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2018 RX 350 Hard downshift

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Old 07-24-18 | 12:46 PM
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Question 2018 RX 350 Hard downshift

I have a new 2018 RX 350 with 1500 miles. since I got it I am getting very hard downshift when going from highway speeds to a stop light quickly. It kicks like a mule. Anybody experiencing the same problem? Took it to dealer and got the usual "nothing wrong with it." I owned a 13 and 15 RX350 and never had this problem. The new 8 speed transmission seems to be confused about what gear to go into both upshifting and down.
Old 07-24-18 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by geefish
I have a new 2018 RX 350 with 1500 miles. since I got it I am getting very hard downshift when going from highway speeds to a stop light quickly. It kicks like a mule. Anybody experiencing the same problem? Took it to dealer and got the usual "nothing wrong with it." I owned a 13 and 15 RX350 and never had this problem. The new 8 speed transmission seems to be confused about what gear to go into both upshifting and down.
I've noticed it from time to time only on harsh stops but haven't bothered the dealer about it since it occurs quite infrequently.
Old 07-24-18 | 01:04 PM
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I have noticed this is common in vehicles that have a higher (8+) number of gears. Our 2018 350 does it as well, but only under somewhat hard braking. Granted, we only have 350 miles on it, I do think it doesn't quite gel with the rest of the smoothness of the vehicle.
Old 07-24-18 | 01:21 PM
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https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...l#post10071854

See post #58 and #59.

you can try to reset ECU and see - but as the poster above mentioned - it seems to be common and is consistent with what i have been reading online..

i havent reset my ECU - as it hasnt really bothered me TOOOO much. but i only notice it as ~30mph only.
Old 07-24-18 | 01:21 PM
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Makes me wonder why 6 speeds isn't enough. I have a Hyundai Azera with a six and it is the smoothest shifting tranny I've ever owned.
Old 07-24-18 | 03:08 PM
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It shouldn't kick hard. especially if you can repeat it regularly. Have a shop foreman or tech drive it at the dealer. It may require reprogramming the TCU through dealer machines and/or checking fluid levels.
Old 07-24-18 | 03:41 PM
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It seems to have gotten a little better with use. 1600 miles now. Also driving a little heavier on the accelerator. But still shouldn't happen with a Lexus in this price range. Waiting for a service bulletin on this. I think this was done to try to comply with the previous administrations requirements that by 2025 avg. MPG should be 50. Ridiculous unless we are all driving Priuses!
Old 07-24-18 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by mikemu30
Makes me wonder why 6 speeds isn't enough. I have a Hyundai Azera with a six and it is the smoothest shifting tranny I've ever owned.
Couldn't agree more!!
Old 07-24-18 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by geefish
It seems to have gotten a little better with use. 1600 miles now. Also driving a little heavier on the accelerator. But still shouldn't happen with a Lexus in this price range. Waiting for a service bulletin on this. I think this was done to try to comply with the previous administrations requirements that by 2025 avg. MPG should be 50. Ridiculous unless we are all driving Priuses!
What should we do then, just accept that the current efficiency of vehicles is good enough? Do you not think we should be improving our air quality and maintaining the world for future generations? You're not willing to put up with a very slightly uncomfortable downshift for that?
Old 07-24-18 | 08:31 PM
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I'm getting the same mpg on my 2018 that I was getting on my 2016 without the rough downshifting. So we haven't improved air quality but spoiled a smooth shifting transmission. So the answer is no.
Old 07-25-18 | 07:06 AM
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Originally Posted by geefish
I'm getting the same mpg on my 2018 that I was getting on my 2016 without the rough downshifting. So we haven't improved air quality but spoiled a smooth shifting transmission. So the answer is no.

The 16 and the 18 both have 8 speed transmissions and the same engine, so of course you're getting the same gas mileage.
Old 07-25-18 | 02:24 PM
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I am curious. Check with your dealer but my service mgr. told me it is a totally different 3.5 liter V6.
Old 07-25-18 | 06:16 PM
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Same thing with mine. I have about 4k on mine. I spoke to the dealer and he said its normal.

I'll have them address it during the 5k service.
Old 07-26-18 | 06:31 AM
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Originally Posted by geefish
I am curious. Check with your dealer but my service mgr. told me it is a totally different 3.5 liter V6.
Lexus debuted the new generation of the RX (AL20) at the April 2015 New York International Auto Show, including a "floating roof design", and a revised, bolder "Spindle Grille". The RX features a 295 hp (220 kW) version of the 3.5 L V6 engine. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.[98] The gasoline engine and electric motor RX 450h hybrid also reach a combined power of 308 hp (230 kW). Otherwise, Lexus also offers a four-cylinder gasoline turbocharged 8AR-FTS engine, which is called RX 200t (renamed to RX 300 for 2018 model year onwards), but this model is not available in North America. The vehicle is larger than the previous generation, with a 2-inch (50.8 mm) increase in wheelbase, providing more interior room throughout. To counter issues with the previous version's F-Sport ride quality being too firm, in the pursuit of sporty handling, the new generation features an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) to adjust ride quality as needed. An active anti-roll bar from the European specification third generation RX was added to the F-Sport package. Twenty-inch alloy wheels are also available, as is a panoramic sunroof. An 8.0 in (20.3 cm) center console display screen is standard equipment, with an optional 12.3” display.[99][100]
No mention of an engine change per Wikipedia. While not perfect, in general Wikipedia is good about that stuff. Source.

I think your dealer was trying to make an easy sale.
Old 07-26-18 | 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by geefish
I am curious. Check with your dealer but my service mgr. told me it is a totally different 3.5 liter V6.
I believe he's wrong. It's the same basic engine.

Last edited by ravenuer; 07-26-18 at 07:14 AM.


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