Hesitation problem at various speeds (TSB info post #159)
#856
#857
I don't think the improvement is your imagination - did you see my post #829 above, I bought a used vehicle too which hesitated, mentioned to dealer who reset the ECU and the car's been great since (9,000 km). I'm guessing that whoever drove your car in the past had a different driving style to you, suddenly your in the car, drive differently and the transmission is not suited to you until it relearns your driving style. With me I kept changing my driving style to adapt to the hesitation as well as using different fuel grades with each fill, also kept trying different drive modes and when I had the car for the first couple of months I was driving in unfamiliar territory. My car couldn't learn "my driving style" because I was constantly changing it and the fuel, messing the whole process up. Now if I drive the car gently, small throttle openings with little traffic the car is perfection but try to drive harder there's still a little hesitation so I put it in Sport mode and hesitation is gone.
#858
Driver School Candidate
Hesitation and decelleration feeling when transmission downshifts
Our 2018 RX350 FWD has been exhibiting strange symptoms where one of ten times, if you press on the acceleration hard during cruising, the car will downshift but in the process of doing so, the entire car will feel like someone stomped on the brakes and then accelerate when the gear shift happens. Basically, think of it as driving stick shift. If you're going 50mph in 6th gear and you switched to 2nd gear, and then dropped the clutch quickly without gasing. I believe the transmission logic or transmission system isn't very good. My wife has also been noticing this issue from time to time. We've driven many cars in our lifetime and this is the only car that seems to exhibit such a sudden decelleration/downshift feeling. Prior to that she had a SC430 and that car did not have this issue. Usually, what the computer should do is if it is jumping from 6th down to 3rd, it should rev the engine up and then perform the shift. It seems as if the shift is happening before the engine has reached the proper RPM band.
Unfortunately, whether this is just a transmission programming logic or a real defect, we will not be keeping this car after the lease is up.
Unfortunately, whether this is just a transmission programming logic or a real defect, we will not be keeping this car after the lease is up.
#859
Racer
Our 2018 RX350 FWD has been exhibiting strange symptoms where one of ten times, if you press on the acceleration hard during cruising, the car will downshift but in the process of doing so, the entire car will feel like someone stomped on the brakes and then accelerate when the gear shift happens. Basically, think of it as driving stick shift. If you're going 50mph in 6th gear and you switched to 2nd gear, and then dropped the clutch quickly without gasing. I believe the transmission logic or transmission system isn't very good. My wife has also been noticing this issue from time to time. We've driven many cars in our lifetime and this is the only car that seems to exhibit such a sudden decelleration/downshift feeling. Prior to that she had a SC430 and that car did not have this issue. Usually, what the computer should do is if it is jumping from 6th down to 3rd, it should rev the engine up and then perform the shift. It seems as if the shift is happening before the engine has reached the proper RPM band.
Unfortunately, whether this is just a transmission programming logic or a real defect, we will not be keeping this car after the lease is up.
Unfortunately, whether this is just a transmission programming logic or a real defect, we will not be keeping this car after the lease is up.
#860
Driver School Candidate
Still sucks
Well came back here a year later and see nothing has changed. I’m still with my ‘16 and the horrible transmission.
I did drive a new vehicle to see to see if the problem is there...and surprisingly...it is. So...even from the factory...these cars don’t shift and function well between 30-45. The 8 speed tranny or the chipset and computer that controls the shifts is garbage.
The fact that consumer reports and other reviews fail to mention this issue...makes me question their credibility.
Still getting jerked around...in my car and with Lexus.
I did drive a new vehicle to see to see if the problem is there...and surprisingly...it is. So...even from the factory...these cars don’t shift and function well between 30-45. The 8 speed tranny or the chipset and computer that controls the shifts is garbage.
The fact that consumer reports and other reviews fail to mention this issue...makes me question their credibility.
Still getting jerked around...in my car and with Lexus.
The following users liked this post:
fmast342 (10-21-18)
#861
Lexus Champion
Well came back here a year later and see nothing has changed. I’m still with my ‘16 and the horrible transmission.
I did drive a new vehicle to see to see if the problem is there...and surprisingly...it is. So...even from the factory...these cars don’t shift and function well between 30-45. The 8 speed tranny or the chipset and computer that controls the shifts is garbage.
The fact that consumer reports and other reviews fail to mention this issue...makes me question their credibility.
Still getting jerked around...in my car and with Lexus.
I did drive a new vehicle to see to see if the problem is there...and surprisingly...it is. So...even from the factory...these cars don’t shift and function well between 30-45. The 8 speed tranny or the chipset and computer that controls the shifts is garbage.
The fact that consumer reports and other reviews fail to mention this issue...makes me question their credibility.
Still getting jerked around...in my car and with Lexus.
#862
Racer
Well came back here a year later and see nothing has changed. I’m still with my ‘16 and the horrible transmission.
