My 05 is driven mostly in the summer so not many miles on it at 40k, and the transmission does shift a little rough when it is cold, never had the ECU flashed as it really was nothing in my opinion that was worth complaining about. Warmed up, it shifts perfect. Did two drain and fills within 200 miles of each other around 30k out of paranoia and over all of the doom and gloom I have heard about the first gen RX's failing prematurely.

61k on my 99, bought it at 40k, did a drain and fill (same method as above) then and just did one last month - keeping that schedule to 20k intervals again, due to what I have read. This one too shifts perfectly when warm. When cold, it won't shift out of 2nd until it is warmed up, but again, no biggie. You deal with it.

 

You know this trans going bad or being bad was my biggest fear for a while, especially due to this rumor and the front differential issue I had from the stealership that sold me the car. It's such an expensive disaster if the trans goes bad. But so far so great! This thread actually helps me be at ease.

 

The overwhelming majority of the first gen RX's have no issues. I have heard of very few 2nd gen RX's transmissions going out.

You have to remember that most folks come on boards like this to complain and vent their dismay at such failures, while those who never have problems with their car generally don't seek these boards out to tell of their good fortunes.

 

Here's my 2 cents... 209k on my 01 RX, which I've driven it off the lot with under 50 mi on the odometer. I've always changed out the transmission fluid around every 30k. I've had it both flushed and drained & filled x2. I just recently installed the 3rd filter/strainer, putting about 100k on each of the previous two filters. So far so good. If anyone hasn't ever changed out the fluid and has high mileage, that's fantastic. I just believe the fluids are the life-blood of your vehicle's operation and keeping the fluids up and clean will only make it last longer. Last year I bought an 04 Acura MDX, AWD with 78k miles on it. I had no knowledge of the transmission. The first thing I did was change the trans fluid x3. It sure shifts great! (I skipped the flush this time) 25k later the Acura is still ok.
Keep up the good work....

 

our rx300 transmission started the death whine at 165,000 miles. after reading through this forum i ordered the filter kit and replaced the 3 quarts of fluid that was lost with the process. the zippped wav files represent the before and after. the recording is with foot on the brake and shifting between drive and reverse. we drove the car another 25,000 miles and moved up to an rx330 with 114,000 miles. its transmission is now making a similar whine when cold. the filter kit will be ordered post haste.

 

114,000 miles now on my 05 RX330. While the 5 speed trans axle used in the RX is a good unit, it is not a bullet proof unit. So reg. maintenance is definitely suggested. So far I just change out the fluid every 15k, and had the re flash done. Dropped the pan when i first got it @ 59,000 miles and everything looked normal in the pan.

 

2004 RX 330 80k no problems.

 

I have 125000 and it's doing OK but shift delays occur when shes cold. It's a 1999 AWD.

 

1st generation trannies do that.

 

2007 RX 350 with 111,400 miles.

I take the vehicle to the dealer about once a year for the larger service calls (local shop for most oil change and filters) and during this visit to the dealer I decided to have the transmission fluid changed. I inquired when they recommend the fluid change and the dealer stated that the 2007 RX 350 gets changed at the 120,000 mile service mark if it is the "unsealed" transmission.

When I asked how much it was the customer service rep said that if it is the "permanent sealed tranny" it would be $259 and if it was "not sealed" it would be $130. I think I knew from this board that mine was "not sealed" so when he called to tell me and ask for the go-ahead I was not surprised to hear it was the "not sealed" tranny version. Dealer only charged me $109 as he said everything was in great shape and it went smooth. Guess they usually replace the pan bolt or something for 20 bucks?

Regardless, I can definitely feel a difference. Let me elaborare:

My vehicle has always seemed to shift smoothly and quietly with the following caveats. The first 111,000 have been great driving. But, there is a stop sign near the bottom of a large hill on my commute route that everyone slows down or "glides through" (not always a complete stop). I've found that when the car is cold, when I accelerate out of the "glide through stop sign" it took a split second to "catch" in what is probably second gear. My vehicle now does not take a split second to catch. (Prior RX 300, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Sienna... ALL have seemed to do this at one time or another when cold)

Additionally, I feel that the shifting in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear has improved. Where I live there are a lot of hills and the upshifting/downshifting for daily driving has been smoother these 5 days I've had the car back. I'm hoping it continues and is not my mind playing tricks on me. The highway speeds and shifting have always been smooth and so far they still are.

Lastly, when leaving a parked situation on flat or incline, the vehicle engages the gear (1st or R) that I need in a quiet and smooth fashion. I never thought that there was a knock or difficult engagement before, but doing it post-tranny fluid change it just feels smoother than it did before.

All in all, I am pleased that I had the service done and spent the $109. It seems to me that it was maintenance dollars well spent (so far) and I am glad I did it sooner than the factory 120,000 visit as it has provided me with some peace of mind since I'm in the low 6 digits on mileage. Hopefully my info and explanations assist other members.

 

It sure sounds like your RX is pleased as well and that is all that matters.

 

She seems pleased so far....

(But she did not like the -10 degree weather last week and gave me a tire light. I sweet talked her the next day when it got back up to 20 degrees and she turned it off. At least she listens. HA)

 

truer words could not have been spoken. Look at all of the new threads by people with only one post. They are literally (99% of the time) about problems or issues, and rarely about "New here and I love my RX"

 

08 RX350 AWD with 83K miles on it. Shift quite smooth.
Bought the car in June 2013, one owner with all up-to-date service records from the same dealership.
Anyway, my mechanic just did a drain and refill with Toyota WS last week. Took in 4 quarts to complete the job and I plan to have this Drain and refill done every 15-20K miles as cheap insurance. My long time mechanic only charge $30 labor and I supply the WS fuild (just bought another 4 quarts @ $36 shipped).

08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)

 

I would check the dipstick to see what the fluid looks and smells like while considering what you did in those 15-20k miles. If the miles were 'normal' driving and all signals are good and car shifts fine, I would think you are fine running much longer between flushes. $66 sounds like a steal though.


Now that I am thinking about it, is there the possibility that a software update may be available for the vehicle's transmission? I would think that only the dealer could do something like that. Does anyone have any experience or know that answer?