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2004 Lexus ES330 transmission complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 61, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Lexus ES330 transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

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 Aug 3, 2008 · Transmission · 55,500 miles · GA

Due to a lexus admitted transmission defect, at times you press the gas and the car simply doesn't go. It almost caused me to get crunched when pulling out into traffic. There's no doubt this will eventually cost someone their life.

Filed Apr 9, 2008 · Transmission · AE

There's a "lag" in the shifting of gears due to something wrong with the transmission in my 2004 lexus es330. I purchased the car new from a major lexus dealership at roseville auto mall, roseville, ca. Although I noticed from the start, a "slippage" or "lag" during the automatic shifting of gears, and brought this to the attention of the lexus dealership, they brushed it off as "normal". My lexus now has 23,000 miles on its odometer and this "lag" is driving me nuts! Driving in europe requires rapid responses and advanced speeds, especially when driving on the autobauns. This "gear shift hesitation" is extremely dangerous and often finds me in a semi-dangerous situation. My driving skill and habits have accommodated this transmission idiosyncrasy but whenever another driver drives my car they immediately recognize the problem and I have so often been advised to place a complaint with the lexus manufacturer, I have yet to do so because I suspect it will fall on deaf ears. Do I have any recourse? My lexus has few miles on it and is still well within it's warranty. I have recently read that the 2004 lexus es330 is wrought with transmission problems. Has lexus served a recall on my model? Please advise. I will appreciate whatever assistance and guidance you may suggest. Thank you very much. I am a us citizen, and retired federal service worker. My wife currently works for us army corps of engineers here in wiesbaden, germany. Wiesbaden recently opened a new and large lexus dealership. Do you think this dealership might know what I'm talking about if I discuss the transmission with them? Do you know of any "fix" lexus is providing for this problem? Thank you again. My phone number is to lengthy to fit into the space provided by this website. Appreciatively, leroy clemans halb . Dr and as finhesitation" I nrlag in the.

Filed Sep 17, 2007 · Transmission · GA

Transmission issues and hesitation in acceleration. Have been back to the dealer 4 times since oct 2006. Dealer "reprograms" the transmission but it does nothing.

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 9, 2006 · Transmission · 2,500 miles · GA

Our 2004 lexus e330 has exhibited many life threatening problems involving its automatic transmission performance. Of greatest concerns are life threatening instances over the two years. Hesitations occur when pressing the gas during critical entry attempts onto interstate hwys, etc. Where we have experienced near deadly transmission hesitations of needed power getting into oncoming traffic. My wife was almost killed by an 18 wheeler when she otherwise would have had adequate time to safely merge had the transmission not hesitated. She was fortunate to have survived. Just one of many close calls. Another es 330 automatic transmission problem is the untenable, untimely, rough down and up shifting between the first and second gears that lexus has advised has been corrected in the 2007 models which of course will not help with this vehicle I am stuck with. Such admittance support my argument that they are quite aware of this very un- lexus type performance in the 2004. What a shame that lexus would let the great lexus name be so degraded by their failure to support their faithful customers in such justified complaints; this is our third lexus!

Filed Nov 28, 2005 · Transmission · 35 miles · FL

Very bad hesitation when accelerating. Took delivery 4/27/04 and found the problem immediately. Complained at 1000 mile checkup. Told to give it time. Complained again at 5000 checkup. They said they checked it out and it was operating as designed. Problem continued. Complained at 15000 checkup (9/28/05). Performed at this checkup per invoice: eg5017 26 99 .9 perform tsb tc004-03. Recalibrate ECM engine and transmission. The problem is better but still exists. Have noticed via internet research that this is a widespread problem with the lexus es. Spoke today (11/28/05) with a service representative at my dealership and he acknowledges that this is a big problem they are dealing with and there appears to be no one good fix for it.

Filed Nov 17, 2005 · Transmission · 12,000 miles · NC

We have a 2004 lexus es330 with 22,000 miles. We have been having problems with hesitation, hard shifts and missed gears for the last 10,000 miles. The dealer replaced the computer module at 16,000 miles and the car is a little better but not much. I took it back in for the problem at 21,000 miles and the dealer acknowledged that there was a problem with the car, but they did not know how to fix it. The dealer told me that lexus told them that they were having trouble with a number of the es cars after the module was changed but they did not know how to tell the dealer to fix it. I have spoken with lexus and their representative again acknowledged that there was a problem with the shifting in the es. Although both the dealership and the manufacturer have both admitted that there is a problem I have been unable to get them to even attempt to do anything about it. We have had this problem for over 1/3 of the time that we have had the car and now I have to wait 2 more weeks for a lexus rep to come into town to "talk to me". The lexus people told me they were going to look into my complaints and call me back in a couple of days and 10 days later I still had not heard from them. Not only do I find the problem very annoying I am very concerned that the hesitation problem could lead to an accident, and I am quite sure that the erratic shifting will lead to premature transmission failure.

