Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2004 Lexus RX330. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Engine/transmission hesitation; missed shift points; and stalls in traffic upon acceleration. Using automatic climate control causes all windows to fog up to the extent that you can not see out of the windows. Load engine noises and popping sounds.
Transmission problem: serious lag between gear shifts. If I push the accelerator down to accelerate to get out of a dangerous situation: nothing happens. The car seems to stall, slows down and then once the ecu has determined which gear to selectit accelerates violently taking the driver by surprise. Altogether the response is far too slow. Transmission is not smooth. This is a safety issue. Dealer checked transmission:"working according to specifications" ?! also "thump" "clunk" noise when decelerating from 50 mph to lower speeds, occasionally. Aa.