Strangest thing happened last week to my 2001 AWD RX300. Keep in mind it has only 67000 miles.
I backed out of my driveway,( no problem there) Pulled up in front of a local pizza shop, left the car running, came back in about 5 mins, shifted the gear in reverse and my nightmare started. the car wont response at all. I gave enough acceleration and then some but the car wont move. tried many diff ways by shifting the gear selector but no dice. however the car would go front when put in DRIVE. After about half an hour of trying, I was now only 3 feet from the front door of the pizza place. ( because the car would not go back once moved forward, no even when in neutral, engine running or not running) checked fluid level, it is fine. I thought the shifter cable might need adjustment but with the help of a tow truck guy, we determined that the cable is shifting into all gears as it should.
Since the car was facing the pizza store, the tow guy had very hard time getting the car on the flat bed. we had to use soapy water to slide all 4 wheels up on the bed.
I called 2 local tramsmission guys, without looking at the car, they said i need a new trans. I find that hard to belive. I thought it is the transaxle.
Did anyone experience such a problem?
I have started shopping for a new transmission but just wanna make sure with you help here. thankyou

 

another tranny bites the dust.

 

I would take a look at the condition of the tranny fluid (color/smell) and given that it is not going anywhere, have them remove the ATF fluid and check what is at the bottom of the tranny pan. If you find metal its in the pan...then a new transmission or transmission repair are the possibilities.

 

Did you change ATF or the tranny filter in 67K.
Thomas1 is keeping tap on # of trannies failed, PM him on how to file a claim at NHTSA

 

Did Toyota hire Ford to build our trannies?

 

My uncle told me he fixes more Chrysler product trannies than any other type, but Ford is not too far behind...I kept that in mind when his Dodge Caravan I used to use as my utility van had its tranny go bye-bye last year.

 

All Toyota car and Lexus car transmissions built stupid company Aisin Company!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._transmissions

 

sorry about your failure, It sucks big time, Yes please file a complaint with the NHTS board...online, you will need your Vin #.... Also call Lexus of America and put it in writing how dissappointed you are with their product....

 

exact same thing just happened to my cousins 2000 rx with 66k on it. What is the lexus warranty on trans?? I thought it would be handled under warranty...am I wrong?