RX500h possible transmission issue
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,560
Likes: 3,398
From: NJ
I would definitely get a lawyer if they are unresponsive. A good lawyer will first threaten with legal action which usually does the trick because Lexus Corp. knows if the lawyer pursues legal action, it will be more than just getting a refund for the car purchase, but also loss of use, attorney fees, etc.
What bugs me is that seems to be no fix, simply replacing defective parts with new defective parts. Someone correct me if I am wrong. I read on another thread that the dealer told the customer a software update to address transmission failures would reduce the power which would prevent transmission failures. This seems ridiculous. Why would I agree to having less power? What if I tow a trailer? Is the tranny really that fragile?
What bugs me is that seems to be no fix, simply replacing defective parts with new defective parts. Someone correct me if I am wrong. I read on another thread that the dealer told the customer a software update to address transmission failures would reduce the power which would prevent transmission failures. This seems ridiculous. Why would I agree to having less power? What if I tow a trailer? Is the tranny really that fragile?
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: ON
Camvap
https://www.camvap.ca/
Make sure you document as much as possible. Take notes and keep any documents the dealer gives you. Email correspondence is very helpful.
Make sure you document as much as possible. Take notes and keep any documents the dealer gives you. Email correspondence is very helpful.
Lexus Canada wanted me to take the car in again for the fourth time but I’m not wasting more time and going to arbitration to have the lease returned.
My transaxle and ecu were replaced but the shudder still occurs albeit very muted. More worrying is that the 12v battery keeps discharging and I have to jump the car and the dealer cannot locate the fault despite changing the battery. Oh and the incessant creaking from the centre dash after the felt trim that used to drop down was replaced with a new piece and clips.
Needles to say, this is my first and last Lexus.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 403
Likes: 170
From: New York
I been following this a lot as on paper this 500H is prefect and still have hope one day it be fine to purchase. Grand Highlander Max are doing the same thing, replacing the transmission if blown out and then new software update. What I don't understand is for Grand Highlander if you complain about it prior to transmission blowing out they will update software. Why wouldn't Lexus flash every 500H or at least new ones being sold with this software to prevent any of these issues?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 896
From: TX
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 403
Likes: 170
From: New York
Forget this Tundra/LX issue, that is scary there own techs are calling it BS about debris being in the engine, and that they see it in 2024s as well. It all pointing to again the engine can't handle twin turbos.
Really hope Toyota isn't going down this road. I really be concerned about getting that engine as it seems to be complete design. The fix they are planning for recall, is simply to flush the engine, sounds like complete cover up.
Really hope Toyota isn't going down this road. I really be concerned about getting that engine as it seems to be complete design. The fix they are planning for recall, is simply to flush the engine, sounds like complete cover up.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
I have an update on my issue. I believe that Lexus is going to offer to either (1) repurchase my vehicle and make me whole, except for the sales tax which I have to work with the dealer and the State Revenue Department to refund me). Or (2) entirely replace my vehicle with (hopefully) an identical one at no cost to me. they are not offering to give me an extended warranty on the repaired vehicle which is probably for the best as I think I’d be unwise to keep it at this point. I am waiting for details but I’m leaning towards option 2 and then praying that it doesn’t happen again but if it does at least I’ll still have a new vehicle warranty.
I am glad Lexus is so far being helpful about this. I guess I need to think a bit more if it’s wise to do a replacement vs walking away and buying something else although I really don’t like much else. Maybe a BMW X5 but the maintenance on those things is rediculous.
I am glad Lexus is so far being helpful about this. I guess I need to think a bit more if it’s wise to do a replacement vs walking away and buying something else although I really don’t like much else. Maybe a BMW X5 but the maintenance on those things is rediculous.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 896
From: TX
Illinois doesn't want to give up your money I guess. I can see why Lexus told you what they did though:
"The retailer who initially sold the vehicle may file a claim for credit for taxes paid pursuant to the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act."
"The retailer who initially sold the vehicle may file a claim for credit for taxes paid pursuant to the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act."
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
2024 Rx 500H F Sport Vibration
Add me to the Lexus RX 500h failed transmission list. Car was built in February 2024, purchased new by me on April 15th. Transmission failure at 1,614 miles with normal driving on May 20th. Had to tow it to the dealership, after two days they told me they have to put in a completely new transmission, pretty much the same transmission as before with no material changes other than I guess a software change.
Can't say that I trust that this will be a reliable solution. My last 2009 Lexus RX 350 was slow but reliable as hell 15 years long before I traded it in for this catastrophe. Not happy, not happy at all. At this point, no idea how long it's going to take. I've at least initiated a case with Lexus Corporate to see if they'll either buy it back and make me whole or give me a different car.
Can't say that I trust that this will be a reliable solution. My last 2009 Lexus RX 350 was slow but reliable as hell 15 years long before I traded it in for this catastrophe. Not happy, not happy at all. At this point, no idea how long it's going to take. I've at least initiated a case with Lexus Corporate to see if they'll either buy it back and make me whole or give me a different car.
Last edited by Ron77; Jun 7, 2024 at 04:29 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 970
Likes: 633
From: California
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
Rx500h 2023 jerks after breaking to a full stop
I’m having the same issue. It has now occurred 6 different times. It happens when I have braked to a full stop after deceleration / braking down a hill/sloped road. The car begins to jerk and lunge just like the brakes are rapidly firing. I can make it stop by releasing pressure from the brake pedal and reapplying pressure to the brake peddle. I’ve taken it to Lexus but it is so random that the service department says they can’t help if it doesn’t repeat while they are test driving the car.
This only seems to occur in Normal or Sport modes and when either starting off from stationary or coming to a stop.
Does anyone else have this? It almost feels as if the car is using the cameras/sensors to preemptively force brake, but almost like an ABS pump rapidly firing. The whole car judders.
Does anyone else have this? It almost feels as if the car is using the cameras/sensors to preemptively force brake, but almost like an ABS pump rapidly firing. The whole car judders.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 699
Likes: 280
From: California
I find it odd that this thread asks about 500H owners experience and all responses are positive and not one mention of a transmission issue. How can there be such a disconnect?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...f-the-car.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...f-the-car.html
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
In addition to the violent jerking the car does while fully stopped after braking to decelerate going down a hill, I have also experienced the kick that seems to stem from cut over from hybrid electric to the gas engine. My car was purchased new February 2023 and the braking and transmission problems just started in 2024.
I purchased My new 2024 RX 500 H F sport. two months ago. April 2024. After a week, I immediately noticed there was an issue between the transmission or some type of a disconnect between the hybrid electric system And the Engine upon acceleration. There seems to be a disconnect you can. feel the kick or vibration almost like a bad Torque converter. The dealer said that's the way it is. To me, it felt horrible for a car of this statue. The engine has very poor gas mileage as well. And noisy, in my opinion, With the turbo. I've always liked the Lexus. I had a 2017 for years. V6 of course. Had an issue with connecting my phone Android to the system. Very intermittent. dealer three times couldn't do anything. Never had a problem with my old car. Not sure. Not sure what's happening with his car. I think it's too much engine and trans. or the engine& trans don't sink properly. I'm not sure. I did not like it at all. A month later, I took a loss and got rid of the car and purchased 2024 RX450 plus. Best thing I ever did. Engine and trains ECT transmission is smooth as silk. Naturally aspirated. 35 miles on a charge. Love it. I am also a retired auto mechanic of. 30 years. So I know when something is not right..