39 problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 2004 Lexus ES330. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Automatic transmission/vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal failed. The vehicle hesitates when the throttle is applied while drining at 30 to 40 mph due to poor transmission shifting. The dealer installed new software which improved (~50%) but did not eliminate the concern. The consumer says this is a common concern with these vehicles based on his internet research.
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.
For the last 3 months since I purchased my Lexus rx330,I have experience excessive engine vibrations in the steering wheel and the transmission is shifting improperly. Though I have taken my car into Lexus many times they have not fix these problems and I believe they need to be addressed.
When accelerating vehicle hesitates then lurches forward. This problem can cause many accidents and might even end up in injury or death!!.