If they haven't been able to fix the hesitation problem in the 04+ RX330 since then, and now the flare problem in the 06+ ES, what makes you think they will ever find a simple reprogram that works? They have come up with many re-flash updates since then and it still has not cured the problem. This goes beyond a simple reprogram of the trans ECU.

 

what if we sign a petition? This is THE biggest Lexus owner club after all isn't it?

 

The Legacy GT has the same kind of stuttering problem that they havent been able to fix, despite re-flashes.

 

Lexus has had so many TSIBs for this... replacing the valve bodies, some ring wasn't snapping shut, low transmission fluid, software flashes, etc.

This tranny is just GARBAGE. And with the weather getting colder they're going to have more and more unhappy customers as the flares get worse and worse. I can't believe that they plan to tell all of them that this is "operating as designed".

 

Arbitration.. If they cannot fix it after 3 attempts, and you are still not satisified, and are worried for your safety if the car breaks on the freeway for example, then I believe you have a case to get them to buy it back from you, or replace it with another one that doesnt have the same issue.
They tend to listen better, when they receive mail with an attorney firm on the letterhead, and see that you are serious about getting this resolved.
They have to have an opprotunity to fix it and give you a loaner in the meantime.
I would tell them you are retaining legal counsel and want to know the name of their legal counsel so you can begin correspondence.
There is a whole manual in the glove box that deals with just this I believe.
Good luck with this. Sorry it had to happen. I havent had my Lexus long enough to even know what "Flare" is - what is it ?

Dan F

 

^^Flare is when you step on the gas, the engine speeds up, but the car doesn't move. Like having the clutch in on a manual - then all of a sudden it very unpredictably engages and works. The big problem I've gathered with this gearbox is the flare isn't consistent. My IS350 flares, especially when cold or getting off the gas, then getting back on it, but it's very predictable if frustrating. It makes me appreciate my MTM Supra all the more when I drive it. Never flares unless I make it flare.

 

The former ES330 and IS300 (I had an IS300) also, on occasion, had a big flare from a rolling start of about 5 or 10 MPH or so and a 2-3 flare, despite factory-re-flashes. It was finally passed off as an emissions-control device. Once again, I don't buy it.

You opinon noted (and respected), but I just don't agree. If virtually every other carmaker in the American market can produce a transmission that doesn't slip, flare or go dead when the gas pedal is pressed (heck, their own cheaper Toyota cousins don't), then there is no reason why a company that calls itself "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" cant. The transmission on my Outback, for example, has been perfect since Day One.

 

The transmissions on ES 330s and RX 330s were considered to have a "hesitation" characteristic where you put your foot down and there is a 1-2 sec delay between the plantation of your foot and any actual acceleration.

The "flare" issue on ES 350s and Camry V6s is where the rpms flare up between shifts for whatever reason...gears slipping? Who knows.

Different, but both I am sure are equally as annoying. Highlander and RX 350's 3.5L and 5AT are probably the most rock solid of the GR combinations.

 

In a conventional, hydraulic-pressure-controlled torque-converter automatic, that is caused by not having enough fluid pressure during the shift. With an electronically-controlled torque-converter transmission, that is less so the case......but you still have to have enough hydraulic pressure, ECU control or not. Electronics only program the shift.....they don't actually do the job.

 

I had a ticking problem with my GS430. Not as dangerous as the "flare" but not acceptable for a GS430.

I took it to the dealer numerous times. Finally, I just decided to leave it there until it was fixed (and drove their rental in the meantime). They would call me to come get the car, I would ask if they fixed the problem, they would say no, and I would say "Ok, call me when it is ready". I think it was in the shop for over 3 weeks and yes, they finally fixed it (oh and some of the stories they came up with beforehand were amazing...)

You could try this approach?

 

LOL, I love that story. What kind of stories were they telling you about the problem?

 

Exactly. I am done with auto tranny for a while. It's pretty frustrating to drive. Love the motor on my IS350 but hate the tranny.

 

At this point we are going to try to negotiate a deal with the dealer instead of through corporate. I think we may have the economy and plethora of 08 GSs working in our favor at this point so we are going to try to negotiate them buying the ES back, plus 8 or 9K on an 08 GS 350.

I have heard that dealers are beyond desperate to get 2008 models off the lots. For the southern area, there are still 08s at port

So...I think we are going to try what you stated. Drop the car off with two options. 1) Call me when it's fixed and there is no more transmission flare or 2) Call me when you have a black/black GS 350 with Nav ready for a decent upgrade fee over the ES. Period.

 

If you do the math, you will have your answer...

Time and cost to hire lawyer, take days off of work for you and him to visit the lawyer...

Vs. The time it takes you to sell the car and pick out a new one...

I had a similar issue with Nissan. And in the end I would have felt better if I just called the dealer I bought the car from a *** and moved on.

Like you said, there are multiple comlaints about the car to Lexus, so are you looking to save the world or just get a car that works to your liking?

 

Yep, I and many others I am sure feel the same way about how the common expensive door lock actuator design defect problem on the GSs and other models has been "addressed" or more realistically has been completely ignored. I had 47K miles on my GS and it was only a month and a half past warranty when I bought it and noticed the failed door lock actuator after a few days. I called corporate, did everything they told me to do like going to the dealer and getting it verified and then they later called and said they would not pay to fix it, would not pay half or any amount, said it was not a known problem(yeah right) and said I would be stuck paying over $500 for their known design defect they never addressed. Now I have another door lock actuator that is out. Not the kind of treatment I was expecting from a car company like lexus on a car costing 50K dollars.

I am sure the people with the other defects like ball joint failures, moisture in the headlights, low/rough idle, creaks, rattles, and groans from suspension area, creaks and rattles from interior, and other known defects/design flaws that were ignored and never addressed are angry too.

I would get a lawyer and try to get as many ES350 owners to verify and give signatures that they too have an issue with the transmission and are unhappy with their treatment by Lexus Corporate. Be as vocal about it as you can and don't stand for excuses or them blowing you off because they don't want to address the issue. It is unacceptable for any company just to say tough deal with it, with out at least trying to offer some kind of assistance or making you happy like a warranty extension. This should not be happening on a brand new car and is going to be a sign of things to come if it is bad within the first year of ownership. If you and others are vocal enough they eventually may just say it is not worth ignoring or fighting it anymore and will be forced help owners out and make it right. Just giving up or listening to some Lexus defenders say you should just ignore it and be happy you have a Lexus and don't say anything bad about Lexus is not going to help your or your friends cause. I hope the 6 speed transmission issue gets taken care of quickly.