Hesitation problem at various speeds (TSB info post #159)
09-12-17, 04:33 AM
#557
It has excellent pick up and revs very low on the highway. So if they can accomplish this with a 4cyl. I see no need for an
8 speed in the RX. Maybe it's a sales gimmick, I don't know. I am just so disappointed with the overall performance and refinement. Looking forward to trading it in as so as it's financially feasible.
09-12-17, 06:12 AM
#558
I was reading some stuff about other transmissions and the amount and kind of transmission fluid and how it can affect the shifting. I will be asking Lexus to change the fluid and ensure it's at the proper level. They still haven't called me back to confirm an appointment, as they want it back again....keep you posted.
tdjacw, like you I loved the 6 speed in my old rx. I certainly don't get any better mileage with the new 8 speed.
tdjacw, like you I loved the 6 speed in my old rx. I certainly don't get any better mileage with the new 8 speed.
Last edited by FastFord; 09-12-17 at 06:34 AM.
09-12-17, 06:27 AM
#559
Not a fan of the CVT transmission, but in this case I would have beem better off. I called for an update on the vibration issue which I was promised would be fixed. Now it seems they changed their tune and are sticking with its a normal characteristic of this vehicle. I find it so hard to believe that they all do this. I think many more people would be complaining about it. I did find one review from Motortrend where they complained about it. I have not been able to find it again. I wonder if someone paid off Motortrend to remove the article, seems strange.
09-12-17, 08:06 AM
#560
To answer dchobo's question, imo, the Aisin manufactured transmission is excellent. It's the programming that's way subpar.
Last edited by Macs4RX; 09-12-17 at 08:08 AM. Reason: Added information
09-12-17, 05:33 PM
#561
Yes the RX is probably very reliable, to be fair most cars today are fairly reliable especially if your leasing. That said, if the vehicke is not enjoyable to drive than the reliability to me is meaningless. All it means is that you have a car thats not enjoyable to drive that doesn't break down. I don't keep a car more than three to five years. So my next purchase will be based on drivability and not so much reliability.
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JT4 (09-13-17)
09-12-17, 06:00 PM
#562
Yes the RX is probably very reliable, to be fair most cars today are fairly reliable especially if your leasing. That said, if the vehicke is not enjoyable to drive than the reliability to me is meaningless. All it means is that you have a car thats not enjoyable to drive that doesn't break down. I don't keep a car more than three to five years. So my next purchase will be based on drivability and not so much reliability.
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tdjacw (09-12-17)
09-12-17, 09:08 PM
#563
When I had my 2008 Lexus LS460 I have similar hesitation while accelerating issue like you guys describing now. The LS also has 8 speed transmission so this problem isn't new.
09-13-17, 05:47 AM
#564
Lexus has to be aware of this 8 speed issue on some models and some owners comments/complaints. I would expect a company like TMS to do more to resolve this issue. I understand if it's something brand new a corporation would have some growing pains, but to drag on this long without a concrete fix is in my view unacceptable. Like many others I will be looking more carefully for my next purchase. I won't rule out Lexus, but if there is any indication that a vehicle has an ongoing issue I won't take that chance. Like tdjacw, I enjoy the driving experience and if it's not there, it doesn't really matter about the reliability.
09-13-17, 07:30 AM
#565
Advanced
Lexus has to be aware of this 8 speed issue on some models and some owners comments/complaints. I would expect a company like TMS to do more to resolve this issue. I understand if it's something brand new a corporation would have some growing pains, but to drag on this long without a concrete fix is in my view unacceptable. Like many others I will be looking more carefully for my next purchase. I won't rule out Lexus, but if there is any indication that a vehicle has an ongoing issue I won't take that chance. Like tdjacw, I enjoy the driving experience and if it's not there, it doesn't really matter about the reliability.
Personnaly I don't see any hesitation anymore since a while back (transmission patch applied)
But I was told that my vendo that Lexus was testing extensively each model before putting on the road. If so, the transmission was meant to be like that by the engineers.
I tend to see around me that some people (especially those driving BMW and Audi) to have an heavy foot on the pedal and make strong acceleration and braking. I think that it is these people that complain about the hesitation.
