bluestu

If your mechanic mixed regular transmission fluid in with the synthetic Toyota fluid, it will ruin the transmission in a very short time. I think that's what happens with a lot of these transmissions. The fluid will start to gel, overheat, and then burn up. It's clearly marked on the distick to use type T1V fluid only. Overfilling can also cause problems.

Why don't you guys call around instead of talking crap all the time. Maybe you can gather some valid information than can actually help resolve this issue.

Monarch, Nice research info.. Sure beats all the speculations.

Yes, change the freakin fluid, PLEASE!!! That being the point, take note that most people never change their transmission fluid at all which results in most of the premature failures. There are exceptions such as yourself. Maybe Lexus got a bad batch of parts or wrong parts as in the case of the air flow sensors. In your case, Lexus should have been held totally accountable for all parts and labor. Car companies realize that most owners will not bother having their transmissions serviced. That would explain the Lexus 70k mile warranty. If they wanted them to last longer, they would service them correctly and more frequently. There's a lot more money to be made selling rebuilt transmissions vs. fluid changes.

The failures are going to keep rolling in. Pretty soon it will be the 2001 models and so on. If the capacity is 9.5 qts., then how could a drain and fill of three or four quarts be effective in preventive maintenance. I know you and some others on this forum think this is adequate, but it isn't. All the mechanics I've talked to are in favor of flushing the RX transmissions, even the ones that don't have the machines. Don't take my word on the matter, call around yourself like you did the other day concerning the additive that you weren't aware of. At least my redundancy is based on fact, not speculation. I would say that most of the RX300 transmission failures are caused from poor maintenance and overheating rather than a design flaw. When you have factual evidence to support a design flaw, then I will be one of the first to take notice. I do agree that Lexus is a huge ripoff. I would never take my car to a dealership unless it concerned a warranty issue. If I need a part, I always get the part number from Lexus and then call Toyota or a local parts store to purchase it.

I do watch Fox News for a good laugh. I have almost 100k on both RXs without any signs of transmission failure. I'm not the one speculating on why the transmissions are failing. I've talked with transmission specialists, mechanics, and Toyota and Lexus. They've all agreed that the only way to remove all dirty fluid from the RX transaxle is to flush it. They also recommend using the special additive to keep the fluid oxygenated. That's the service I've had done ever since I bought the vehicles. I have a Ford Aerostar van that I perform a drain and fill plus filter change, which seems to be adequate. I suggest you do some research as I have done and find out exactly how much fluid the RX300 transaxle holds. Speculating on the cause of transmission failures is not helping anyone resolve their issues. A drain and fill will never be adequate service to prevent transmission failure on an RX300. We do have the data from this forum to support that.

Sounds like great fun if you're a psycho. I think Lenore(Tom) has something else in mind for you!!!

RX in NC, Have you and Tom set a date yet??? Oh yeah, I've seen a total of less than 10 owners that have had transmission failures, certainly not 50 or 60. Talking about spinning a topic. I'll let you guys know when the defective transmissions on my 1999 and 2000 RX burn up. Don't hold your breath, it will probably/hopefully be a while. Flush or die!!!

There would obviously be more reports on the '99 and 2000 models because they are higher mileage cars. I've owned several makes of cars that have experienced transmission failures including an Izuzu Rodeo and a Toyota Celica. I've seen friends have many transmission failures on all types of cars. Almost all of these failures occurred between 70 and 100k miles. Most of them were never serviced or improperly serviced. I have another question. If the RX300 is the design lemon you are saying it is, then what about the Toyota Highlander? They are basically the same car.

In your opinion, how long should an RX300 transmission last having the dealer perform a partial drain and fill every 30k miles?

Obviously, the RX300 transmission runs hotter than normal and is pulling a lot of weight for a 220hp vehicle. I've seen posts from other owners stating that their fluid appeared dark and burnt smelling. That indicates to me that the fluid had lost viscosity and should have been changed at an earlier time. The synthetic fluid that is used is supposed to withstand higher temps. and longer durations. Why does Toyota use an additive with their drain and fill service? They told me that it helps revitalize the fluid that is trapped in the torque converter and doesn't get drained out. Sacramento is very hot region. Maybe the higher than average temps. helped contribute to your premature transmission failure?

I had the same problem for a while. I bought a can of Seafoam Fuel System Cleaner at Advance Auto and haven't had any engine problems since. I now add a can at every oil change.

