That' why I tell everybody that asks about the car about the transmission flare / replacement and cold engine knock. Normal characteristics....
No one purchased a Lexus after the information I supplied them.

 

I did. Thanks to you guys tho, I was well informed and didn't buy the first one I tried cuz it had those issues.

 

Hope the warnings do not come true for you.

 

I also purchased a '08 ES350 after reading the "warnings" on this (and other) boards. I am very happy with my car and it does not have any of the problems that are mentioned here. As with other boards, you normally only hear from the small minority of vocal posters that have had problems and want everyone to hear about it. They seem proud that their comments may have turned hoards of buyers away from Lexus' dealerships. I do understand that Lexus had had some problems recently, but after reading some posters complaints, you would think that the streets were full of disabled vehicles. I know that some were bought back, but I'm sure that if someone took an accurate poll, they would find that the majority of owners are very happy with their cars.
Just my 2 cents........

 

You have some very valid points. A happy customer will tend not to post on forums. However, if you call Lexus customer service and discuss with them the tranny issue flare and engine knock, you will find (if they were as truthful as they were with me)

* The cold engine knock is a characteristic of the engine. Not sure if the knock sound is causing long term damage, but Lexus has told me that I will be taken care of if there is any kind of failure (even over 70K miles). I was told to warm my car up on cold mornings so it does not knock.

* The transmission flare is still being reviewed. I was told that Lexus is working with Japan on a resolution. I was told they are very well aware of the transmission issues on these cars.

There is a reason why the 07 ES 350 dropped to just average by consumer reports and the 07 Camry V6 is no longer recommended. These issues are not just a needle in a haystack.

Glad to hear your car runs well. I wish mine did.

 

I've had mine since the middle of July 07. I commute 100 miles a day. I have not had one problem with the transmission. There is apparently a problem out there, but it definitely does not affect every car. I guess luck is in my favor.

 

NJ,

You open with having bought an 08, not the 07 model which is what the compiled data here in this thread pertains to.

The direct "warnings" I am aware of were to do what you did, wait and buy an 08 model. It is far too soon to make any determination about the 08 you bought, but for those considering the 07, Club Lexus owner input is/was a source of reliable, real time information on the vehicle.

You'd have to wait till this time next year to determine how comparative/accurate Club Lexus 08 model owner/consumer input is/was on the 08 ES350.

The "small minority" comment(s) were being made a year ago, and oddly as well to Camry owners on Toyota Nation while they were engaged in back and forth on their transmission concerns. It takes no small minority for Consumer Reports to do what even it did where the Camry is concerned over specifically the transmission, shared with the ES.

Club Lexus is as good, if not better, a source of real owner/consumer reporting on a Lexus as anything out there claiming it is based on consumers reporting.

 

Just got my 2007 ES350 back after a routine service at a little short of 8000 miles. Brake pedal moves side to side under braking, making it seem "unstable" when applying the brakes. Oh they're all like that sir. Transmission "kicks" after a trailing throttle when you accelerate. Oh, they're all like that sir! Gearbox changes gear at random and doesn't change when you do expect it to. Well "we" couldn't replicate that sir. Trunk lid doesn't rise all the way up when you push it up leading to large lumps on head if you have a moments inattentiveness. Oh they're all like that sir!
There was me thinking I had purchased quality!
Every other car illuminates the overhead controls - not mine!
No other car opens the center console lid if you place your elbow in the wrong place. Mine does!
It's supposed to be so "Nanny Safe" yet basic things have been missed that distract you or make you pull over to operate.
I had waited a long time to own a Lexus and, if they are all like this, it'll be my last.

 

"All like that" or "that's normal" does not mean that "that is right" or the way Lexus hoped it would be! It only means that they are all faulty. Lexus and their apologists try to portray widespread subpar conditions as acceptable because the infection is widespread. Sick and sad.

 

It would be different if not for the internet, prior to it stories as explanations were all owners had at times and now they have input from others to see things as they are.

 

You are right on. Maybe Lexus should advertise-"Buy a Lexus and never worry about problems, We build them in every car. Enjoy yours.

 

They already are actually doing this by the worst method of advertising possible where a defect or defects are concerned: Word of Mouth... when potentially 30,000 people or more are told something is normal they darn well know is not normal, it gets around simply by each of those told something in turn telling one or two others among their family or friends. On the other hand that can ultimately force corrections for owners by declining sales figures and bad press, but is a backward way of addressing problems.

I read a recent article, upwards of a year and half delayed I feel, where Toyota/Lexus officials are "mortified" by all the quality issues, so there is hope with that as their own view that some things of this poll may get addressed.

 

How mortified are they? They need to remedy a permanent fix / recall and be done with it on the transmission and cold engine knock issues.

 

According to the article the word "mortified" was their term, a pretty strong choice of words used to describe the atmosphere.

What it means as to speed of addressing things I do not know but do know it won't come in time to prevent another rating downgrade by outfits like Consumer Reports at which time I suspect the Japanese government will do an inquiry if not before then.

 

Weren't they supposed to commit suicide if they underperformed / failed at their job (or was that just in the old time movies)?