Transmission Replacement
06-17-08, 04:34 PM
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Transmission Replacement
My car had the flare around 5K and the dealer "fixed" it by updating the software. The car initially ran fine until around 8K when I started experiencing flares of 200-600. Been to the dealer several times to try to get them to fix it but they cannot replicate the problem. Last week, I had a test drive with a specialist and head technician but could not replicate the problem due to the fact the engine has warmed up already. Long story short, Lexus called today and offered to replace the transmission. Question is: Has anyone been satisfied with a transmission replacement? I am not too hot about having a transmission replaced by the dealer since I do not know what other things they could mess up. Also I was told that they cannot offer a longer warranty to cover this issue I have. Any comments?
06-17-08, 04:48 PM
#2
Unless the flares really annoy you, take the extended warranty. I believe the replacement trannys are rebuilds, not "new". My theory is to leave well enough alone.
I, too, have those same minor flares on my 07. I have chosen not to have any flashes performed nor tranny replaced. It is under warranty up to 70K miles and I will sell the car well before that.
good luck!
I, too, have those same minor flares on my 07. I have chosen not to have any flashes performed nor tranny replaced. It is under warranty up to 70K miles and I will sell the car well before that.
good luck!
06-17-08, 05:54 PM
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MD350,
Did you just negotiate for a longer warranty? I wish I am in the same boat as you but I usually drive my car to the ground so I am trying to come up with a solution to last me around 10 yrs.
Did you just negotiate for a longer warranty? I wish I am in the same boat as you but I usually drive my car to the ground so I am trying to come up with a solution to last me around 10 yrs.
06-17-08, 07:22 PM
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I am so sorry to hear about your tranny flares. I too had flares when I had my ES. After visiting the dealership numerous times and have the software flashed, it was still flaring. Finally, lexus basically told me it is a "normal characteristic". After a year of ownership, I finally got rid of it since this problem will never be fixed. Anyway, good luck with you.
06-18-08, 05:06 AM
#5
Lexus replaced my transmission at a few thousand miles back in 1/07. Now at 16,000 miles, do not notice any flare, over reving etc. Just the cold diesel engine noise and a few creaks in the dash / sunroof area once in a great while.
06-18-08, 06:32 PM
#6
No negotiation. It comes with a 70K mile powertrain warranty. You could prob get an extended warranty up to 100K.
06-18-08, 09:06 PM
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What a shame. To think that after three years these issues are still unresolved. Shame on Lexus. Glad I got rid of my ES350. I think this model will go down in history as the one Lexus will prefer to forget. How can a company that has hit all the right notes miss this one so badly? Did they overreach, depending on technology too much (transmissions that "learn")?
Whatever, they sure missed the mark here, and their ineffective corrective measures only compounded the initial fault! How the mighty can fall.
Whatever, they sure missed the mark here, and their ineffective corrective measures only compounded the initial fault! How the mighty can fall.
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06-18-08, 10:57 PM
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What a shame. To think that after three years these issues are still unresolved. Shame on Lexus. Glad I got rid of my ES350. I think this model will go down in history as the one Lexus will prefer to forget. How can a company that has hit all the right notes miss this one so badly? Did they overreach, depending on technology too much (transmissions that "learn")?
Whatever, they sure missed the mark here, and their ineffective corrective measures only compounded the initial fault! How the mighty can fall.
Whatever, they sure missed the mark here, and their ineffective corrective measures only compounded the initial fault! How the mighty can fall.
06-19-08, 05:52 AM
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At least back to 2000 as my 2000 GS3 has a "learning" type of transmission. However, our GS3 has had it's moments. Mostly not being sure which gear to up shift to on occasion. Lexus also told me that it was "normal behavior". The car was bought new and has over 80K on it at this point. It will probably be with me for another 8 years.
The good news is that the GS3 is bullet proof for all intents and purposes. I hope our 1 year old ES350 turns out to be just as good. While it too had some transmission flares, the firmware upgrade several months back seems to have fixed it.
BTW, I also had a 2002 TL that needed a new transmission at 18K miles due to Acura using a plastic part instead of a metal one in that transmission. I just can't condemn Lexus for this as I know that all the others have similar issues.
The good news is that the GS3 is bullet proof for all intents and purposes. I hope our 1 year old ES350 turns out to be just as good. While it too had some transmission flares, the firmware upgrade several months back seems to have fixed it.
BTW, I also had a 2002 TL that needed a new transmission at 18K miles due to Acura using a plastic part instead of a metal one in that transmission. I just can't condemn Lexus for this as I know that all the others have similar issues.
