Transmission complaints by model year
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 purchased a used 2003 Lexus es30from used car dealer. After a couple days of driving it I noticed it was shifting gears innormally. It would surge up to 4000rmp before shifting to 2nd gear and at one point wasn't moving while I hit the gas the acceleration very fast out of nowhere. My mother also had this same year make and model vehicle a few years back and it had the same problem before the transmission went out. I did some research online and found many other Lexus customers experienced the same problem. I found a web site that claimed that there was a TSB put out for this vehicle and that the Lexus/Toyota dealerships would fix this problem with an upgrade. I was wondering if this upgrade is still available and if my vehicle would qualify? And if so how would I go about this process.
The Lexus ES300 has had a serious hesitation problem since delivery in March 2003. I have had it in for service several times before the accident complaining about this problem. On May 8th,2006, my wife was trying to make a left turn at an intersection and upon accelerating through the turn the car hesitated/lagged and was struck by an oncoming auto. After contacting Lexus direct, they came out to test drive the auto. I was contacted several days later and was told that my Lexus has no problem. Since this problem still exists, I took the car back in for service on May 26th, 2006 and again was told that my car had already received a transmission computer update and their final words were "vehicle is operating as designed at this time". This car still has the problem.
When the accelerator is pressed for the purpose of passing or for merging into traffic at varying speeds between 25-50 MPH, the vehicle "lags" or encounters a dead spot before responding (by suddenly speeding off). The vehicle seems to be attempting to decide how to respond to the action of the accelerator being pressed (whether to remain in the current gear, or down-shift for quick acceleration). The 'rpms' will rise extremely high, before the transmission figures out what gear to shift into in order to comply with the request of the driver's action. This 'lag period' is an extremely dangerous time for the vehicle's occupants as the vehicle does not respond like normal vehicles confronted with a "wide-open-throttle" request do. …
Transmission gets confused when shifting into and out of the lower gears, then spends too long trying to figure out what gear to be in. This causes dangerous delays in acceleration, the effect is the same as a momentary engine stall. We have had this happen on several occasions, freeway ramp entrances are certainly the most dangerous place that this has occurred. Dealer acknowledges that there have been complaints about the shifting delays but they say no fix is available. This is our third ES300, the previous models used a cable between the gas pedal and the throttle, this new one uses what is called "fly by wire", a position sensor on the accelarator that a computer is supposed to use to figure out what to tell the engine and transmission. It isn't working very well. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Lexus ES300. While driving 8 MPH, the contact noticed a bump vibration coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact also noticed that the vehicle would unexpectedly shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that metal fillings were found inside of the transmission. The vehicle was then taken to a local mechanic, where the transmission was replaced. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.
Consumer stated that he used the remote starter to warm up the vehicle and the key was in the house, the daughter was in the car seat, when his wife got in the car and thought the key was in the ignition and pressed the brake pedal the vehicle shut off, as it should, wife got out of the car leaving the drivers door open to get the key the vehicle rolled out of the driveway, consumer jumped in and brought it to a stop. Dealer checked out the vehicle and stated there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.
I was driving and the vehicle started to stall and then jolt increasing and decreasing in acceleration by itself I have already had the transmission serviced and rebuilt a couple years ago and now it seems to be doing the same thing.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Lexus ES300. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate, but the engine did not shut off. The check engine and track lights illuminated as the vehicle began to slow down. When the vehicle gained normal speed, the warning lights no longer illuminated. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle. There is no warranty and the dealer stated that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced at the contact's expense. The failure occurred twice. The powertrain was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 146,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus ES300 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (52), 2003 (27), 2000 (10) and 2001 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 34% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Lexus ES300 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Lexus ES300 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 ES300 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles; 65% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (67 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (7).
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.