Comments: 1-15, 16-21
I want to issue the same complaint regarding the transmission issue. The RX330 often seems to be in the wrong gear. There is a hesitation during the gear change where the computer cannot decide to up-shift or downshift.
This vehicle is dangerous and it is incomprehensible to me that a manufacturer with as high a satisfaction rating as Lexus, would risk their reputation by not acknowledging the issue as a valid problem.
I owned a 2002 ES300 and it had the same problems. Since the RX and the ES share the similar trans it makes sense that problem would also be on the RX. Lexus refused to do anything on the vehicle, but stated if I would just keep the car a couple years they would probably have a fix. I lost money on the deal, but I had to get rid of the car for the trans made this car dangerous. I would not recommend this car to anyone until Lexus finally fixes the problem.
I have the same problem. I just bought an RX330, 14K miles, it feels like the transmission slips constantly in low gears. Lexus service admits that the car does it, 'resets the computer', and nothing changes. Anyone hear of any solutions? tmulert@yahoo.com.
My RX 330 has the same problem,Lexus re-set the computer, no help. Lexus suggested I wait for the redesign of the vehicle and get a new one. NOT A CHANCE! Bought the RX330 for the power tailgate, will trade for a truck with a hand crank gate with a transmission that works properly.
Purchased an RX330 a few months ago. Same transmission issues. RX has difficulty finding the correct gear when accelerating on freeway. It will downshift into 1 gear, then the next, taking over 1 second to shift. Car has nearly hit redline many times as vehicle shifts into wrong gear to accelerate. Then when I let off the gas, the RPM's stay high as the engine overrevs.
Lexus, please fix this problem.
I took the vehicle in and the dealership reset the ECU. They said all RX330s have transmission lag due to the 5 speed and it is normal. No way! I've never had a car do this. I am upset and wish I didn't have this car. What do I do?
My Lexus RX330 was bought 8 months ago. I am now bringing the vehicle back for a third time. Once I hit 55 in the vehicle, the car pulls dangerously to the left. They have replaced parts etc. I am now moving forward with the NJ Lemon Law.
Hi. We are seriously considering the latest RX 330. Got a fright reading reviews of the 2003 model. Anyone have an update on the latest model? Particularly, w.r.t the transmission..
I just sold my 2004 Lexus RX330. After 3 recalls, numerous service issues and the latest scare, I will never purchase another. I was driving in a rain storm when the AC light started blinking, suddenly the ac went out and all of the windows became fogged up within seconds. I was totally blinded in rush hour traffic and a rainstorm. When I could safely pull over, I called the dealership & was told that they had received a recent memo that this was a potential problem. After the many service issues, I sold the car with 26,000 miles on it.
My dealer just installed new code in the ECM. It drives like a different car - tranny hesitation/gear selection seems to be fixed. I just hope it doesn't "learn" any bad habits.
I have 2002 Windstar from FORD and it's transmission act like what 2004 Lexus RX330 is having, slow gear shifts, gear feels like stuck, slow response on accelerations etc.
Re-programmed ECM from the Ford Dealer and still does the samething! Hope it's not the same trany technology Lexus is using.
Bought my new RX 330 in January '05. Two and a half years later, I only have put 20,000 miles on it. Imagine my disbelief when I took it in for the 20,000 mile service and was told that I needed four new tires!
The service department at the dealership, as well as 1-800-25LEXUS, informed me that the new softer tires they are putting on this vehicle are safer and provide a smoother ride; AND under normal conditions will only last approximately 20,000 miles. The cost for four new tires from the dealership is $999.00.
Buyers BEWARE!
I purchased a used American 2005 RX330 a couple weeks ago in Canada.
I expected the ride and engine to be smoother from a Lexus. I can feel a roughness in the steering when driving up to around 80km/h. From 80 - 100km/h the roughness is worse on the steering, and I can even hear a humming noise between those speeds. After 100km/h I don't really feel or hear the humming.
I spoke to a Lexus dealership, and they said it could be the tires. The vehicle still has the original tires and they are a bit worn. Maybe it's the tires or maybe it's something worse. I won't know until I take it in for them to look at it. Appointments have to be made a week in advance though.
I am now looking into California Lemon Law. I purchased a 2004 RX330. After driving the car a few weeks, it was apparent that there was a transmission shifting problem between 20-40 mph. I contacted the dealership. I was told this is called "soft shifting". I explained my displeasure. The dealership sent me to their head technician. The tech reprogrammed the computer, which helped sometimes. I was then instructed to drive the car in a certain manner for about a week, but no luck. I contacted Lexus Corporation. After numerous calls, I was basically told, "You are out of luck."
I have to say, I bought a 2004 lexus Rx 330 and it indeed has a transmission shift problem.. I went through the entire customer car and to the national center for dispute.. Outcome.. Lexus has to buy back my car from me.. So the dispute is worth it and it wasn't a long process.
Since I have been dealing with lexus I have drove over 10 RX 350's and I have to say that they fixed the problem with this car. It's a totally different engine, therefore a more smoother drive and I love it.. It was definetly worth the wait..
My opinion.. Don't buy a RX 330, lexus has admitted that it's a bad transmisson shift, but they consider that to be normal so there is nothing they would do about it...
2004 RX330 has had transmission issues from the beginning and I have been told repeatedly that it shifts normally, NOT. They reset my computer (New Software?) and told me to use premium and put it in 4 gear (What?). Like an idiot I did, but it didn't work, big surprise! Love my car, hate the transmission what can I do?
Anyone, anyone, anyone... Bueller?
We own a 2004 Lexus RX330. The transmission has not shifted properly since we purchased it new. The dealer says there is nothing wrong; that it seems to be OK when they drive it. This is our third Lexus, and quality seems to be going downhill with each new model.