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One more transmission failure to report. 2017 GX Premium with 144k and factory fluid - mainly freeway miles, but lots of stop-n-go traffic and steep inclines on my daily rush-hour drives (both ways ). Wearing 265/65/18 KO2's since approx 40k (slightly larger diameter than 60's and weigh a TON, but Speedometer tracks correctly against GPS).
The transmission began having issues down-shifting from 5th/6th down to 4th when accelerating. The engine would rev to redline as soon as it down-shifted to 4th - requiring me to let off the gas and allow it to up-shift into 5th. Regular driving shifting in-order 3>4>5>6 was good. The next day (this past Weds), it began slipping some in other gears, but remained driveable at speed. On the 3rd day (Thursday), once it got up to operating temp, I was slipping in all gears and had to shift to 4-Lo to even get any movement (!). Had to turn-around on my way to work, and was able to limp to the Lexus dealership at 25MPH just before they closed. I was waiting for the smoke - but none ever came.
Dealer reported multiple solenoid codes (but strangely no CEL or any dash lights at all!) , and transmission replacement was suggested.
Luckily, I have a CPO + 5-yr unlimited mileage Lexus warranty (good til Nov '24), so that $6550 repair isn't costing me a dime. I also had my radiator replaced under the extended warranty a few months ago (was leaking at the top by the hose - a $1000+ repair). Paid ~$2k for the warranty when I bought it as a CPO in 2019, and used it for $7500 in repairs the past few months Previously had a 2013 T4R I bought new in Dec 2012, drove it for 265k with ZERO major repairs, and never used the 4-year extended warranty on it - so I was "on the fence" about buying the $2K extended warranty for the GX CPO - boy am I glad I did!
Coincidentally enough, when I was having the radiator replaced a few moths ago, I inquired about a full 12-14qt transmission flush using the extractor machine - and they wouldn't even offer me a quote - saying it is not a service they provide because the recommended service does not indicate the fluid should be replaced. lol. So even if I was going to pay them out of pocket - the Lexus dealership would not flush the transmission. Strange. I performed the full 12qt flush on my T4R back in the day - and actually have 12qts of OEM fluid ready to go - I just never got around to flushing the GX (was on my "to do" list). Kind of glad I didn't, as now I'll be getting a lower-mileage (surely a re-man) transmission...
The dealership set me up with a loaner RX350 Turbo until the transmission comes in next week, and I made it to work Thursday just 13 minutes late after the whole ordeal. A testament to the efficiency of Lexus' Service/Loaner process. I'll pile on over 500 miles until my GX is ready - miles saved on my GX
Hoping anything else that might go wrong will do so before my warranty runs out in November. Regardless - I still love this truck I decided to have the dealership change the spark-plugs and oil (actually made a service appt for Monday before the transmission issues popped-up) - angling if they find any oil in there, the leak will be a warranty repair (and changing the plugs myself has also been on my "to do" list for 24k miles now! So I'll pay $400 for them to do it)...
Hoping anything else that might go wrong will do so before my warranty runs out in November.
If you have not had the valley plate resealed yet, have the shop look for coolant leaks at the back of the engine when the transmission is out. Would be nice to have this done under warranty.
If you have not had the valley plate resealed yet, have the shop look for coolant leaks at the back of the engine when the transmission is out. Would be nice to have this done under warranty.
Good call - thanks. Sent a note to my service advisor.
How long from first issue to replacement? Mine isn't as bad as yours, mine is at slow speeds. Is this how your transmission issues started?
Bill
Assuming that’s aimed at me. The slipping/redlining when downshifting to fourth gear was the first sign, experienced that for a day or so (110 miles round trip). Then it was slipping in a few other gears on the way home the next day. And then the very next day, after it heated up, I was basically sunk in the water. So it all happened within four days / approx 250 miles.
Thank you Randyman.
My issue is different, I read it could be normal at low speed to have it shift weirdly. I feel much better about this. Your post lead me to the answers I was looking for.
Thanks for contributing.
