, or for a long trip. Simply put, this is the best ES I've owned.......and I previously owned a '91, '94, and '03.
I only had some minor problems that were corrected by Lexus service
TSB's.....a slight wind noise, and the navigation showing my car in the wrong position on the screen.
The seat comfort and rear legroom on the ES350 is better than the ES300.
I'm one of the many ES350 owners that are completely satisfied with this fine automobile, and the transmission is great!
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: CA
I have to say that altough I have the wind issue with the side mirrors which can be annoying, I really like my car too. I bought the car the day it came out in 2006 and it has about 10800 miles on it.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: California