I find that my RX starts smooth and I like it like that. But if I need a push, yes the eco mode tends to delay that because it is design to make smooth acceleration to save on gaz, but if you keep the gaz pushed a little longer, the computer then permits the higher acceleration. It think it is designed like that. And it tends to keep then engine reving at 1K RPM to save also on gaz, made possible by the 8 gear box, which makes the performance on acceleration to go down also. I think that it is the main reason why 8 speeds.
But those with a heavy foot, set yourself in sport mode all the time then, instantaneous response all the time if that's what you like! But I find it too prime for me. I use it if I need to pass someone quickly on the highway mainly.
I use normal mode mostly on the highway and eco in the city streets.
09-13-17, 08:03 AM
#566
Personnaly I don't see any hesitation anymore since a while back (transmission patch applied)
But I was told that my vendo that Lexus was testing extensively each model before putting on the road. If so, the transmission was meant to be like that by the engineers.
I tend to see around me that some people (especially those driving BMW and Audi) to have an heavy foot on the pedal and make strong acceleration and braking. I think that it is these people that complain about the hesitation.
I find that my RX starts smooth and I like it like that. But if I need a push, yes the eco mode tends to delay that because it is design to make smooth acceleration to save on gaz, but if you keep the gaz pushed a little longer, the computer then permits the higher acceleration. It think it is designed like that. And it tends to keep then engine reving at 1K RPM to save also on gaz, made possible by the 8 gear box, which makes the performance on acceleration to go down also. I think that it is the main reason why 8 speeds.
But those with a heavy foot, set yourself in sport mode all the time then, instantaneous response all the time if that's what you like! But I find it too prime for me. I use it if I need to pass someone quickly on the highway mainly.
I use normal mode mostly on the highway and eco in the city streets.
But I was told that my vendo that Lexus was testing extensively each model before putting on the road. If so, the transmission was meant to be like that by the engineers.
I tend to see around me that some people (especially those driving BMW and Audi) to have an heavy foot on the pedal and make strong acceleration and braking. I think that it is these people that complain about the hesitation.
I find that my RX starts smooth and I like it like that. But if I need a push, yes the eco mode tends to delay that because it is design to make smooth acceleration to save on gaz, but if you keep the gaz pushed a little longer, the computer then permits the higher acceleration. It think it is designed like that. And it tends to keep then engine reving at 1K RPM to save also on gaz, made possible by the 8 gear box, which makes the performance on acceleration to go down also. I think that it is the main reason why 8 speeds.
But those with a heavy foot, set yourself in sport mode all the time then, instantaneous response all the time if that's what you like! But I find it too prime for me. I use it if I need to pass someone quickly on the highway mainly.
I use normal mode mostly on the highway and eco in the city streets.
There is no way any engineer would design as mine is, or any vehicle I have ever driven, and there are hundreds, behaves like this one. I am generally slow on the accelerator and the car hesitates, jumps, changing gears 3 to four times in 100 feet. Running in eco does make the car more smooth, running in sport + does too. But both have their issues...so to speak. My issue is poking along in the neighborhood, making turns, and then trying to accelerate smoothly...not happening. Almost all issues are when you are going below 40KPH.
I'm starting to think it's more of a throttle positioning thing than the tranny. As Lexus has no idea why my car is doing it, anything is up for grabs.
For example, coming home this morning, I come to a four way stop, slow down to maybe one KPH...no one around, make my left turn, apply the gas car starts to go, then suddenly takes off, slows down and I get the dirty look from my wife.....What the heck was that? beats me honey, sorry.
Lexus is bringing my car in again when they have a "specialist" available...hopefully this week. They called me last Thursday to ask for the car for a few days. Back in the day when I would do inspections for an employer, even the oldest piece of junk didn't behave like this vehicle.
As for gas mileage with an 8 speed, my old 3rx (6 speed) got better mileage in the city and highway. Maybe only 1-2 mpg but never the less, the 8 speed does not get better mileage in my vehicle.
09-13-17, 08:16 AM
#567
Advanced
What you are describing is not the problem I am having. There is no issue when you floor it to pass. Totally fine and works well.
