2004 Lexus ES330: jerking or lurching

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 170,693 miles · FL

Since I purchased this vehicle in 2008 I had the problems with the car jerking between 40-60mph and had the dealer to investigate my concerns which I took the car to a lexus dealership for diagnosis of the problems which they never found; I was then told that this problem occurs in all 2004 330es and the problem wasn't detected. So I drove this car for all the years I have it with the same problems; until 12/19/2015 the problem continued when I was enroute to another town and the engine light came on and the vehicle began jerking and slowed down and I could no longer accelerate the engine; when doing so the car made an arkward sound; so I began to turn around and head back home from where I was it was 8 miles back; and the car was jerking and shaking to where it was about to shut down completely and still pulling; I had my car towed to the dealership and left it over the weekend; and they finally found the problem code p0303 cylinder 3 misfire and po353 ignition coil, which was the problem all along but they couldn't find it because at the time there was no light indicator on; but now that the warranty expired for which the dealer I purchased the vehicle was reliable for the payment. $500 later the problem discovered. Also recall on the issue but not the vehicle I own; since I experienced the same problems I feel that the recall should have included my vehicle and a refund due.

Filed Jul 5, 2010 · Acceleration · 50,000 miles · HI

I have a 2004 lexus es330 with accelerator problems. My initial problem was as I come to a stop light and it turns green, before I have to stop I would accelerate and there would be a hesitation where the engine feels like it is stalling. It would then accelerate with a thump. I took it in to the lexus dealer in hawaii (oahu) and they recognized it as a computer program problem that tells the car when to accelerate. I was told that they can "try" to fix it by changing the computer chip and resetting the memory in the computer. However, they said that it would either fix the problem or create other accelerator problems. They know that this problem exists. It fixed my initial problem but has caused other problems such as car now jerks upon accelerating while traveling 5-15 MPH. From a stop, my car sometimes hesitates and then accelerates when I step on the gas pedal. I know other lexus owners have complained as well as camry owners that have a v6 engine and the same transmission as the lexus es330. You can google it.

Filed May 7, 2010 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 lexus es330. While driving at various speeds ranging from 0-10 miles per hour, the contact noticed that the transmission jerked, causing the vehicle to hesitate. The contact had not called the local dealer and the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 42,000.

Filed Apr 13, 2010 · Acceleration · 53,000 miles · AL

2004 lexus es 330 acceleration is sticking/stalling and jerking when vehicle is driving and slowing down in traffic. Contacted lexus dealer and representative and they claim the car computer is constantly adjusting feel like jerking motions.

Filed Jan 14, 2009 · Steering, Transmission · 94,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 lexus es 330. While driving various speeds, the steering jerks, clicks, and feels as if it could detach from the steering column. In addition, transmission fluid is leaking and the computer reflash causes the transmission to fail. The contact stated that the computer needs to be reprogrammed for free so that the transmission will not fail. The contact was informed that the failure was common. The vehicle is currently in the repair shop for diagnostic testing, but they will not repair it because it exceeds the 50,000 mile warranty. The mechanic will only provide a temporary remedy. The failure and current mileages were 94,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2007 · Transmission · 100 miles · AZ

The 2004 lexus model es 330 has a safety defect in the its transmission that the company refuses to fix. When the driver takes his foot off the gas and slows down, then steps back on the gas, there is a hesitation and at times a jerking in the transmission. Numerous complaints to lexus have only brought the response that this is a known defect, but lexus will not correct the problem. After spending 35,000 dollars for a car, this is not the response one expects to hear! As one's level of frustration with the problem increases, the temptation is to slam your foot on the gas to try to correct the problem, which could obviously lead to more serious issues. The service manager at the local lexus dealership states he has had numerous complaints about the issue, but lexus refuses to address the issue. The date referenced below is only one of continuous dates the problem has occurred; again lexus has been non responsive and blatantly callous to requests to address the problem.

Filed Sep 5, 2007 · Transmission · 54,000 miles · TX

Transmission shifting lurch between 30 and 40 MPH still re-occurring after two software program updates.

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Transmission · IL

2004 es 330 exhibiting transmission problems even after "dealer fix". There is sever gear hunting at every speed sometimes results in a lag of acceleration or acceleration lurches that result in close call accidents. Note that this problem did not start occurring until after 2,000 miles of driving after the car was purchased as brand new.

Filed Sep 7, 2005 · Transmission · 100 miles · CA

Transmission problems with my 2004 es330 I am becoming very concerned with my new 2004 lexus. I have had it in the service center four (4) times now with the same transmission problem. The service center keeps telling me that there is no problem with the transmission and that it is the way I drive... My 1999 lexus did not have this problem and I am perplexed on why I am being told it is me and not the car. This last service call on august 22nd I was told to use a higher grade of gasoline. I have now gone through a tank of the high grade gas and my transmission is still slipping. I notice it when I slow to negotiate a turn, when I am driving between 15 and 20 miles per hour, also now when I am merging into traffic either slow or from a stop the car hesitates and then lurches forward with a kick.. I am beginning to be afraid to drive this car not knowing what will happen next. I have 3 children that need to be shuttled around every day and I am concerned for their safety as well.. I want to take it back to the service center but the feeling I am getting is that they think I am crazy. This is due to they say there is no problem with the transmission. Also, I don't need extra horse power with the higher grade of gas, the lexus has plenty of power... Can someone please help me in this matter? This transmission is junk... I have had my husband drive the car and he concurs that the transmission does slip and he feels it must be some type of modulator that is not getting the fluid to the torque converter or something like that.. I have less than 15,000 miles on my car and with this problem it feels like I am driving a car with 150,000 miles on it... I don't feel comfortable nor safe driving this car... Please help... I have called lexus 2 days after the purchase of my car when I first felt the irregular shifting patterns.. Thinking it would get better I waited until my 1000 mile service check to bring it up a again.. It seems to be getting worse.

Filed Aug 17, 2005 · Transmission · 50 miles · CA

The car hesitates when the gas pedal is depressed and then it lurches into gear. It has also pulled to the left since we bought it despites numerous repair attempts. We are currently enaged in a lemon lawsuit regarding this issue.

Filed Mar 2, 2005 · Transmission · MN

I own a 2004 lexus es 330 and the transmission jerks and hesitates upon acceleration. This defect has put me at risk numerous times since the car was purchased; the risk being that the transmission hesitates and upon giving it more gas it decides to overcompensate, causing near collisions with the car ahead of me. The lexus dealer has dismissed the problem and has not include it in the service reports, even though I have requested it be examined. They state that the car is learning my driving habits. This is a smokescreen and unacceptable; I am certain this complaint has been submitted to the nhsta before. Lexus refuses to acknowledge the problem, even though it has been recognized on numerous web sites. Thank you!

Filed Jan 6, 2005 · Acceleration, Transmission · 7,000 miles · FL

Vehicle surged when cruise control was engaged at 60 MPH. It surged up to 80 MPH. It felt like it was going down hill. Dealer could not duplicate the problem. Also, transmission hesitated at 0-20 MPH, it also jerked. *ak.......lexus has admitted the problem, but maintained that vehicle drove as designed. Hesitation problem experienced by many lexus es330 car vehicle hesitation, then will lurch forward when accelerating a tlow speeds. Lexus has admitted the problem, but insisted vehicle drove as designed.