I want to buy an ES350 but...
#91
Lexus Test Driver
And guess what? Their so-called "complaining" has helped numerous owners address issues with their cars without having to go through the same headaches and hassles that they did. Guys like ES350Bob, Twister, Wanderer, MattsDVD, and Onskt are blazing trails so that new-comers don't have to suffer like they did (and, in some cases, still are).
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#92
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I disagree. Are you implying that all ES350's have a transmission problem? If so, I am glad to be in the lucky 10%, and I would say that if it were true that the problem was that widespread that there would be sufficient grounds for a recall. Only time will tell if there is such a problem.
As far as a recall, you are talking about 70,000 (at least that's the number being thrown around) ES350s. Do you think that they are going to recall 70,000 transmissions without being forced to do so by the NHTSA? Especially if a solution to the problem doesn't exist? Add to that number all of the Camrys that are out there and you are talking about one HUGE recall. Recalls are done for safety issues. The original LS400 had a recall within months of it's release. Why? Because of a faulty 3rd brake light that had a tendency to melt. A safety issue. My wife's 2005 S500 just got recalled. Why? The speedometer cluster can fail and can go completely dark leaving the driver with no instrumentation. A safety issue. Etc etc. Tranny flare is hardly a safety issue and unless they are forced to do it, they will not. There was mention of a LS430 transmission problem that triggered a recall. I can guarantee you without a doubt that somewhere in the wording there is mention of the problem possibly leading to injury or the possibility of an accident.
#93
Given Lexus' engineering expertise and consistent quality control, I think it is most likely that every ES350 rolled off the lot with a bad tranny whether folks noticed or not. At least those built within the first 6-9 months. I am not sure if a new tranny is being put in the cars now. Highly unlikely as it takes time to design and test a new product to ensure you are not trading one set of issues for another.
Last edited by sdbrandon; 12-21-06 at 12:47 PM.
#94
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Transmission problems are real
I purchased my 2007 ES350 last june. The transmission was repaired after 6000 miles. After 8000 miles my injector makes a clicking and rattling noise when cold. The service department told me that there is big problem going on with the transmissions for the 2007's. In regards to the injector they told me there is nothing they can do and basically to live with it. The dealership is not going to let on that there is anything wrong with these cars. They don't have to. Please wait until the 2008's if you can.
#96
I purchased my 2007 ES350 last june. The transmission was repaired after 6000 miles. After 8000 miles my injector makes a clicking and rattling noise when cold. The service department told me that there is big problem going on with the transmissions for the 2007's. In regards to the injector they told me there is nothing they can do and basically to live with it. The dealership is not going to let on that there is anything wrong with these cars. They don't have to. Please wait until the 2008's if you can.
At this point I would opt for an IS or GS. Why even take a chance? It is just not worth it.
#98
Lexus Champion
Given Lexus' engineering expertise and consistent quality control, I think it is most likely that every ES350 rolled off the lot with a bad tranny whether folks noticed or not. At least those built within the first 6-9 months. I am not sure if a new tranny is being put in the cars now. Highly unlikely as it takes time to design and test a new product to ensure you are not trading one set of issues for another.
#99
Are there bad transmissions out there? Definitely! IMHO though, I don't think it's accurate to say they're all bad. I've had my 4/06 build car 7 1/2 months and haven't experienced any trans issues. It wouldn't make sense to go to my dealer and tell them I haven't experienced anything wrong with the trans, but since they're all bad, check it out. Plus I wouldn't want them to mess around with it needlessly. Let's hope a fix for those that are defective is found soon.
#100
a. Lexus corrected the issue after the initial release
or
b. Lexus sourced the tranny from more than one supplier.
or
c. Quality control is so lose some tranny's have issues and some don't.
Which is it?
#101
Lexus Champion
It could be, "D" = All of the above. Or "E" - None of the above. Who knows...
#102
Lexus Champion
1,000/123 X 32 X (number in thousands claimed sold 70 )= 18,211
#103
If it trends as our poll as of today it could be nearing 18,000 plus out there with messed up transmissions, or more if TSIB is taken in the the context issued as it does not limit vehicles potentially affected.
1,000/123 X 32 X (number in thousands claimed sold 70 )= 18,211
1,000/123 X 32 X (number in thousands claimed sold 70 )= 18,211
#104
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Are there bad transmissions out there? Definitely! IMHO though, I don't think it's accurate to say they're all bad. I've had my 4/06 build car 7 1/2 months and haven't experienced any trans issues. It wouldn't make sense to go to my dealer and tell them I haven't experienced anything wrong with the trans, but since they're all bad, check it out. Plus I wouldn't want them to mess around with it needlessly. Let's hope a fix for those that are defective is found soon.
All cars have problems but the difference between a car with a lot of problems like my wife's S-Class and the current situation is that my problems are repaired without issue. It costs me time and effort but in the end, I drive away with an acceptable resolution to my problems. This is different.
#105
Lexus Champion
Nobody mentioned that all tranmissions are bad? See the quote below:
"I think it is most likely that every ES350 rolled off the lot with a bad tranny whether folks noticed or not".
"I think it is most likely that every ES350 rolled off the lot with a bad tranny whether folks noticed or not".