Lexus ES300 jerking problems

Filed May 21, 2014 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · CA

When the transmission shifts between first and second gears at a slow steady speed(approx 20mph) the car will frequently violently jerk. My car has 75000 miles and has done it since day one.

Filed Dec 20, 2012 · Transmission · 150,001 miles · SC

My 2002 lexus es300 has been jerking and shifting very hard on acceleration. It seems to have more of a problem when I accelerate slowly in the lower gears. It jerks very noticeably. I was told it was just the nature of the car, but it has been getting much worse over the course of the last year. It also hesitates when stepping on the gas after deceleration.

Filed Jun 21, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 57,000 miles · FL

We have experienced on several occassions that vehicle hesitates when trying to accelerate at stop sign or when initialy in start to drive at about 20-30 miles per hour at times for few seconds & at times it rattles 3-4 times. This car was purchased as certified pre-owned from lexus dealer in excellent condition in 2006 that came with extended warranty upto 75000 miles but this problem started with slight & smooth jerk about 3 years back, took it to dealer after noticed for few times to diagnosis. At first instance they could not feel it since it was not consistent but when again complained for second time was told that it could be fuel injectors cloged followed by other list of potential service items we were talking about $1000+ expense which we denied it since we have always maintained our car good & always use 93 or 89 octaine gas with maintenance service as recommended. This one is my wife's vehicle & used to commute to work mostly on express way. We do have couple other issues with this car but not as important. Now, lately this hesitation frequency have increased & from what I hear is that we are not alone and this seems to be an ongoing issue with some other es300 owners as well.

Filed Aug 17, 2011 · Acceleration, Transmission · 139,450 miles · TN

My 2002 lexus es 200 was dying or not starting at all. Suddenly, it was working fine. 2 days later, while idling or when my foot was on the brake, it would lurch forward and start accelerating at sometimes 40mph. I had to slam on the brakes, then emergency brake to stop, then after I turned it off, it would shake forward.

Filed Sep 3, 2010 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · OH

Lexus (2002 es) has dramatic transmission stutter at low or high speeds, jerking occupants and making quick starts (turning across lanes) very dangerous.

Filed May 25, 2010 · Transmission · FL

2002 lexus es300, car lunges and jerks during acceleration and deceleration. Car drove fine until lexus upgraded software, and then 100% noticeable difference in performance. Car was brought to jm lexus approx 4-5 times for problem, and once to palm beach lexus. Car jerked during test drive with mechanic. I was told it was a "characteristic" of the car, and there was nothing that can be done to fix it. Mechanic stated he has seen the same problem on other cars. Problem has been getting worse.

Filed May 23, 2010 · Transmission · 48,800 miles · MI

I have a 2002 lexus es300. My car at slower speeds has been jerking/surging at lower speeds and lurches forward without notice. It is a nightmare to drive this car in traffic. I keep being told its normal, it seems hundreds of others have complained, but I'm not getting anywhere. The lexus dealership did a software upgrade recently, it only made the matter worse. I hate driving this car, everyone in my family avoids driving it, as we just don't feel comfortable in the way it accelerates and shifts gears. Its a 2002 model, with 49k miles. I avg 25k miles a year driving, do the math, this car sucks, and I avoid using it out of fear/annoyance.

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 lexus es300. When the contact attempts to apply the brakes at any speed the vehicle will suddenly jerk forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that a newer version of the vehicles computer was needed. The vehicle had not been serviced at the time of the complaint. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 12000.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Fuel system · MN

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) [xxx]I own a 2003 lexus es 300. The car has been a great car but the engine has intermittently surged. I have never been able to duplicate the problem but it has happened about 20-30 times to me and has happened a couple times to my girlfriend when she has borrowed my car. It's like the engine will rev up for just a second or 2 and then rev down. The car will lurch forward during the rev up. I thought you would want to know. My address is below in case you need to reach me. [xxx]

Filed Feb 4, 2010 · Acceleration · 92,388 miles · MD · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus es300. The contact stated as she came to a stop with her foot on the brake pedal, there was a bump in the road and the vehicle lurched and accelerated forward. The contact stated as the vehicle accelerated it hit another vehicle and there was extensive damage to both vehicles. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was repaired and checked by a mechanic who stated there was no problem and everything was normal with the accelerator pedal. The mechanic also did a computer check showing no code problem. The failure mileage was 92,388. Updated 03/04/10. The consumer received a letter from toyota stating upon examination of the vehicle, it was discovered that the after market floor mat that was on top of the factory floor mat was preventing the accelerator from reaching the floor. And it was not recommended to stack floor mats on the drivers side because of interference with the brake and accelerator pedals. Updated 04/06/10.