Gordo1065

I have a 2014 Lexus RX350 with 146,000 miles. I'm experiencing hestation/jerking when I accelerate from a stop. I've had my all services performed at the Lexus dealership. Last year this time the dealer replaced the radiator, thermostat, coolant. The car has been driving fine with the exception of the last 2-weeks when this problem started. The dealer inspected the car for about 15 minutes and told me the transmission needs to replaced.I asked the dealer is it possible the transmission fluid needs to be changed, as per the dealer the transmission fluid is for life of the car and never needs to be changed. Does any one know if this sounds like transmission replacement? I was thinking it may have been some type of fuel system issue. I feel like I'm being taken for a ride by the dealer..BTW there are no check engine light on and after about a second or 2 the acceleration smooths out and drives fine it only happens when acceleratingfrom a stop...Please any suggestions are much appreciated..

Clutchless

Welcome to CL.
Your transmission is probably worn out and needs to be replaced. The fluid is not really lifetime. To Lexus lifetime means the end of the warranty. In the owners manual maintenance section it says that under severe conditions it should be replaced at 60,000 miles. It then defines severe conditions such that driving up a hill to work in the Summer is severe. Some dealers such as yours will say it is sealed lifetime fluid, which is BS, then the next Lexus or Toyota dealer will offer to change your fluid and recommend doing it every 40, 50 or 60 thousand miles.

FYI the RX is basically a Toyota Highlander on steroids. It has the same engine and transmission, which are shared with many other Toyota and Lexus vehicles, of which there are millions, so every shop has worked on them.
You need to contact an independent Toyota specialist shop to look at it. If you need help finding one use the link below to search for shops recommended by listeners of the NPR radio show Car Talk. Then cross check the ones you select on Yelp or Google. https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

You will probably will have to decide whether to trade it in as is, or install a rebuillt transmission (that is your only "new" choice), or install a used transmission which is less expensive. It depends on your budget and how long you intend to keep the vehicle. If replacing the transmission you need to shop around for prices.

Gordo1065

Hi Clutchless,

Thank you for your reply! Im schedule to take it to independent shop on Saturday. This is my 3rd Rx350. They've lasted for 250,00 miles or more with no major problems like this. Maybe this newer RX is not as reliable as the past ones.

RX in NC

Stay away from dealerships. Well-respected Toyota-familiar indie shops in your area are your best bet going forward if you cannot do the work yourself.

Clutchless

On your next RX, no matter what the dealer advises, get the transmssion fluid changed at around 60,000 miles to greatly reduce the chances of transmission failure later on.
Change it again at 120,000 miles.
If you have all wheel drive you should also change the fluid in the rear differential and transfer case at the 60,000 mile mark. You don't need to change them again after that unless you tow.

You probably have the 6 speed transmission. Only the 2014 F Sport had the 8 speed transmission. Now all the 4th and 5th generations RX's have the 8 speed transmission. The same fluid change requirements apply.

Gordo1065

Hi,

I'm a bit concerned with getting the transmission replaced. Even if the work is done correctly will a replaced transmission lead to other problems with the car? I was hoping to try to get to at least another 50K -60k miles out the car. I will definitely shop around for pricing for new transmission or rebuilt one. The dealer quoted $8K for transmission replacement.

RadiantX45

Can you still drive the car? I don’t know how extreme the issue is for you but if driveable read the entire thread I attached below and might give you something to try before replacement. Maybe you can find an independent shop to do this for you.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-3rd-gen-2010-2015/994577-shudder-guessing-transmission.html

Clutchless

A replaced transmission will not lead to other problems.
However $8,000 is way too high a price for this work. Compare that to the trade in value of the vehicle and that other expensive stuff may fail considering that it has 146,000 miles.
I see similar RXs listed at dealers for $17,000 and up. That means you would get about $12,000 on trade in.
It will be a better investment to trade it in and take the $8000 the dealer wants and put it towards a replacement RX or Highlander with lower mileage.

You should have an independent shop (either a transmssion shop or a Toyota specialist) do a transmission fluid change and hope it helps. That only costs a couple of hundred dollars.

Then if it does not work, and you want/need to keep it, I would only put a used a transmission into it considering its age and mileage. Make sure it has a warranty on parts and labor and that they change the fluid on it during installation. Ask about the mileage on the replacement unit. They auto recyclers know what vehicles these parts came from. You may also want to try an independent transmssion shop. Do not go to AAMCO.

Gordo1065

Hi,

Thank you so much for all the information. I was able to find a independent Toyota auto repair shop in my area. I'm dropping it off today. I'll be sure to provide a update. It's amazing to me how dealership are such rip offs. The acceleration issue is not severe but it is happening nonetheless. I thought it was something small but for some reason I didn't really feel the car needed a transmission replacement. The Lexus tech to me didn't have the vehicle long enough to determine a transmission replacement. He only had vehicle back there for no longer then 20 minutes. No test drive either. I guess I'll find out for sure today or maybe the drain and fill method my improve or fix the problem.

I hate that the newer RX has no dipstick on top check the Transmission fluid levels.

afpj

I'm late to the game....look at fuel trims, could be dirty throttle body and/or MAF. If they find it's NOT the tranny, ya might want to start doing some drain and fills of the fluid. Good luck.

Clutchless

It is also good preventive maintenance to put a large bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner in the gas tank once or twice a year.

RX in NC

^^ Agreed. The 20-ounce bottle, not the 12-ounce bottle.

703

I doubt your transmission required to be replaced. There is no evidence from the dealer.

STOP the work and request evidence that points to the trans.

Gordo1065

Update....
it was my transmission.. I have decided not to replace it. I now have a 2016 Lexus rx 350 F-Sport with 54,000 miles. I must say, the car is nice but not as quite as my previous Lexus RX 350's. There is a slight drone noise the dealer says its normal. Good pickup nice design very suprise by the noise for a Lexus RX. I'll be sure to have the preventive maintenance done for the transmission in this car.

Thanks to all for your help!