Alphaman19

Hey,
I'm a 2GenGS lexus guy, and I'm looking into buying a used Lexus RX.
But I hear that many have transmission failure issues.
Is this generally true or is the issue over blown?
Are there any tell tell signs that I should look for when buying a used RX? Are some model years better than others?

Thanks in advance.

PS - I can do the usual maintenance eg ball joints, engine mounts timing belts etc.

matts6887

no; they dont to my knowledge. Its the first gen 300 rx that had the premature trans failures to do a major design flaw. Ive have my rx350 second gen for almost 4 years now and no trans problems so far and mine is a every day driver.i think the second gens are some of the better built more reliable rx's. mine has a bit over 154,000 miles on the clock and its still going strong. And there are plenty of people out there with 2-300,000 miles on theirs and they are still going like the energizer bunny lol.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

This gen's U151F series transmission are pretty solid in terms of reliability but I find their algorithm for shifts isn't great, mine loves to gear hunt between 2-4 and the ride can be jerky.

I think a bigger issue is the front transfer case which have been notorious for failure across the board if they are not maintained or the seals give out.

matts6887

yep on the transfer case;the seals have started to give way and fluid has been slowly seeping out. Im not gonna bother getting it resealed unless it really starts pouring out fluid; i always have my preferred shop down the street from me top off the transfer case at every oil change; and they always do it for me with no additional charge. I just hope these seals dont give way even more anytime soon because i dont have 1300-1700 bucks to have it pulled and resealed.

Felix

X2.........I'd add to this is to change the trans fluid & filter....that way, you'll clean the pan as well as the 2 magnets in the pan, then you can do a drain & fill as some do. Since your there, I'd also swap out the rear diff & transfer case oil as well....I used a gallon of Valvoline Maxlife w/ a Wix trans filter & 2 qtrs of 75-90 Royal Purple gear oil......

matts6887

as far as the transfer case fluid goes; the seals on my transfer case are seeping fluid; so it gets fresh fluid almost every time i go in to my preferred shop down the street; just not a complete drain and refill; it only gets topped off to keep it from going completely dry which would be bad. I definitely dont have the money to have the transfer case re sealed as thats big bucks so im just gonna let it seep and keep topping it off at every oil change.

Felix

I was just throwing some 411 out to the OP........

matts6887

oh ok my bad then. But i was just posting it just so u know; yea i know its eventually gonna be a bigger problem but i will just have to deal with it when it gets to be a bigger problem.