stingo

2005 rx330 awd has 72k miles bought from toyota leasing w/38k. noise from drivetrain at about 68k has progressively gotten louder. appears to be trans noise(whining/grinding sound). previously owned 200 rx300 awd until 109k miles only replaced 1 headlamp bulb and one taillamp bulb.

should never expect transmission problem at 60k miles. am greatly disappointed in the quality of the 2005 compared to the 2000 model. from what i have read in this forum, lexus is not ready to step up and fix this problem. several appearance flaws on this vehicle, but the trans problem overshadows these. i'll contact both the local lexus dealer(50+ miles away) and lexus corporate after jan 1 2009. no can do anything today.

BTW trans fluid looks new and is up to full on the stick.

New member posting....

120K miles and the trans is toast! Talking to the dealer later today to see what he suggests. He is stating $5K to replace the transmission. Car was always serviced by the dealer, never towed anything or ran up a steep hill, Florida is nice and flat ;)

This is very disappointing and frankly unacceptable. I typically run cars well past 150K miles and have never had to replace a trans in anything from a Ford, Honda, Toyota, VW, or a BMW. Likely to be my last Lexus.

Appreciate all the insights and will see where this goes.....

Michael.