carma350

Yes, my scan of forums revealed that Toyota has a history of transmission problems dating back to at least 1999 with the Lexus RX 300. The Camry V6, ES 350, and 2008 Avalon all share the same powertrain and its associated transmission slip (what Lexus calls a "flare"). It's not surprising the Solara, RX 330-350, and ES 330 also have transmission problems. It would be interesting to know which Toyota or Lexus vehicles don't have transmission problems. Maybe the Lexus LS 460 L (MSRP $72,000)?

The G Man

You mean the Lexus LS460 L right. BTW the transmission flare problem only happens to a very small percentage of owners and it is found in some of the Toyota / Lexus V6 transmission only. The I4 and the V8 transmission do not have this problem.

vasylko

I just got 08 RX 350 and dont seem to be noticing any of the issues with transmission described. However, maybe I was not noticing it is because it did not bother me much (or maybe it was not even there). now that I read it I am going to be on the look out for and will report my findings. Yesterday, I was driving to supermarket with some moderate traffic and did not notice any problems. The only time where I noticed this lag is when I was standing at traffic light and looking at Navigation screen without noticing how light turned green, so I got a s..t load of honks (I live in NY City ) and they I hit the gas slightly harder and trans took like maybe 0.5-1 sec to respond and propelled me with quite big push forward. That is the only way I experianced that. Other then that for the whole driving - did not noticed that

Terrapin

teamtbo said: "Seems like a lot of Toyota's cars are experiencing shift flare, delay and hesitation issues - Camry, Highlander, RX350...."

I agree, it does seem like this is a continuing problem. I know of people owning V6 Camrys back to '00 with this type of problem. It seems inconceivable that Toyota/Lexus would not have put their "A Team" on this issue, but we continue to hear these types of complaints. While not universal, they are not uncommon.

carma350

I wasn't aware the Toyota transmission slip only happens to a very small percentage of Toyota / Lexus V6 owners. Can you point me to the source that provides that statistic? Thanks.

carma350

Since it's a critical powertrain issue, I'm assuming Toyota's "A Team" has been on this issue since at least 1999 with the RX300 transmission slip. They just can't figure out the solution.

nusouth1

I haven't seen a post in this thread for some time, but wonder if any progress has been made to resolve the issue. I own an 08 RX350 and experience the same lag/delay/flare when trying to accelerate out of a coast or decelerate situation right around the 20mph mark. I haven't timed it, but would say 1-2 seconds in most cases. My husband also drives the car and experiences the same thing. Even when in the passenger seat I can hear the engine revving when this happens to him. I must say it's detracting from my overall enjoyment of the car, and that's sad. I love the acceleration performance when you are outside the 1st or 2nd gear range, but the lag and hesitation driving around town is sometimes painful. I may not keep my RX because of this (unless of course a fix is found). And I certainly will take a different approach when test driving my next vehicle, no matter who the mfg. Most typical test drives don't cruise you through neighborhoods or parking lots, but I'm going to make sure to!
Was there ever an official TSB for this issue on the RX350?

vg1134

I was reading all the post on this delay shifting problem on the Rx and I too have the delay. I just bought this 08 Rx350 with 78k and I am already upset. My vehicle will give you that thump when shiffting to the low gear if I press the gas pedal hard enough during that 1-2 second delay. To me this is not normal. At most it should be a smooth shift at best.
I was given a 3k /1 month warranty and I plan on calling them today about it. I dont think I will keep it this vehicle if it normal. Other than that this vehicle is perfect.
Does anyone know if it was ever resolved or improved.

vg1134

took the car to the dealer today. the tech said this is normal on the Rx-highlander-camry's with v6. its a software issue that never been perfected.
So I guess the pursue for perfection hasn't happen yet after all these years...lol

lexus114

i`m sorry,but i wouldnt settle for that !

mandyfig

If the car is under warranty, take it in again. If totally unsatisfied, call the Lexus 800 # and give them a piece of your mind.

lexus114

yep,what he said ^^^

oubobcat

I realize this is a old thread but today 12 June 2010, the RX 350 I bought three weeks ago had this issue but also a whirring/rumble on decel.

Dealer says Transmission is shot and must be replaced.

If you have this issue take it in immediately and do not settle for software. I am going to push for them to buy it back or trade me out on a non-defective vehicle. Sounds like many Lexus vehicles have this issue though.

ronswift45

I had a 2000 RX 300 which drove me crazy but wife liked the height of the seat to save her poor knees. I suffered trough it and then the tranie failed at 70,000. They replaced it at 50% cost to me. It failed again in 2000 miles.

Gave me a deal on the 2008.MUCH BETTER THAN THE 2000! but still not great.

The transmission slipped just like the old 60's cars when you went around a corner or slowed down for a speed bump and then sped up. VERY ANNOYING!! Toyota agreed they was a problem after I insisted they drive it with me along. Only took the first corner. They kept it a week but gave up -sorry no fix.

I replaced the oil but no better. Then for some reason I started driving it around in 4th even on the freeway for maybe a month. Voila! Fixed and it has not done it since. I have no idea why but happy that I don't mouth off anymore and get blasted by the wife about her car.

Ron

beefmc

Strange that worked, but glad for you it did. How was you fuel mileage while doing the 4th gear thing?