When I am off the gas pedal and am coasting to slow down, I actually feel the transmission down shift. It almost feels like the brakes are being (lightly) applied. I have never had a car, besides a manual shift, where I felt the engine down shift. Is it normal?

 

This is completely normal Lisa. Not to worry.

 

I have noticed that when coasting, the ES does shift in a way that I feel it is trying to preserve momentum and maintain 'coasting' energy... Maybe done on purpose to eke out as much fuel efficiency as possible?

 

Thanks for the replies. I am taking her in tomorrow to have them take a look at my noisy, slightly vibrating brake pedal and the ML subwoofer that distorts on deep bass. Wasn't sure if I should mention the down shift thing too.

 

Let us know about the brake pedal. I too fell a slight pulse when I 1st apply the brakes.

 

Of course the technician said he couldn't detect anything and that everything was normal. Then they suggested that maybe I was driving over gravel. Really?!? Grrrrr

 

Agree with MDames2 - downshifting of the automatic transmission at certain deceleration speeds. e.g., slowing down for a stop sign, the automatic will downshift, and it may be subtly noticeable. As far as I know, this a characteristic of most automatic transmissions - however, it may seem more pronounced at times. As long as it is not an over-jerking or over-pronounced downshift, I believe there is no issue to be concerned with.

The automatic transmission in downshifting is simply getting ready for re-acceleration in a lower gear and speed, or as the case may be, for accelerating when passing at higher RPM.

 

From my past experience, Lexus has been pretty good about taking care of warped rotors especially now that they have this on record. If it gets worst, and warped rotors will get bad quickly, the dealer should take care of it. I hope it was just an anomaly.

 

I can feel the transmission down shift at 25mph. It is a push forward instead of brake as Lisa said. It is not big, but I can definitely feel it. I don't know if it is normal. I will ask the service.

 

My brake pedal feels weird when I press down on it as well. Kinda feels like there's an egg shell under the pedal. Maybe it's a characteristic of cars with the "Smart Stop" feature?

 

I also noticed the slight downshift while coasting when I first got my 2011 ES. I never noticed it on my previous car (Buick Century), and it seemed a little odd at first. My impression was that I could coast further if the transmission didn't down shift and that it could lower the MPG. I don't know if this is true but that was my impression. After awhile I assumed it was doing it so the car could accelerate faster if I hit the gas. Now I don't even notice it.