Automatic Transmission Problems of Lexus ES330 - part 2

We purchased a 2005 Lexus Es330 in March of 2005. After about a month of driving it, we noticed the transmission lagged when stepping on the accelerator. The transmission jerks really bad when it's shifting gears. This causes your head to jerk back. It's also very dangerous because if you are in traffic and are slowing down to stop and then keep going, the car doesn't react and you almost get rear ended by cars following behind you because they are expecting you to go. We have brought the car back to Lexus many times. We have talked to a Lexus rep and they admit there is a problem but that there is nothing they can do about it. This car is not the car we signed up to buy. I think Lexus needs to stand behind their faulty transmission, as it is dangerous to drive a car that does not respond the way it should.

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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.

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I bought a new 2005 Lexus Es330 in December 2004. I currently have about 3,900 miles on it. Beginning at around 1,000 miles and continuing to today, I regularly experience a serious transmission problem. When I am in stop-and-go traffic and press the accelerator pedal down smoothly to accelerate, the car does nothing for about 1-2 seconds. Then the car surges forward uncontrollably. I have nearly rear-ended other cars because I cannot predict or control this transmission hesitation/surge problem. I experience the same problem when I am merging onto a freeway and need to accelerate quickly. If I press down on the gas pedal, nothing happens for 1-2 seconds, then the car leaps forward uncontrollably. I have come close to crashing into other cars because my car jerks forward so unpredictably. Two months ago, I took the car to the dealership where I purchased it (Lexus kearny mesa in san diego) and was told by two different service staff that "the car is performing as designed" and "you'll get used to it soon". This problem is neither normal nor safe. Every second counts when it comes to traffic safety. Two weeks ago, I called the Lexus customer satisfaction dept. At 1-800-255-3987 and was told that they get complaints about this transmission hesitation/surge "daily". I also went back to Lexus kearny mesa and spoke with the service dept. Manager. He admitted that some ES owners are experiencing this problem and that he understands that it can be a safety hazard.

Lexus Es330('05)delays in acceleration,lurching with stops and starts,unpredictable transmission shifts,when braking car feels like it is slipping forward. Lexus first denied problem but I showed them internet blog and NHTSA complaints,then admitted to software problems. 3 or 4 attempts to change software helped temporarily. I was told I would get used to this. After 2 and half years of erratic shifting and several near misses on lane changes (car refused to accelerate) I threatened legal action. Lexus reluctantly change the transmission. I could not believe the difference,thought they changed the car!it finally drove the way the demo car did. More consistent acceleration,albeit still had somewhat of a delay. I no longer felt every gear shift. Stops and starts much smoother. The internet discussions are right. Some of the Lexus Es330 models have a serious transmission defect,but it appears to be a mechanical,not a software problem. I read the NHTSA response to a complaint lodged against this same vehicle in 2005. The conclusion was that there were not enough complaints to launch an investigation. I would hope the NHTSA would rethink this position. There are alot of complaints registered on the internet (I. E. Edmunds. Com). I worried every time I got behind the wheel. When Lexus finally changed the transmission, I felt it was finally safe to get rid of the car. I strongly believe that Lexus does know about the transmission problem and how to fix it but will not voluntarily fix it unless forced to do so. They would not fix my car until I threatened legal action. Many of these cars will be going off lease and the general public is not aware of this problem. It is unfair to these buyers,not to mention risky to their lives,not to have this situation rectified. I believe that only an organization such as the NHTSA can force Lexus to remedy the situation. The only other way would be a class action law suit but I doubt enough people would come together for this. Thank you for your attention.

We purchased our Lexus 2005 Es330 brand new. We noticed the hesitation and jerking when accelerating immed after buying the car. It was taken back to the Lexus dealership for the complaint two or more times. When we recieved normal services, I would ask about the acceleration and I was told that there were not any bulletins issued for the issue in which I spoke of. We were told that the car would adjust to the driver over a period of time. Presently the car shifts improperly when driven at 20-35 mph, unexpected up shifts that occur to early and down shifts while slowing down causing the driver to have to modulate the braking to avoid either coming up to cars in traffic ahead to quickly or traffic coming from behind so as to avoid an accident from behind as you slow to quickly. Constantly scares me when I drive it because of the non responsive and quick acceleration.

After decelerating to a range of 5-15 mph and upon trying to accelerate the car exhibits a significant lag before it accelerates. Dealer states per a test drive that this behavior is per design specifications, and recommended the use of premium fuel (per Lexus owner's manual, regular unleaded fuel is recommended). The problem is 100% reproducible at any time within the speed ranges and scenario described.

Lexus Es330 2005 ecti transmission problem. The consumer stated he noticed on the first day of purchasing the vehicle, there was a distinct hesitation upon accelerating, followed by a lurch. The dealer informed the consumer there was nothing they could do at the dealership, because it was a design problem related to the electronically controlled transmission with intelligence and the factory was working on a remedy.

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus ES-330. The contact stated when shifting gears, the vehicle would abnormally jerk. When accelerating, the vehicle was hesitant to respond. In addition, the vehicle would intermittently lose power as if it were attempting to stall. The dealer advised they were aware of the failure in his year and model vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 25 and the current mileage was 20,000. Updated 10/25/10 the consumer also stated the vehicle stalled in traffic. Also, the vehicle would move forward on its own at times. Updated 10/27/10.

When driving at various speeds, vehicle jerked when transmission shifted gears. The cause of the problem was undetermined.

