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
When turning into a parking space on a private parking lot, the vehicle speed up and brakes did not stop it. The vehicle jumped a curb and continued until it hit two trees that stopped it. Damage was estimated at $9000.
On 9/27/2007, my car (Lexus ES330) went out of control due to sudden acceleration in a parking lot of a shopping center in glenview, il, and crashed with cars parked nearby. This car incident was reported to the car dealer, but I was told there was no problem with the car. The cost of repair was very high.
Did not have a car accident, or experience any injuries or car damage, but this car, like numerous other cars of the same make, model, and year has some serious transmission/computer software issues at times. It hesitates and lurches often. I drove on the highway yesterday and the car acted up in the worst way ever.but it seems to me that with information on these same transmission issues plastered all over the internet, your organization would make Toyota engineer a permanent fix for this problem, and recall and fix these cars.
(1) car was nearly new, only 100 miles, no abnormal behavior up to that point. (2) while shifting into park as part of the process of parking, and with no pressure on accellerator, car suddenly lurched forward, striking concrete stancheon of parking lot light pole. This resulted in damage to the front bumper, frame, right quarter-panel, right headlight assembly, causing over $4,000 in repair costs. (3) above problems were repaired by a dealer-approved auto body shop.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus ES330 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (43) and 2006 (10) model years. Transmission complaints make up 30% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Lexus ES330 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Lexus ES330 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 ES330 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 23,000 miles; 62% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (36 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift (1).
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.