Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 10% | 32,000 miles |
| 2019 | 5 | 15% | 10,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% | 0 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% | 56,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% | 59,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 34,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% | 180,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% | 87,000 miles |
| 2005 | 24 | 41% | 0 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% | 3,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 22% | 32,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 19% | 56,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 17% | 245,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I am reporting a potential transmission issue with my 2019 Lexus ES 350. At around 70,000 miles, the vehicle began developing a whining noise at low speeds when the accelerator pedal is depressed. The noise has persisted and appears to be gradually worsening. The symptoms match numerous complaints I have seen from other owners regarding premature failure of the UA80 transmission, particularly the whining sound during low-speed acceleration. This issue began approximately one year ago and raises concerns about a possible widespread defect affecting this transmission model. I want Lexus to repair my vehicle free of charge as it appears to be a manufacturing defect.
I leased a 2019 Lexus ES300H in March of 2019. About 1 year later, the vehicle started having serious mechanical issues related to the power of the vehicle and put my life in danger on 3 different occasions. The vehicle has a serious problem with losing power. The very first time that this problem occurred, I was in the left only lane attempting to make a left turn. When it was safe to do so and there was enough distance between me and the nearest vehicle driving in the opposite direction, I pressed on the accelerator to make a left turn and my vehicle suddenly lost almost complete power. I had the accelerator pressed all the way to the floor and the vehicle was barely moving like 3-5 miles per hour. Me and the other vehicle that was coming kind of fast in the opposite direction almost got into a head on collision. …
This is a second report of unexpected, unanticipated extremly high acceleration while braking. I reported this experience in November 2019, NHTSA Complaint Number 11279155. At that time, the car was moving and I was braking on an uphill curve. On October 10, 2021, at approx 12:30 p.m. The unexpected, unanticipated extremely high acceleration occurred as I was starting my car in a Pittsburgh area restaurant parking lot. The car requires that my foot be on the brake while starting. The car was in Park when I depressed the start button. Immediately the car started with extremely high revolutions to the point the loud engine noise frightened several individuals standing 15-20 feet on an adjacent sidewalk. The tachometer was in or close to the redzone. I immediately shut the engine down. …
The transmission won't shift passed 3rd gear. I tried driving one day and that's what it begin doing. The oil was at the correct levels and it still behaved that way. It has been doing this ever since.
Just bought car today. Had new tires installed and they told me they put the car in park but ir started rolling. Had to restart in neutral and put in park again. When I left went to auto parts store and parked and turned vehicle off. As I was getting out realized car was rolling. I put foot on brake and car restarted without putting in neutral. Shifted to drive and back to park and it stopped this time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus es350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact was concerned that the transmission was defective. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
1. The vehicle hesitates with initial acceleration (slow or quick acceleration). 2. The automatic transmission also hesitates. I suspect that ounce the acceleration problem is fixed that the transmission problem would be fixed. 3. I have gone to the Lexus dealer to update the computer with a new chip to help resolve the problems with no success. 4. I have discovered on the internet that hundreds of Lexus owners have the same complaint. In some cases the dealers have the audacity to suggest thats the way the car was designed! Why isn't Lexus listening to all the complaints? Thanks
The car changes gear when braking to a stop or coasting. When I apply the accelerator the car May hesitate and the snap into gear and lunge forward or it May quickly go between two gears until it finally jerks into gear and lunges forward. I took this certified car to the dealer under warranty and they claimed to have updated the computer program but it is exactly the same as before. The car has now started to hesitate while driving on the interstate as if was changing gears but doesn't need too. T he car is under warranty but I am discouraged by my first service experience.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus ES years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (24), 2002 (5), 2003 (5) and 2019 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 41% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Lexus ES transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Lexus ES model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lexus ES transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles; 68% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (28 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (2).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.