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

Since obtaining the vehicle in October of 2004, there has been a problem when the car is traveling around 20 mph after slowing down. When I step on the gas, the car does not immediately accelerate. Therefore, I have to press harder on the gas so that I am not in a dangerous situation. I have taken the vehicle in three times and to two different dealers. I was initially told there was nothing wrong. The second time and new dealer said they fixed the problem. The third time I was told Lexus is working on the problem and there is nothing they can do. If I must accelerate to get out of a critical and potentially dangerous situation, the car does not respond and an accident may occur. I don't want to wait for Lexus to find the source of the problem. Can you help?.

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.

We purchased a 2005 330 Lexus, sept, 2004. We had trouble with the auto DE-accelerating during left turns. The dealership said it was a problem built into the system and couldn't be fixed. My husband thought it wasn't safe so less than 8 months later we traded it in for a 2005 430 Lexus which has given us no problem. There was something definitely wrong with the system. It almost stopped making turns.

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.

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. . . . . . . . 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.

2004 Lexus Es330. Transmission hesitates, sluggish, slow to respond, hiccupps, upshifts/downshifts frequently.

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. The consumer stated the vehicle feels like it is searching for a gear when he is trying to speed up.

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

04 Lexus ES 330. While driving at speeds under 10 mph (especially "rolling stops"), vehicle experiences at least 2-3 second lag between throttle actuation and engine/transmission response. This problem is particularly evident when pulling out into busy traffic. This is a serious safety concern that needs to be addressed by Lexus. We took the car to dealer. They said all systems normal.

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.

I own a Lexus ES 330 and have been very displeased with the transmission. There is a hesitation of a second or two when you accellerate and it also jerks the car when you try to accellerate when the car is slowing down. This can be very dangerous when attempting to pass another vehicle or merge onto a highway. Apparently the car is operating the way it was designed. Something should be done about this before someone loses their life! I've wanted a Lexus for years and now that I can afford one I wish I bought a BMW. This will be the last Lexus I will own!.

04 Lexus Es330 transmission hesitation is serious danger to driver. Engine hesitates when starting from a dead start. Car has to be floored to move and even then it hesitates even more. Also car has serious blind spots on left and right outer side mirrors (they are too small for the car). Also, cruise control light stays lit even when the brake is hit or you dis-engage it. The only time the cruise control light turns off is when you physically turn it off with the switch or shut the engine off completely. This gives the driver the impression that it is on all the time even when it is off or worse they think they have shut it off but it's really still on and you have a very good chance of rear ending someone. This is extremely bad engineering and extremely dangerous. How you guys let a car like this on the road is beyond me. Did you test it? if so, how did you let it pass thru to the USA? this car with it's hesitation, blind spots, and dangerous cruise control it's likely to get someone injured or killed in a hurry. Car doesn't get anything near the epa ratings under any condition. I've contacted Lexus customer care and they say this all normal. No help or suggestions. Please get Lexus to put out tsbs on these problems before someone gets injured or killed. I'm very concerned. I've been a driver for 34 years. I've never driven a car so dangerous in my life.

The 2004 Lexus Es330 transmission was hesitation or lack of response, I could sense the hesitation to sudden speed which I imagine could be a problem if there was a car tailgating me or changing lanes.

My 2004 Lexus Es330 has a transmission hesitation problem. When I accelerate as the car is coming to a stop, the transmission hesitates and takes about 2 seconds to react. Same thing happens when I go about 40 mph and accelerate. This has created many situations where I was almost involved in an accident. I can't pass cars, and when making left turns, I have to make sure there is no one withing 400 feet of me before attempting the turn. This problem is common, and I consider is extremely dangerous.

This car is extremely dangerous. It's either a defective transmission or bad drive-by-wire design. The car hesitates extremely badly on acceleration. For example, when you are entering a limited access highway, if you slow down and then step on the gas, there is a long lag before the car begins to pick up speed. This lag is often a second or more. I have nearly been hit numerous times while the car makes up its mind whether it wants to move or not. The dealer has refused to fix the problem.

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.

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.

Automatic transmission is almost always in too high a gear for conditions. Shifts up too quickly and shifts down too slowly. Presents a severe danger in that emergency acceleration is very poor from low speed and/or while negotiating a turn. Dealer states this is normal for fuel mileage and environmental reasons.

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!.

Transmission shift delay. The shifting delay can go as long as 3 - 4 seconds and have caused several life threatening close calls accident. Lexus was aware of the shift delay problem but claims that this is normal and done by design.

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. 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.

I have a 2004 Es330 which has a significant shifting problem in low gears. I have taken the car back to the dealership twice already and am ready for the third visit. The dealer "reset" the memory for the shifting pattern at 200 miles because of unpredictable driving patterns. The transmission does not always shift poorly, about 25% of the time there is a problem. There seems to be a hesitation during the shifting which causes a lack of power. I have noticed this while merging onto highway traffic, and it is very dangerous. I have contacted the Lexus customer service and they were of no help, only to tell me that other customers were experiencing the same problems with their transmissions. If I do not get satisfaction from the third visit I will get a "lemon law" hearing and hope for the best. I am very disappointed in the Lexus/Toyota response to this obvious engineering blunder. Where is the quality that they are known for?.

My 2004 Lexus Es330 has a transmission that hesitates between gears that causes a hazard when accelerating into traffic. Lexus refuses to acknowledge the problem and therefore to fix it.

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.

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.