2001 Transmission Failed at 131,000
09-17-10, 04:05 AM
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2001 Transmission Failed at 131,000
Just a data point to let the group know the transmission on our FWD went totally out. I had it replaced with a rebuild one from Lexus by the Toyota dealer for a cost of $3600 before taxes. I wrote corporate at Lexus a note to let them know, and got kind of a why are you telling us this, type response. I supposedly have a one year unlimited mileage warranty on parts and labor. The car dirves and shifts beautifully again. It had transmission drain and fills with correct ATF every 30K that we had it. The dealer commented that the ATF looked great, just smelled awful. It looked and smelled great just 1500 miles prior to failure. I am kind of the opinion now that drain and fill may not hurt, but it is probably not the answer to this early failure so many RX300s seems to be experiencing.
09-17-10, 06:27 AM
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09-17-10, 07:28 AM
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Hello! We have been dealing with Toyota and Lexus parts for 22 years (mainly Lexus) and for a Tranny to fail with 131k miles is pretty bad. But was the tranny maintained properly. If you have any questions regarind this, we can help. WE have all the Lexus oem repair manual and bulletins. Our toll free number is 866-970-9705, email is sales@toyolexparts.com
09-17-10, 08:33 AM
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Just a data point to let the group know the transmission on our FWD went totally out. I had it replaced with a rebuild one from Lexus by the Toyota dealer for a cost of $3600 before taxes. I wrote corporate at Lexus a note to let them know, and got kind of a why are you telling us this, type response. I supposedly have a one year unlimited mileage warranty on parts and labor. The car dirves and shifts beautifully again. It had transmission drain and fills with correct ATF every 30K that we had it. The dealer commented that the ATF looked great, just smelled awful. It looked and smelled great just 1500 miles prior to failure. I am kind of the opinion now that drain and fill may not hurt, but it is probably not the answer to this early failure so many RX300s seems to be experiencing.
Lot of folks here seem to feel that changing the t. fluid more frequently is the way to prevent transmission failure. If you have followed my posts, I do not subscribe to that thought. I have been saying .. if it makes you sleep easy, then go for it. Nothing has been proven but the prime suspects are the size_of_the_pump and make of the planetary gear system. Again these are my hunches and others have their own.
The other issue is what is the life expectancy of trouble free service. I know the standards have been changing but 100K miles has been the established standard in past. Major component failure, after the odo hits this, like transmission would not seem out of ordinary. The vehicle comes with 60K or so miles of warranty. Any one can be angry/disappointed but at 130k you are twice over the limit. I hope Lexus is sympathetic to your loss and hears you out and does something to ease the sting.
Toyota/Lexus has been in this business for long. Sedans and L'cruisers have been in production for years. RX was a new class. Sad but true that the transmission was not up to par. Jury is still out on how extensive the transmission failure are in the RX line. The number does not matter to folks who have experienced the failure.
Good luck in you effort to get Lexus to compensate you.
Salim
09-17-10, 10:16 AM
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09-17-10, 10:38 AM
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Just a data point to let the group know the transmission on our FWD went totally out. I had it replaced with a rebuild one from Lexus by the Toyota dealer for a cost of $3600 before taxes. I wrote corporate at Lexus a note to let them know, and got kind of a why are you telling us this, type response. I supposedly have a one year unlimited mileage warranty on parts and labor. The car dirves and shifts beautifully again. It had transmission drain and fills with correct ATF every 30K that we had it. The dealer commented that the ATF looked great, just smelled awful. It looked and smelled great just 1500 miles prior to failure. I am kind of the opinion now that drain and fill may not hurt, but it is probably not the answer to this early failure so many RX300s seems to be experiencing.
09-17-10, 10:40 AM
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09-17-10, 02:44 PM
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Just a data point to let the group know the transmission on our FWD went totally out. I had it replaced with a rebuild one from Lexus by the Toyota dealer for a cost of $3600 before taxes. I wrote corporate at Lexus a note to let them know, and got kind of a why are you telling us this, type response.
09-18-10, 03:04 PM
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Igraam -- replaced under warranty or out of goodwill by Lexus? I can't remember how many miles the factory powertrain warranty lasts, but I was thinking 60K. I'm glad you didn't have to pay!
09-19-10, 05:52 AM
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No, as I said, Lexus did not even seemed interested in hearing about the failure. I had no reason to expect any financial help as it was well out of warranty. I just thought they might be interested in the information, but apparantly not. I have no complaints regarding the price and warranty from Toyota. This post is just mainly to let the community know what happened to my particular car and when. thanks, Russ
09-19-10, 12:40 PM
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Russ:
I see you live in Tennesee...metro. area?
I have a suspicion (read: unverified guess) that the 1st-2nd transfer is the problem in the RX. That is usu. engaged more in bumper-bumper traffic sitting on the interstate or similar. What kind of driving did you do? If there was a po, then, of course, that would matter.
I see you live in Tennesee...metro. area?
I have a suspicion (read: unverified guess) that the 1st-2nd transfer is the problem in the RX. That is usu. engaged more in bumper-bumper traffic sitting on the interstate or similar. What kind of driving did you do? If there was a po, then, of course, that would matter.