I did drive a new vehicle to see to see if the problem is there...and surprisingly...it is. So...even from the factory...these cars don’t shift and function well between 30-45. The 8 speed tranny or the chipset and computer that controls the shifts is garbage.
The fact that consumer reports and other reviews fail to mention this issue...makes me question their credibility.
Still getting jerked around...in my car and with Lexus.
I did drive a new vehicle to see to see if the problem is there...and surprisingly...it is. So...even from the factory...these cars don’t shift and function well between 30-45. The 8 speed tranny or the chipset and computer that controls the shifts is garbage.
The fact that consumer reports and other reviews fail to mention this issue...makes me question their credibility.
Still getting jerked around...in my car and with Lexus.
#863
Beat me to it Cocal, I was going to say the same thing. Maybe a driving style issue, not driving as Lexus would expect the majority to drive. If you're cruising along at say 40 and suddenly mash the throttle right down there will be some jerkiness surely, I've never done that, I would just tap the throttle gently and the car changes down seamlessly, the only sign is the rise in revs and the engine note (F-Sport so is louder).
Sometimes when feeling the urge I'l shift the the gears manually, again silky smooth.
If you're talking about the hesitation at slower speeds, coming out of corners for example I thought that was fixed with a TSB and the new cars are fine now. The RX in the US I believe is/was heavily aimed at good fuel consumption hence the changing up gears sooner than expected - in Australia the issue is not as apparent although may be there a little. We're not as fussed about fuel costs here. When I drive around my home town (30,000 people) which is slow paced I'm using small throttle openings and the car performs beautifully but in Sydney where the pace is much faster I'm driving the car harder/faster due to traffic and occasionally she's changed up a gear when it would have been best to stay in a lower gear. Now when in busy areas I'll throw it in Sport sometimes and it's all good. I wouldn't say it's bad in normal mode in fast environments, only the occasional glitch and doesn't really bother me too much.
Sometimes when feeling the urge I'l shift the the gears manually, again silky smooth.
If you're talking about the hesitation at slower speeds, coming out of corners for example I thought that was fixed with a TSB and the new cars are fine now. The RX in the US I believe is/was heavily aimed at good fuel consumption hence the changing up gears sooner than expected - in Australia the issue is not as apparent although may be there a little. We're not as fussed about fuel costs here. When I drive around my home town (30,000 people) which is slow paced I'm using small throttle openings and the car performs beautifully but in Sydney where the pace is much faster I'm driving the car harder/faster due to traffic and occasionally she's changed up a gear when it would have been best to stay in a lower gear. Now when in busy areas I'll throw it in Sport sometimes and it's all good. I wouldn't say it's bad in normal mode in fast environments, only the occasional glitch and doesn't really bother me too much.
The following users liked this post:
Cocal (09-16-18)
#864
Driver School Candidate
#865
Driver School Candidate
Beat me to it Cocal, I was going to say the same thing. Maybe a driving style issue, not driving as Lexus would expect the majority to drive. If you're cruising along at say 40 and suddenly mash the throttle right down there will be some jerkiness surely, I've never done that, I would just tap the throttle gently and the car changes down seamlessly, the only sign is the rise in revs and the engine note (F-Sport so is louder).
Sometimes when feeling the urge I'l shift the the gears manually, again silky smooth.
If you're talking about the hesitation at slower speeds, coming out of corners for example I thought that was fixed with a TSB and the new cars are fine now. The RX in the US I believe is/was heavily aimed at good fuel consumption hence the changing up gears sooner than expected - in Australia the issue is not as apparent although may be there a little. We're not as fussed about fuel costs here. When I drive around my home town (30,000 people) which is slow paced I'm using small throttle openings and the car performs beautifully but in Sydney where the pace is much faster I'm driving the car harder/faster due to traffic and occasionally she's changed up a gear when it would have been best to stay in a lower gear. Now when in busy areas I'll throw it in Sport sometimes and it's all good. I wouldn't say it's bad in normal mode in fast environments, only the occasional glitch and doesn't really bother me too much.
Sometimes when feeling the urge I'l shift the the gears manually, again silky smooth.
If you're talking about the hesitation at slower speeds, coming out of corners for example I thought that was fixed with a TSB and the new cars are fine now. The RX in the US I believe is/was heavily aimed at good fuel consumption hence the changing up gears sooner than expected - in Australia the issue is not as apparent although may be there a little. We're not as fussed about fuel costs here. When I drive around my home town (30,000 people) which is slow paced I'm using small throttle openings and the car performs beautifully but in Sydney where the pace is much faster I'm driving the car harder/faster due to traffic and occasionally she's changed up a gear when it would have been best to stay in a lower gear. Now when in busy areas I'll throw it in Sport sometimes and it's all good. I wouldn't say it's bad in normal mode in fast environments, only the occasional glitch and doesn't really bother me too much.
