Notices
RX - 4th Gen (2016-2022) Discussion topics related to the 2016 and up RX350 and RX450h models

Hesitation problem at various speeds (TSB info post #159)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 1, 2017 | 01:13 PM
  #346  
toyotaman7's Avatar
toyotaman7
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 904
From: Ontario
Default

I must say that after the ECU update I can not detect any droning anymore. The car keeps the gears low to avoid any lugging. So far in happy with the ecu update
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2017 | 04:59 PM
  #347  
clwu's Avatar
clwu
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 11
From: MD
Default

Got my TSB done today. It definitely made acceleration a little better. I put a tank of Regular gasoline and ran just fine.

Reply
Old Apr 6, 2017 | 01:31 PM
  #348  
Philthy84's Avatar
Philthy84
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 3
From: CA
Default

Trying to get the TSB applied but my dealership says my VIN is not covered but it is according to the paperwork I saw. 2016 F-Sport AWD built in May 2016. They want me to pay a $150 diagnostic fee first no way.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2017 | 04:58 PM
  #349  
s4iscool's Avatar
s4iscool
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 221
Likes: 21
From: CA
Default

Originally Posted by Philthy84
Trying to get the TSB applied but my dealership says my VIN is not covered but it is according to the paperwork I saw. 2016 F-Sport AWD built in May 2016. They want me to pay a $150 diagnostic fee first no way.
what a rip off. File a complaint with Lexus. They read these forums but won't acknowledge that the tsb hasn't been a success for all affected cars.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2017 | 05:58 PM
  #350  
Philthy84's Avatar
Philthy84
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 3
From: CA
Default

Originally Posted by s4iscool
what a rip off. File a complaint with Lexus. They read these forums but won't acknowledge that the tsb hasn't been a success for all affected cars.
Already done, I have a case # and hope to hear from a case specialist by early next week. That was the best the Lexus US consumer relations rep could do for me.

Ya I was shocked when heard I would have to pay a $150 fee first. If my VIN falls within the affected range it should be no questions asked for being less than a year old. Being our first Lexus this whole situation makes me question returning to their brand in future automobile purchases.
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2017 | 05:51 AM
  #351  
JT4's Avatar
JT4
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 48
From: NY / LI
Default

We are considering another RX when our lease is up within the next 4 months, and while there may be a few subjective things that are holding us back, the hesitation issue is my main concern because I have dealt with hesitation issues before.

Before the RX we had two ML350's, a 2012 and 2011, and while there was a slight hesitation with the 2012 the 2011 was so bad that after 15 months of fighting MBUSA agreed to buy it back.. The issue was similar to what has been described here but slightly worse, and the ML's had only 7 gears..

So everytime I read this thread it reminds me of what we went through and I certainly don't want to deal with this again.. Maybe I should consider the 450h F Sport instead?
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2017 | 09:48 AM
  #352  
Lexus1998's Avatar
Lexus1998
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 125
Likes: 9
From: New York
Default

I was very happy after the update as it very much helped the early hesitation issues below 30 MPH which was complete nightmare, now however after driving it about 3K after the update the issue is now in between I would guess 4/5 gear as once I am at about 50mph and I try to get on it I now get the sling shot rubber band feel. It feels like it needs to build up the power and then releases it like sling shot very annoying and dangerous especially on highways when passing. It actually gets me so mad I literally slam on gas pedal because I am so aggravated at the feeling it gives as even the passenger feels it. I have a 16 LS where the the technology is very out date compared to RX, but it certainly doesn't shift like this truck.

Otherwise I really like this truck with all technology, but this is really a big factor as I drive a lot and at this price tag it shouldn't be doing this at all. If I bring it back to dealer they will try to help but honestly there nothing they can do as they don't design this software for transmission. My advise would be at least wait until next year as most all of them will have 3rd row and hopefully they figure out this transmission programming by then.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2017 | 02:27 PM
  #353  
TPK's Avatar
TPK
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: hi
Default RX 350 Transmission Hesitation

2016 RX350 hesitates at 1500-2000 RPM. As if transmissoin is having trouble finding the right gear.
Lexus has admitted something is wrong but not saying what it is. Does anyone else have this problem
or has had it fixed?
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 8, 2017 | 02:50 PM
  #354  
TPK's Avatar
TPK
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: hi
Default

Originally Posted by harryposey
I also have the hesitation problem. I did not realize it until the dealer gave me a loaner rx for another problem and the loaner was an identical RX 2016 model. The drive home in the loaner was eye-opening. I immediately noticed that the performance of the loaner car was outstanding. It was the way my first RX in 2010 performed. The dealer couldn't fix my 2016. Lexus corporate told them they know about the problem but do not have a fix yet. One will be coming, but they don't know when. I have opened a claim at corporate.





how so you submit claim to corporate?
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2017 | 03:28 PM
  #355  
TPK's Avatar
TPK
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: hi
Default

Originally Posted by JT4
We are considering another RX when our lease is up within the next 4 months, and while there may be a few subjective things that are holding us back, the hesitation issue is my main concern because I have dealt with hesitation issues before.