There is no way any engineer would design as mine is, or any vehicle I have ever driven, and there are hundreds, behaves like this one. I am generally slow on the accelerator and the car hesitates, jumps, changing gears 3 to four times in 100 feet. Running in eco does make the car more smooth, running in sport + does too. But both have their issues...so to speak. My issue is poking along in the neighborhood, making turns, and then trying to accelerate smoothly...not happening. Almost all issues are when you are going below 40KPH.
I'm starting to think it's more of a throttle positioning thing than the tranny. As Lexus has no idea why my car is doing it, anything is up for grabs.
For example, coming home this morning, I come to a four way stop, slow down to maybe one KPH...no one around, make my left turn, apply the gas car starts to go, then suddenly takes off, slows down and I get the dirty look from my wife.....What the heck was that? beats me honey, sorry.
Lexus is bringing my car in again when they have a "specialist" available...hopefully this week. They called me last Thursday to ask for the car for a few days. Back in the day when I would do inspections for an employer, even the oldest piece of junk didn't behave like this vehicle.
As for gas mileage with an 8 speed, my old 3rx (6 speed) got better mileage in the city and highway. Maybe only 1-2 mpg but never the less, the 8 speed does not get better mileage in my vehicle.
There is no way any engineer would design as mine is, or any vehicle I have ever driven, and there are hundreds, behaves like this one. I am generally slow on the accelerator and the car hesitates, jumps, changing gears 3 to four times in 100 feet. Running in eco does make the car more smooth, running in sport + does too. But both have their issues...so to speak. My issue is poking along in the neighborhood, making turns, and then trying to accelerate smoothly...not happening. Almost all issues are when you are going below 40KPH.
I'm starting to think it's more of a throttle positioning thing than the tranny. As Lexus has no idea why my car is doing it, anything is up for grabs.
For example, coming home this morning, I come to a four way stop, slow down to maybe one KPH...no one around, make my left turn, apply the gas car starts to go, then suddenly takes off, slows down and I get the dirty look from my wife.....What the heck was that? beats me honey, sorry.
Lexus is bringing my car in again when they have a "specialist" available...hopefully this week. They called me last Thursday to ask for the car for a few days. Back in the day when I would do inspections for an employer, even the oldest piece of junk didn't behave like this vehicle.
As for gas mileage with an 8 speed, my old 3rx (6 speed) got better mileage in the city and highway. Maybe only 1-2 mpg but never the less, the 8 speed does not get better mileage in my vehicle.
OK definitively I don't have that problem at all. What you described is pretty bad I think!
09-13-17, 03:55 PM
#568
Not a fan of the CVT transmission, but in this case I would have beem better off. I called for an update on the vibration issue which I was promised would be fixed. Now it seems they changed their tune and are sticking with its a normal characteristic of this vehicle. I find it so hard to believe that they all do this. I think many more people would be complaining about it. I did find one review from Motortrend where they complained about it. I have not been able to find it again. I wonder if someone paid off Motortrend to remove the article, seems strange.
"Our biggest powertrain complaint is with the eight-speed’s calibration. It’s plenty smooth when driven gently, but there’s a “Sport” button on XLE, XSE, and V6 models, and there’s an S shifter gate next to the D position on the shifters. These features should sense aggressive driving and hold lower gears through high-g corners and downshift while braking for a curve, but they don’t. Another tranny gripe: Mash the gas to pass on a two-lane road with either engine, and there’s a split-second of contemplation then a swap to an intermediate gear and finally a tardy arrival in the optimal gear. Those Hybrid SE “gears” are strange, too. During wide-open throttle runs, hitting the (+) paddle has little noticeable effect. Pulling the (-) paddle for a “downshift” convincingly increases engine noise but without much deceleration or regen braking."
09-16-17, 04:20 PM
#569
I had a 2017 RX350 loaner for the past 3 days (for my LS) and it shifted normally as compared to my 2016! I mentioned it to my Tech and he wants me to bring my 2016 RX back in next week to check the software. To be continued.
09-16-17, 07:18 PM
#570
I've seen this inconsistent behavior across 2016s to 2017s, clearly something is different in cars that have this terrible transmission. Can't believe it but I wish I got the hybrid for the cvt!