#866
Driver School Candidate
Or maybe you should question your way of driving! I don't have those problems and neither does the vast majority, so perhaps it's something you do or your expectation is incorrect. Do you really think that Lexus would show such blatant disregard of a flaw that could reduce sales? I don't think so.
I honestly have spent the past 3 years quite surprised that I have this issue with a so-called luxury vehicle and despite multiple trips...software updates...resets...it still stinks. I did ask to drive a brand new one right on the lot...and while it wasn’t quite as bad as mine...it showed it’s own issues shifting between 30-45.
So yes...I’m disappointed. Im a conservative driver...I take excellent care of my vehicles...and with my job I am often renting high end luxury cars all the time. I don’t experience this with those other vehicles.
I do believe this is an issue with the calibration of this 8 speee tranny. I think it is purely software...as the experience is not always specifically consistent.
Please however show some respect for people and their issues...and not push this back as a “user driving issue”. If you don’t have the problem...great...be thankful...and drive that Lexus with a smile on your face.
Not all of us are happy with our vehicles and this specific issue that seems to be wider-spread than review sites and auto evaluation groups are willing to share.
#867
And those 56 pages are mostly the same few people repeating over and over the same issue - sales are increasing in the US each year of the RX, 108,000 per year or something and I'm guessing they don't all feel there's an issue. Media tests of the vehicle don't usually mention a problem either so it's, I'm assuming, not that apparent. Of course there may be a massive conspiracy amongst the journalists not to say anything bad about the car.....
#868
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: MA
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Thank you kind sir. You’re probably right...it’s just me. Funny how 56 pages of other people with similar issues is on this board...it must be all them too.
I honestly have spent the past 3 years quite surprised that I have this issue with a so-called luxury vehicle and despite multiple trips...software updates...resets...it still stinks. I did ask to drive a brand new one right on the lot...and while it wasn’t quite as bad as mine...it showed it’s own issues shifting between 30-45.
So yes...I’m disappointed. Im a conservative driver...I take excellent care of my vehicles...and with my job I am often renting high end luxury cars all the time. I don’t experience this with those other vehicles.
I do believe this is an issue with the calibration of this 8 speee tranny. I think it is purely software...as the experience is not always specifically consistent.
Please however show some respect for people and their issues...and not push this back as a “user driving issue”. If you don’t have the problem...great...be thankful...and drive that Lexus with a smile on your face.
Not all of us are happy with our vehicles and this specific issue that seems to be wider-spread than review sites and auto evaluation groups are willing to share.
#869
Driver School Candidate
Wow, don't be so defensive, just a suggestion, like I said I experience it slightly sometimes but I guess I've learnt to live with it and/or adjust driving style and use Sport mode if I feel the need.
And those 56 pages are mostly the same few people repeating over and over the same issue - sales are increasing in the US each year of the RX, 108,000 per year or something and I'm guessing they don't all feel there's an issue. Media tests of the vehicle don't usually mention a problem either so it's, I'm assuming, not that apparent. Of course there may be a massive conspiracy amongst the journalists not to say anything bad about the car.....
And those 56 pages are mostly the same few people repeating over and over the same issue - sales are increasing in the US each year of the RX, 108,000 per year or something and I'm guessing they don't all feel there's an issue. Media tests of the vehicle don't usually mention a problem either so it's, I'm assuming, not that apparent. Of course there may be a massive conspiracy amongst the journalists not to say anything bad about the car.....
#870
Driver School Candidate
New 2018 RX350 initial sluggish acceleration
Hi,
I bought a new 2018 Rx350 last week, the car is sluggish in acceleration after a stop sign/ red light, when i push the accelerator i can hear sort of vibration below my seat and across the car. it seems like its either missing transmission or changing gears, it all goes away when i take my foot off the accelerator pedal and push it again.This happened a few times, specially when i am getting on a highway/freeway. Overall it runs smooth and a nice ride.
My question: is this a common problem in new car and will it go away once i put more km on it or do i get it checked out at dealership.
Thanks in advance for all the help.
Note: If this topic has already been discussed in a previous thread please let me know, I will remove this thread and post my query in other one.
I bought a new 2018 Rx350 last week, the car is sluggish in acceleration after a stop sign/ red light, when i push the accelerator i can hear sort of vibration below my seat and across the car. it seems like its either missing transmission or changing gears, it all goes away when i take my foot off the accelerator pedal and push it again.This happened a few times, specially when i am getting on a highway/freeway. Overall it runs smooth and a nice ride.
My question: is this a common problem in new car and will it go away once i put more km on it or do i get it checked out at dealership.
Thanks in advance for all the help.
Note: If this topic has already been discussed in a previous thread please let me know, I will remove this thread and post my query in other one.
Last edited by lexusnav; 09-24-18 at 08:20 AM. Reason: Wanted to add a last note.