Transmission Not Go Into Gear Problems of Lexus ES330

Lexus has had a problem with the transmission in their ES models since 2002. The transmission does not shift properly, and at low speeds when trying to accelerate into traffic, turn at intersections, etc. , the transmission hesitates severely, not knowing which gear to go into. I've nearly been broadsided several times at intersections when my 2004 Lexus Es330 with less than 8,000 miles on it wouldn''t downshift properly. I've sent 3 letters to Lexus headquarters, and they will not acknowledge a problem. Sight unseen, they state the car is "functioning as designed". However, Lexus service writers and salepeople have acknowledged there is a problem, as have scores of people on edmunds. Com comment areas. Everyone concerned gets the same answer from Lexus, because they apparently have no fix available and don't want to admit there is such a large problem. Please advise as to any further steps I might take to get some action.

See all problems of the 2004 Lexus ES330 🔎.

Transmission failed to accelerate when stepping on gas. Transmission only whined and failed to get a gear for a couple of moments. (big hesitation) very dangerous when trying to pass at low speeds. The transmission only does this intermittently, dealer states its drive by wire and is normal. I guess until somebody dies they (Lexus) are not going to do anything about it. Help, this has been an ongoing problem and the car only has 1600 miles on it.

My wife and I purchased a new 2004 Lexus ES 330 on February 7th, 2004. We had read many good things about this car, and thought we were buying the best. He salesman reaffirmed our thoughts. We bought the car in sarasota and drove it home to bradenton. I noticeda difference from the demonstrator immediately. The transmission whined as it went through the gears; it slipped noticeably in the gear changes; and it failed to drop into lower gears immediately when I gave it throttle to pass. I thought they would fix it in the 1,000 mile checkup, but when I took it in on March 11,'04, the technician,s report said,". . . All data normal. Transmission is is working as designed. " I objected to no avail. What kind of manufacturer would design a transmission to slip, whine, and in the words of consumer guide of April, 2004,". . . Transmission tends to loiter in higher gears and hesitates to kick down for passing, creating delays in part-throttle response. " I amfinding out that this has been a problem since at least '02 with no corrective measures being taken. We think this problem makes these cars unsafe in today's heavy traffic.