So, I have had my car in for the 3/4 shift flare and that was fixed or so I thought. I had the same problem again after that and took my car in again. After a few days in the shop, they said they were going to replace the entire transmission.

Now, here is the question. I have placed my call into Lexus Corporate this Saturday, found out about entire tranny work on Firday, and voiced my opinion about having the entire car replaced. I have seen many other posts about people having the same issue and having the same result but am I wrong for asking to have the car replaced? It am very concerned that a 2.5 month old car with 3K miles needs a new tranny and that is why I would like a new one.

Please be honest.

***Edit***

I did leave a message for the Service manager on Saturday as well. I have yet to talk to the GM or anyone at Lex Corp outside of the customer support person I talked to on Saturday.

Thanks

 

I'm about to head into this whole experience myself with my trans, so here is what I'd do. Talk to the Sales Manager (or GM) at the dealership. Express your concern about your vehicle and state what you want. This is a 'common knowledge' problem now with the ES, as you can see from the traffic on CL. Hopefully the dealer will work with you and will do everything to make you happy. If that isn't working, I'd get them to conference in Lexus Corporate or call them yourself if necessary. This all depends on how you feel comfortable with dealing with this. Some people are like bulldogs, others are not so forceful. Write letters, call people. Do whatever makes you feel better and deals with the issue.

Your question: Is there anything wrong with having your car replaced?

Answer: NO. There is nothing wrong with asking for a new vehicle. Lexus was quite happy to sell you a vehicle they knew would have a high likelihood of having a transmission issue or failure. The initial launch of the ES was delayed because of a known transmission issue. This issue has the ability down the road to potentially devalue your vehicle as a known 'problem' car.

 

Get your money back, and wait for the '08 model!

 

Firstly: The release date for the ES350 was NOT delayed. It was launched on April 1st, 2006, exactly the date that Lexus said it would be released to the public. I know this as a fact because I bought my car on April 3rd.

Secondly: When this model was launched Lexus was not aware of any type of transmission problems. The problems started with the Toyota Camry transmissions, and had nothing whatsoever to do with the ES.

Thirdly: I'm sure that Lexus will repair ALL the cars that have these problems, and it won't devalue this model in the least.

 

OK, I apologize if my comments seem like they're out of context or lack basis. I'm basing what I said above simply on what was posted here at CL way back at the ES350 launch.

Specifically:
Post #8, and #14 - quoting delay due to quality inspection, CL member having trans problems and their dealer stating the launch delay was due to ensuring no trans problems.
and
Post #1, #3, #5, #6, #7, #9 talking about the delay, and the reasons behind it.

Personally, I was well aware of the trans issue before I purchased my car. I knew about the trans issues before the ES350 launched sales at my location, which was mid May in Canada. I am positive that Lexus will repair all vehicles affected by this issue. If this repair has any impact on the value of the vehicle down the line, only time will tell. Personally I think it will, but its a personal assessment which is why I used the word potentially.

 

Rboyle:

You need to decide what you want and then ask for it. It is not asking too much for the vehicle to be replaced or be bought back.

There is a guy in my area I just learned of Friday afternoon, whose second car went south on him and he is having it bought back. Several did this first time.

Alan: I have had my car for 3 plus months and NOTHING is done about the wind noise, nothing is offered except excuses. I noticed weeks ago that you had posted about this wind noise yourself on Edmunds I believe 4 months or more ago and yet months later nothing is done except denials by Lexus, it's dealers, about it to those of us who have it.

Same with engine knocking tapping, excuses are offered many, solutions to none.

Transmissions, excuses to some about it learning, TSIB to others and replacements to yet others. No set pattern of approach for a serious issue.

When people are told their car is normal, as is, that is a strong indication that false hope something will be taken of is unwarranted.

 

Rboyle,

If still in doubt what to do, private message Phm... on here and ask her opinion and you'll find her on her push button start failure post, that lady knows EXACTLY what she is doing where a vehicle issue and what should be done are concerned. I nominate her to do all negotiating for anyone who is uncertain what is appropriate under vehicle circumstances, she taught me a valuable lesson.

 

rboyle, where in VA are you? My dealership, Charles Barker, is being very tight lipped about how many ES transmissions they have had to service. They are telling me they have only had one other complaint other than mine.

I just had them check for trouble codes when I had my 5K done last week. I didn't bother leaving it for a cold test drive because the 3/4 shift flare has only happened twice in 4300 miles. No codes found, but at least my concern is documented.

Then wouldn't you know it I got my third occurrence a couple of days later.

 

Mack...,

I didn't know your's slipped at all, with much cooler weather in early am starts you may see it more often. I was told no codes as well but mine slips. Twister had something new show up in a code but not before they had trouble duplicating or observing it anyway, I think he said they kept it another day and then noticed it.

If you start noticing a rougher downshift, as in slightly slinging you forward, where before it was less obvious I hate to tell you but I think that is part of the sign your transmission is going further south no matter whether they see a code or not.

 

My needle seems to "spike" between 3rd and 4th, but it jumps from 2,000 to 3,000 for a second, then settles back down around 2,000. Is that the "spike"?

Only happens in the morning on a cold start.

Also have the engine knocking for the first 5-10 minutes every morning...

 

gpension,

That's it, the classic transmission issue.

Sorry to read you also have this engine knocking, on that get ready for the BS on your ES. You will be told, take your pick:
A-it is the fuel injector.
B-it is the timing chain.
Ultimately, you will be left with it to deal with.

How many miles do you have on your car and can you tell us what the build date is, you can find it on drivers door? Mine is 06/06

 

I just started following this issue. Are the ES' being built now still having the problem or just a problem with the first few months of production?

Thanks

Steve

 

Steve,

You have to sift through the transmission posts, but I believe there is one with an October build date.

E-man is up on the GS you seem to want, see what he says about those, he comes on here and he no doubt hangs out on GS forum, see what he thinks.

 

Just the opposite...the downshifting was really bothersome when I first got the car. That jerkyness has almost gone away. I believe the tranny overall is definitely smoother than when it was new. We'll see.

To be honest, even the shift flare is smooth....at least on mine. It happens so quick, if you are not watching the tach it could be easily missed. I only starting keeping an eye out for it after I saw the first thread on the TSIB. It's a good bet I missed a few occurrences.

 

Not sure the build date, I'll check tonight.

I guess my question was more around the fact that my RPM needle doesn't jump all the way to 4, but it's definitely noticeable.

I called and spoke with service, and explained it as a "spike in my RPM after a cold start". Two seperate service managers asked me about the transmission slipping, but neither seemed concerned, and both suggested waiting until the 5,000 mile check up (I'm at 4,300).