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 Jun 29, 2005 · Brakes, Steering · 8,000 miles · CT

I not longer have confidence in driving my lexus 2004 es330 with 12,500 miles due to 2 main reasons. (a) this car continue to pull to the left to the point that I must continually put pressure to the steering wheel so the car wont move to the left. This is happening even after the dealer has supposedly fixed issue. (b) the very well known transmission problem. This vehicle is unsafe to drive in many instances where you need to merge into traffic and the car does not responded to the gas pedal. The symptom is very noticeable when you are on stop and go traffic or in slow traffic. I urge your agency to investigate this matter before any casualty occurs. Lexus normal response is that the car is operating as designed. The dealer must have been told to express the same line as they always have the same answer for anything they do not have a solution for.

Filed May 21, 2005 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · PA

Severe hesitation when merging on to a higway at between 20 and 30 MPH. Dealer service has checked vehicle previously and "its normal for a lexus"

Filed May 18, 2005 · Transmission · 500 miles · NJ

At low speed about 20-25 MPH letting go of the gas pedal and press on again causes the transmission to hesitate for at least 1-2 second like it is searching for the right gear. This could cause an accident.

Filed Apr 18, 2005 · Transmission · 200 miles · AZ

When driving, the vehicle hesitated. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, where the computer settings were changed, but the vehicle continued to hesitate. *ak there were several close calls on the highway. The consumer would accelerate the vehicle but the vehicle would hesitate. Lexus did not seem to have a concern about the problem. *sc

Filed Mar 18, 2005 · Transmission · FL

This complaint is about my 2004 lexus es 330 bought in august 2004. The problem is with the transmission which hesitates very often when it shifts down from 2nd gear to 1st gear and then back up. I have experienced the problem many times in the past few months. Even though it has not caused any accident, lexus should admit it is a defect design and should fix the transmission as soon as possible.

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.

Filed Dec 22, 2004 · Transmission · 10 miles · MN

The car rapidly decreases speed when one lets up on the accelerator. Cars following have no warning of this as the brake is not applied. I have had three very close calls of a rear end collision. The action does not take place all the time, so it is impossible to account for it by different driving.

Filed Dec 21, 2004 · Seats, Transmission · TX

Vehicle have experienced hesitation when need to accelerate. *bf the consumer was told that the problem was with the computer that caused a delay between the depression of the accelerator and the response by the transmission. The transmission would slip between shifts and the driver seat squeaked.

Filed Dec 11, 2004 · Transmission · 400 miles · FL

The transmission is erratic shifting through second and third. It slips and hesitant when shifting up. When shifting down it is rough and inconsistent. This creates a in traffic safety situation. Lexus of sarasota service manager, first complaint, reset the computer. On the second complaint, simply stated that lexus is fully aware of the problem. That they have had many complaints but since the transmission hasn't failed they will do nothing to correct the deficiency. This is totally unsatisfactory.

Filed Nov 23, 2004 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · SC

1. Car hesitates, transmission doesn't shift smoothly. Returned car to dealer 3 times. Delaer "reset transmission". No help with problem.

Filed Nov 12, 2004 · Transmission · 200 miles · NY

Upon acceleration there was a long pause before the transmission accelerated to the next gear. The consumer has taken the vehicle to the dealer and was told that this is the way it is suppose to operate. Provide further details. *jb the consumer stated the vehicle feels like it is searching for a gear when he is trying to speed up.

Filed Oct 30, 2004 · Transmission · IL

The 2004 lexus es330 transmission has a number of operating characteristics which contribute to poor driveability, but two in particular are safety-related hazards:(1) a hesitation on acceleration which can be very dangerous when crossing intersections and(2) a forward lurch when decelerating to a stop which could be very dangerous, especially when roads are covered with snow or ice.

Filed Oct 24, 2004 · Transmission · NC

Complaint relating to lexus es 330. Transmission and accelleration have been unsatisfactory since purchase. Car is momentarily unresponsive to accellerator when gas applied. Dealer said they found nothing wrong. I have noted that there are numerous complaints by other owners with this same problem. Shifting between 1 and 2 and 2 and 3 is hesitant and there is a longer hesitation than I have noted with other cars. This car model cannot be relied upon to accellerate on demand. I believe that this represents a safely risk in the event that accident avoidance should require predictalbe accellerator responce. This is a continuous and on going problem.

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Transmission · NC

On my 2004 lexus es 330, the transmission is sluggish in shifting and hestitates from a rolling or full stop situation such as traffic. This has on several occasions nearly resulted in an accident either by being rearended or broadsided. I have raised this question with my local dealer and was told that the car was performing as designed.

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Transmission · 100 miles · NV

2004 lexus es330. Transmission hesitates, sluggish, slow to respond, hiccupps, upshifts/downshifts frequently.

Filed Sep 12, 2004 · Transmission · CA

When accelerating vehicle hesitates then lurches forward. This problem can cause many accidents and might even end up in injury or death!!

Filed Sep 10, 2004 · Transmission · 20 miles · CA

Transmission problem: the car gets a delay when shifting to second gear.

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