Bill
I don't understand this " I have a CPO + 5-yr unlimited mileage Lexus warranty (good til Nov '24)". You have a 2017 that you bought CPO in 2019. The CPO kicks in after the original factory expires. That means you had at least a year of factory (assuming you bought it end of 2019 and the original owners first use was start of 2017 and you didn't hit 50k miles on the clock). In that case you would have 1 + 2 + 5 = 8 years of coverage to 2027. Even if you bought with over 50k you would still have 7 years. That would take you to 2026. Do you really mean you added a 3 year VSA to the CPO for a total of 5 years?
Also $6500 for a new transmission with installation isn't too bad. I would have thought it would be way more.
I don't understand this " I have a CPO + 5-yr unlimited mileage Lexus warranty (good til Nov '24)". You have a 2017 that you bought CPO in 2019. The CPO kicks in after the original factory expires. That means you had at least a year of factory (assuming you bought it end of 2019 and the original owners first use was start of 2017 and you didn't hit 50k miles on the clock). In that case you would have 1 + 2 + 5 = 8 years of coverage to 2027. Even if you bought with over 50k you would still have 7 years. That would take you to 2026. Do you really mean you added a 3 year VSA to the CPO for a total of 5 years?
Also $6500 for a new transmission with installation isn't too bad. I would have thought it would be way more.
Bolded part is likely correct - Will check the warranty paperwork and confirm. I know I paid about $2k for the warranty in 2019, and have bumper-to-bumper unlimited mileage warranty until November 2024 Paid for itself almost 4x now...
I'm still driving the RX350 loaner as they are waiting for the Transmission to arrive (piling on 1000+ miles on the loaner, and it even needs an oil change!). Saw some movement on my GX's GPS yesterday - so hopefully it will be ready Thursday or Friday...
If you have not had the valley plate resealed yet, have the shop look for coolant leaks at the back of the engine when the transmission is out. Would be nice to have this done under warranty.
The Service Advisor sent me a note this morning that the valley plate was leaking, and he got it covered under warranty Thanks for the friendly "poke" to check on this. Closing in on $8500 in warranty repairs now!
Originally Posted by tntcandy
How is the RX compared to GX, despite the obvious unibody and frame differences?
Pretty sure it's a 2024 - and it is really comfortable. The Turbo-4 + 8-Speed auto will get up and go - but has areas of hesitation like the GX (Computer making sure to keep the drivetrain under minimal stress). Not much turbo-lag, but also not much low-end torque - and the engine noises remind me of our old 2009 Corolla lol. Made a >$90k Grand Wagoneer a little upset the other day leaving him way in my rear-view mirror - lol.
It's well-mannered and smooth on the highway - steering is a bit heavy (not a bad thing). Cabin is a bit quieter than the GX, and the impressive bells and whistles are growing on me. CarPlay is a winner IMO - and the heads-up display will be missed greatly. Auto engine start/stop is annoying - but that's a small complaint. I still haven't figured out the auto-park function - but the panoramic cameras are very nice for manual parking.
I like the RX seats better than my '17 GX Premium, but the RX lacks just a little bit of headroom. Same with the doors when entering/exiting. I'm 6'1" with a taller torso and shorter legs, so the headroom is pretty important to me. Maybe a TX would be the ideal compromise for a unibody?
Saw the GX take a lap around the dealership around 5:30pm on my GPS, but still no call from the Service Manager indicating it's ready. Maybe tomorrow - but might have to wait until Monday as my overnight schedule will make a Saturday pick-up somewhat tight...
Loaner RX is now overdue for it's 10k OCI On my 4th tank of gas!
). Wearing 265/65/18 KO2's since approx 40k (slightly larger diameter than 60's and weigh a TON, but Speedometer tracks correctly against GPS).
Previously had a 2013 T4R I bought new in Dec 2012, drove it for 265k with ZERO major repairs, and never used the 4-year extended warranty on it - so I was "on the fence" about buying the $2K extended warranty for the GX CPO - boy am I glad I did!
On my 4th tank of gas!