wirepaladin

I have a well-maintained 2002 RX300. Recently, I noticed the transmission was not shifting properly. I took it to my mechanic and he infortmed me "it is going." The next day, I called my local Lexus dealer and made an appoinment to have the transmission checked. I never made it. The transmission burned out on the way to the dealer. I have about 109,000 on the vehicle. The Lexus dealer wanted $5,500 for a rebuilt transmission, plus labor. I ended up having the transmission rebuilt for about $3,000 at a local shop that does only transmissions. The manager of that shop told me that the RX transmission was poorly designed for the load of an SUV and that failures were pretty common. I filed a complaint with NHTSA about the transmission and by searching the internet, discovered that there are a significant number of transmission complaints with the RX. I am thinking of starting a class action suit. Anyone want to chime in?

I just had my 2002 RX300 transmission rebuilt as it completely burned out at 110000 miles. The ABS and VSC control lights are on. I tired pulling the 20A EFI fuse to reset, but no go. Any ideas? Nevermind. Bad wheel speed sensor.

Update from Northtown Lexus: I do not have a sludge/gel engine. The piston rings are seized and that is what is causing low compression and oil blow-by. They recommend trying an engine flush. If this works, it will avoid mechanical work. If not, I will have to spring for new piston rings. I authorized the flush, but am suspicious of liquid solutions to mechanical problems. Besides, I still think sludge may be responsible for the piston ring problem. What sya you?

My 2002 RX300 is now at the dealer, Northtown Lexus. They are going to evaluate whether my compression problems are due to sludge/gel and whether they will warranty the work. In the interim, they have given me a 2010 RX350 to drive--it's the dog's !Removed!--so they can keep mine as long as they want. Here's my follow-on question to all of you who have had similiar problem: if the dealer says there's no sludge/gel problem, what do I do then? I have a blown engine and no coverage under the class action suit.

One further question: What is the engine replacement, a short block or long block?

I have a 2002 RX300 with 86,000 miles on it. I bought it used from a Lexus dealer with 67,000 miles on it. For the past couple of months, oil consumption has been very high. I have always used synthetic oil and have kept it topped up. Yesterday, I took it to my mechanic for a checkup. He has a friend who is a Lexus mechanic and they both checked it out. Verdict: the engine is blown. Compression is anywhere from 75 to 90 lbs. He suggested a short engine block, but also that it might be covered under warranty. What do you know about this problem? Is it common?

In two days, my mechanic will do a complete fluid change in my 2002 RX300 4WD. This includes: coolant, brake fluid, oil, power steering fluid and ATF. After doing much research and soul searching, I am leaning to Mobil 1 synthetic ATF (New Formula) which Mobil says meets Toyota T-IV reequirements. Lexus dealer says stick with T-IV. I am not concerned about warranty as my vehicle has 85,000 miles on it. Anyone using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF? Any horror stories?

I live in Buffalo, NY, where it can get cold and stay cold for long periods of time. Summers can be hot. I bought my vehicle used from a Lexus dealer with 67,000 miles on it and am now at 85,000. I have been running synthetic oil, but at the next oil change, I am thinking of going all synthetic, i.e., transfer case, dif, engine AND transmission. I have heard that you cannot run synthetic transmission fluid. Is this ture?