Before the RX we had two ML350's, a 2012 and 2011, and while there was a slight hesitation with the 2012 the 2011 was so bad that after 15 months of fighting MBUSA agreed to buy it back.. The issue was similar to what has been described here but slightly worse, and the ML's had only 7 gears..

So everytime I read this thread it reminds me of what we went through and I certainly don't want to deal with this again.. Maybe I should consider the 450h F Sport instead?
Don't buy a LEXUS. We should all form a class action suit
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2017 | 04:30 PM
  #356  
toyotaman7's Avatar
toyotaman7
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 904
From: Ontario
Default

Has anyone with a F sport had the ECU update done? Are your Sport + and customizing drive settings still there?

My Sport + and customization have disappeared. Looks like they appointed the regular RX program to the F sport.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2017 | 05:15 PM
  #357  
s4iscool's Avatar
s4iscool
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 221
Likes: 21
From: CA
Default

Originally Posted by toyotaman7
Has anyone with a F sport had the ECU update done? Are your Sport + and customizing drive settings still there?

My Sport + and customization have disappeared. Looks like they appointed the regular RX program to the F sport.
dealer forgot to do the battery reset. Those settings will come back but that's besides the bigger issue that Lexus can't even instruct dealers properly on how to handle the tsb. It's not a complete fix either.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2017 | 09:58 AM
  #358  
javapro's Avatar
javapro
Driver
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 9
From: NJ
Default

The TSB definitely worked for me - no more droning and much better acceleration! I drive through local streets a lot and the droning was getting on my nerves. The only thing one needs to make sure is that the dealer disconnects the negative battery terminal for about 10 minutes to reset the system and let it load the new ECM software. My dealer didn't do this although the service manager assured me that the tech would do what the TSB stated in order to apply the software update properly. After about a week of driving after they applied the TSB update, I only noticed a slight improvement with hesitation (may be due to placebo effect) but still had the vibrations from the droning so I decided to disconnect the battery myself. After I reconnected it, the nav screen was saying that the system was being reloaded. I didn't lose any settings/personal presets - only the map mode and day/night mode in the nav changed to default (that's how I knew that the dealer didn't disconnect the battery otherwise the nav would switch to the night mode in the evening and I had it set to day only). Also, I had a slight issue with the tailgate. I left it open before disconnecting the battery and after the reconnect it wouldn't close - just kept beeping when I press on the close button either on the remote, dash, or remote. I figured that the tailgate ECU (the tailgate has its own computer on RX!) got confused about which state the tailgate was in when the battery got disconnected. So, I pulled the door down manually - it took a bit of effort but it went down slowly and closed by itself at the end the way it usually does. After that it started working normally so don't be afraid to pull the tailgate down manually if it happens to you - I almost called Lexus roadside assistance before I figured it out myself.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2017 | 12:46 PM
  #359  
JT4's Avatar
JT4
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 48
From: NY / LI
Default

Originally Posted by TPK
Don't buy a LEXUS. We should all form a class action suit
Well I'm currently on my third Lexus going back to 2006 and to this point they have been mostly trouble free. IME with Lexus vehicles (not that I doubt what anyone is experiencing here) reading this thread it is almost unbelievable for a Lexus. But even if I don't get another RX next time around there is a good chance we will remain in the Lexus family and get a GX..

But as I mentioned in my previous post, this hesitation issue that RX owners here have experienced has me concerned enough to possibly stay away from an RX350 until Lexus has the issue resolved.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2017 | 02:10 PM
  #360  
tdjacw's Avatar
tdjacw
Pole Position
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 355
Likes: 53
From: NY
Default

Originally Posted by javapro
The TSB definitely worked for me - no more droning and much better acceleration! I drive through local streets a lot and the droning was getting on my nerves. The only thing one needs to make sure is that the dealer disconnects the negative battery terminal for about 10 minutes to reset the system and let it load the new ECM software. My dealer didn't do this although the service manager assured me that the tech would do what the TSB stated in order to apply the software update properly. After about a week of driving after they applied the TSB update, I only noticed a slight improvement with hesitation (may be due to placebo effect) but still had the vibrations from the droning so I decided to disconnect the battery myself. After I reconnected it, the nav screen was saying that the system was being reloaded. I didn't lose any settings/personal presets - only the map mode and day/night mode in the nav changed to default (that's how I knew that the dealer didn't disconnect the battery otherwise the nav would switch to the night mode in the evening and I had it set to day only). Also, I had a slight issue with the tailgate. I left it open before disconnecting the battery and after the reconnect it wouldn't close - just kept beeping when I press on the close button either on the remote, dash, or remote. I figured that the tailgate ECU (the tailgate has its own computer on RX!) got confused about which state the tailgate was in when the battery got disconnected. So, I pulled the door down manually - it took a bit of effort but it went down slowly and closed by itself at the end the way it usually does. After that it started working normally so don't be afraid to pull the tailgate down manually if it happens to you - I almost called Lexus roadside assistance before I figured it out myself.
Tried disconnecting the battery just in case the dealer forgot. Unfortunately this had no effect on mine, Still shifts into high gears
way to soon. What bugs me more is the vibration that occurs around 1500 rpms. Its not horrible but once your aware of it, it s really annoying. This could be such a smooth driving vehicles if it wasn't for that.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:28 PM.

story-0
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE