I'm a newbie on this list but add me to the list of tranmission failures for an 02 rx300 awd at 79,000 miles. Lexus of Toledo or is it Dave White Lexus, immediately offered to pay half the bill as a good will gesture. Their original quote was $4200 ($2100). After reading the first 18 pages of this discussion I asked them to pay 100%.
They told me to call Lexus customer service. The customer service rep told me some of the transmissions have sludge and are fully covered. I asked him three times if he meant the engines and he said "no, it's sludge in the transmission." I asked if he was refering to issues about the transmission fluid and again he said no it's sludge.
I again called the dealer service department who said that customer service was obviously confused.
I again called customer service talked with a different rep and they opened a file for review and will give me an answer in 2 days.
I explained that I had previously owned a Previa and had 250,000 miles with original engine and tranny. The Lexus was bought new to replace the Previa and I was disappointed at needing a tranny at 79,000. I had planned to buy or lease a second Lexus in the future but maybe I should just scrounge around for a used Previa instead.
Lenore, I would appreciate a web site or phone number for reporting my transmission failure on the turnpike as a safety issue. My speed dropped from 70 to 35mph. I pulled over and after the car cooled down it went smoothly at 65 for the next 100 miles. I limped home after exiting the turnpike and had to tow the next day.
Ron