06-19-08, 09:31 AM
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The vast majority of owners have no transmission problems, but we rarely hear from them. My 08, and about 4 other ES350s that belong to friends and family have never had a tranny probem.
Go to any other automobile forum and the same is true. Whatever the brand is, you'd swear that they're all falling apart all across the world judging by Internet posts. And have you noticed how many people with the most vocal complaints hang out in forums like this even though they "don't own the car" or "got ride of it," "inherited it," or bought it for themselves or their spouse even though they hate it?
Last edited by Tarkio; 06-19-08 at 09:37 AM.
06-19-08, 09:47 AM
#11
...........
...................Go to any other automobile forum and the same is true. Whatever the brand is, you'd swear that they're all falling apart all across the world judging by Internet posts. And have you noticed how many people with the most vocal complaints hang out in forums like this even though they "don't own the car" or "got ride of it," "inherited it," or bought it for themselves or their spouse even though they hate it?
...................Go to any other automobile forum and the same is true. Whatever the brand is, you'd swear that they're all falling apart all across the world judging by Internet posts. And have you noticed how many people with the most vocal complaints hang out in forums like this even though they "don't own the car" or "got ride of it," "inherited it," or bought it for themselves or their spouse even though they hate it?
So true. LOL
06-19-08, 09:56 AM
#12
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It's always good to remember that forums like this are never a good measure of any product's reliability. Most people come to voice complaints. Judging product reliability by these forums would be like counting all the Lexus cars in the dealer's service stalls, and being amazed that 100% of them were broken.
The vast majority of owners have no transmission problems, but we rarely hear from them. My 08, and about 4 other ES350s that belong to friends and family have never had a tranny probem.
Go to any other automobile forum and the same is true. Whatever the brand is, you'd swear that they're all falling apart all across the world judging by Internet posts. And have you noticed how many people with the most vocal complaints hang out in forums like this even though they "don't own the car" or "got ride of it," "inherited it," or bought it for themselves or their spouse even though they hate it?
The vast majority of owners have no transmission problems, but we rarely hear from them. My 08, and about 4 other ES350s that belong to friends and family have never had a tranny probem.
Go to any other automobile forum and the same is true. Whatever the brand is, you'd swear that they're all falling apart all across the world judging by Internet posts. And have you noticed how many people with the most vocal complaints hang out in forums like this even though they "don't own the car" or "got ride of it," "inherited it," or bought it for themselves or their spouse even though they hate it?
Even people who work for Toyota/Lexus now admit the transmission issue is widespread. A guy posted it on the Car Chat forum, he works for S.E. regional office Toyota/Lexus out of Atlanta and several techs have posted same. I don't think he owns one, got rid of one or inherited one though, he just works in Division that has to address problem vehicles.
Good for you, that you that yours is doing well
06-19-08, 05:24 PM
#13
It's always good to remember that forums like this are never a good measure of any product's reliability. Most people come to voice complaints. Judging product reliability by these forums would be like counting all the Lexus cars in the dealer's service stalls, and being amazed that 100% of them were broken.
The vast majority of owners have no transmission problems, but we rarely hear from them. My 08, and about 4 other ES350s that belong to friends and family have never had a tranny probem.
Go to any other automobile forum and the same is true. Whatever the brand is, you'd swear that they're all falling apart all across the world judging by Internet posts. And have you noticed how many people with the most vocal complaints hang out in forums like this even though they "don't own the car" or "got ride of it," "inherited it," or bought it for themselves or their spouse even though they hate it?
The vast majority of owners have no transmission problems, but we rarely hear from them. My 08, and about 4 other ES350s that belong to friends and family have never had a tranny probem.
Go to any other automobile forum and the same is true. Whatever the brand is, you'd swear that they're all falling apart all across the world judging by Internet posts. And have you noticed how many people with the most vocal complaints hang out in forums like this even though they "don't own the car" or "got ride of it," "inherited it," or bought it for themselves or their spouse even though they hate it?
BTW, I still own mine.
06-19-08, 06:17 PM
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I don't think it will be easy to get the answers to your other questions as hard data on this seems hard to find.
06-19-08, 06:21 PM
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I believe there are a lot out there that don't have issues but also alot out there that do. Unfortunately, I am one of the unlucky ones. I guess it is a hit or miss thing. There probably is no solution if Lexus will not do a buyback...either live with the problem or cut my losses and get rid of the car while it still has some value and just move on to another car. This is my first Lexus and I am disappointed with the brand due to this lingering issue. Not sure what car to replace it with...maybe a Honda since my overall experience with them has been pretty good.