I guarantee that only a handful of car owners ever have their transmissions serviced. There's no way that a AWD transmission is going to make it to 100k without changing the fluid. I don't mean just draining three or four qts. and refilling either. That makes absolutely no sense at all knowing that the transaxle in an RX300 holds over 9qts. of fluid. I've always had mine flushed out every 15k using synthetic fluid. I have almost 100k on both of my RXs without any sign of transmission failure. I will agree that the RX300 transmission is probably more susceptable to failure simply because it is an AWD and is a fairly heavy car. All the more reason to have all the fluid changed more frequently. Common sense will take you a lot farther than ignorance.

I'm with you on this issue. It's not a design flaw, but a service flaw. Just because it says Lexus, made by Toyota, doesn't mean it is maintenance free. Most transmissions will fail if you don't replace all the fluid on a regular basis. A drain and fill doesn't get it. Even the service techs. at Toyota told me that.

I'm very sorry to hear about your car. Did you ever have your transmission serviced? Transmissions don't maintain themselves, and very few AWD transmissions make it to 100k without servicing. Actually, we conducted a poll on this forum a few months back, and about 20% (7 out of 30+) of the forum members reported experiencing transmission failures. Like you, they initially joined this forum for the same reason. Several of the failures were on the FWD model. I'm sure some of the transmissions were just lemons, but others probably failed from improper servicing and mixing fluids. I own 2 RX300s with almost 100k, and the transmissions on both cars shift like new. I have always had them completely flushed every 15k and use only synthetic fluid. There are 4 or 5 forum members that think I have bought in to the flush scam, but I am convinced that I am having the transmissions serviced properly. I have the cars to back it up, and they have premature replacement transmissions. I know I am going to catch hell for saying that, but it's true. Prepare for the onslaught.

How much did it cost to get your IAC replaced and did it make a big difference in the idle vibration? thanks.

If the RX transmission is so bad, why don't Toyota Highlander owners have the same complaint? It's the SAME engine and drivetrain. Search the Highlander forums and you'll find few, if any, transmission complaints. Its already been posted that Consumers Reports shows no transmission issues either. If anyone were to highlight a problem with the RX unit it would be CR. The only other comment is that if, and when, transmission service is performed you MUST use the Toyota Type IV transmission fluid. Maybe there is a curse on the RX300 transmission, cast by the Toyota Highlander owners because they are jealous that the RX looks so much better??? As we've already concluded, there are just a few people on this forum that have had premature transmission failures for whatever reasons. Others have experienced transmission failures because they never had their transmission serviced, which is typical of most drivers. I prefer flushing the entire transaxle every 15k to ensure that the fluid stays clean. The only problem is finding a shop that has a flush machine that uses only synthetic fluid that meets Toyota's specs.. Luckily, I found one.

I drive by a couple transmission shops every day, and judging from the number of newer cars outside, I would say that there are many makes and models of cars that experience premature transmission failure. The number one reason being that most people never have their transmission serviced until it fails. That's a fact.

I'm happy there isn't a Lexus dealer in my area!!!

In the past I've experienced various idle problems. Since I started using Seafoam Fuel System and Engine Cleaner every 3kmi., I have had no idle problems from either one of my RXs. You can purchase the product at Advance Auto Parts for around $7.

My 99 RX has done the exact same thing ever since I bought it four years ago. My wife was also trying to tell me that there was something horribly wrong with the car. From what I have read, the transmission doesn't shift into overdrive until the engine reaches a certain temp.. Very annoying if you have to go right to the freeway from home. I suggest warming the engine before driving.

I play tenor and soprano saxophone. I do know who Jeff Coffin is, and he is an excellent player. If I ever get down to Raleigh, I'll let you know. I love to play basketball. Too bad NC State and Carolina were knocked out of the NCAA Tournament. My dad is an alumnus of NC State and my brother an alumnus of Carolina. I graduated from UT and they were eliminated also. I guess I'll have to pull for Duke. Sorry.

RX, sounds like you should be a member of the Hummer Forum. Maybe a round of basketball would better suit me. I don't believe I'll be boxing with anyone. Being a saxophonist and pianist, it would be kind of difficult to play with no teeth and a broken neck.

RX, Obviously, I was just kidding around with you. Where is your humor? I know you hate transmission flushes, but you're still only changing half the fluid with your drain and fill. Next time I'm in Raleigh, I'll be happy to go a few rounds with you. Sounds like big fun. I'll even let you check my transmission fluid. Just don't get jealous when you see it.

RX, With all that money you made working for Corporate America, you should invest in your own flush machine. It would give you something extra to do in your old age, and maybe you would finally realize that the RX300 transaxle holds way more than 5qts. of fluid. You could still clean the filter and magnet manually to ensure that your replacement transmission lasts well into next year.