Automatic Transmission Control Module Problems of Lexus RX330

Upon acelleration, this vehicle sometimes hesitates and at times almost causing an accident. I have taken this to the Lexus dealership and they are aware of it. They say there is no fix. I was told to use premium gas, and I havebeen told that the new software is in and that is all they could do.

See all problems of the 2004 Lexus RX330 🔎.

2004 Lexus RX-330 awd. Vehicle hesitates when attempting to accelerate. There is a delay, especially when going from a dead stop such as pulling out into traffic. Also, if you attempt to quickly speed up as when merging or an evasive maneuver, the engine lags. Will also happen when turning a corner, then accelerating. I have been told by Lexus that this is a known problem with the "throttle by wire" and "intelligent transmission". I currently pull the ecu fuse monthly to reset the processors and that appears to help for a while. That is the "fix" suggested by the Lexus RX-330 forums. Now that 2006 models are coming, I know this is no longer on the Lexus engineers' minds, but there are those of us that feel this is a safety issue as you never know if the car will respond reliably, especially when pulling into traffic, creating a real hazard.

Our Lexus Rx330 was purchased in August of 2003. For the last several months, the vehicle hesitates to shift gears with a lag causing the vehicle to jerk forward. We have trouble merging onto the highway as well as accelerating from a stop and while turning due to this dangerous condition. Dealer keeps performing the TSB tc005-03 "poor shift quality" and reprograms the computer with no improvement. We are told there is nothing more that can be done. After multiple attempts with Lexus customer service, they deny a problem exists and states that the vehicle performs within specifications. Customer service even fails to document my complaints by not entering it in the ir computer systems in an attempt to hide the defect. Many owners report this problem on internet message boards. This is a dangerous and unacceptable design flaw that needs to be corrected with a recall.

1. 2004 RX 330 transmission slips when accelerating ,passing(most dangerous when going up an incline),and from a dead start(light or stop sign). Car seems to shift into neutral and hesatates while tachometer revs to 5-6000 rpm. 2. Dangerious when entering freeway on ramp and almost got rearended due to delay. 3. Reported 3 times to dealer, they said it is within specs. Had a loaner Lexus RX 330 when mine was in for service and the transmission wes perfect. Constant problem.

I purchased a 2004 Lexus Rx330 in January of 2004 and there is a consistent lag of the drivetrain when accelerating from a standing start and when accelerating to pass. From a standing start the vehicle hesitates and then abruptly lurches forward. At highway speed there is a deceleration which pitches one forward and then an engagement which lurches the occupant back with a snapping motion. The ecm was reprogramed at 1000 mile check. When a print out of TSB was presented service manager reacted like a snake was placed on counter and then advised that reprogaming ecm would not necessarily improve problem. He was right. This is a safety concern as pulling out to pass could cause an accident.

2004 Lexus RX 330 has intermittant, erratic automatic transmission. Dealer says it is a "hesitatiion issue", but rfeuses to confirm in writing because manufacturer says it's the way the car is designed. Even though countless others have complained, nothing has been done.