Lexus ES transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle suddenly stalled in traffic, check engine light illuminated and lost power.

NHTSA complaint #11738226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11722597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The driver was able to drive to the residence. Upon test-driving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound while driving the following day, and the vehicle later became undrivable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA complaint #11702496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

WHEN IM DRIVING THE CAR SHUTS OFF.or your driving car loses power and then dose a hard jerk and then starts driving again.

NHTSA complaint #11680282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Purchased this car on [XXX] from Alpina Motors on Eastern Blvd in Maryland. In February took the car to Ron's Auto Repair, and he said that the brakes were metal on metal, so he replaced the Brakes and Rotors for $510. On [XXX] while driving on the Garden State Parkway with my [XXX] son the axle broke. Scaring me and my son because of losing control and not knowing what to do. Had to call my grandmother to get car towed and repaired at Scotts Auto in Carney's Point, NJ for $465. On 05/01/2025 I asked the dealer if he could he check my transmission fluid. He stated he couldn't because he didn't have a tool. On 05/02/2025 I took the car to Midas Auto Service on Eastern Ave in Balto. The tech stated this car needed Ignition Coil, Spark Plugs Brake pads and rotors for the front of the car. Bald tire in rear, other Axle, Engine & Transmission Mounts and Transmission filter and fluid. The technician at Midas stated that had the dealer inspected this car prior to selling, he would have known about the condition of the car. I paid Midas for the transmission filter and fluid. They suggested I return it to the dealer. When I did the dealer stated that he would replace other axle, replace Engine & trans. mount, rear brakes and rotors and 6 spark plugs for $1100. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11661199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

In April 2022, the timing cover seal on my 2016 Lexus ES 350 was replaced due to a leak. This was completed under warranty at approximately 84,785 miles. In February 2025, less than three years and roughly 56,000 miles later, I was informed by the same Lexus dealership during a routine service that the exact same issue—leaking from the timing cover—had reoccurred. There were no warning lights, engine performance issues, or visible signs of oil loss leading up to this. During my prior service appointment in December 2024, I was told the car was in excellent condition with no issues. I service my vehicle at every Lexus-recommended interval and maintain a full history of service records. The dealership has confirmed the new timing cover leak but has not been able to explain why the seal failed again. This is a major engine component that should not require a second repair within such a short time frame. I am now being asked to pay a significant portion of a nearly $5,000 repair despite a prior warranty fix, and despite having done nothing to cause or accelerate the failure. Lexus offered a partial goodwill credit, but no root cause has been identified. I am concerned that either poor workmanship or substandard parts contributed to the premature failure, and that it may happen again. Given the cost, critical nature of the part, and the lack of answers, this feels like more than just an isolated incident. I have complete service documentation and before-and-after video footage of the most recent repair. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I purchased a Lexus because I believed in the brand’s commitment to long-term reliability and quality. That confidence has been shaken. I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate this recurring failure and assess whether this is part of a larger issue.

NHTSA complaint #11652155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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. I would have very easily and safely, without even rushing, cleared the intersection and completed the left turn had this not happened. After collecting myself from the terrifying experience I just went through and having my life flash before my eyes, pulled over and called Lexus Roadside. They came and towed the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer kept the vehicle for some time, but was not able to duplicate the problem and told me that there is nothing with the vehicle. Regardless of how much I insisted that they do further tests, they refused and told me that the mechanic he driven it home at night and back in the morning and could not duplicate the issue and that if I didn't come to pick up the vehicle, they would park it on the street where it would be subject to tow. After picking it up and literally after about 20 minutes of driving it, almost the same thing happened while I was on the freeway on my way home. The vehicle lost power again and I almost got into an accident. A similar incident occurred the third time. Took the vehicle to service 3 times. Brand engagement has not done a single thing. Lemon Law Department denied the case. Been paying.

NHTSA complaint #11451094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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. At no time did I have my foot on the accelerator and neither the floor mat nor any other item was touching the accelerator.

NHTSA complaint #11436298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT 2019, THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME I AM ON LOCAL ROADS (SPEED <50MPH), WHEN I SLOWDOWN PER THE TRAFFIC FLOW, OR TAKING TURN (LEFT OR RIGHT) AFTER YIELDING, THE CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AS IF THE GAS PEDAL DIED ON ME AND THEN I PUSH THE PEDAL FURTHER DOWN ONLY TO GET THE CAR DOWNSHIFT DRASTICALLY AND REVVING UP TO ALMOST ALWAYS ABOUT THE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT (IF ANY) OF ME. IN THE FEW TIMES I AM ON HIGHWAY, WHEN I NEED TO SPEED UP TO CHANGE THE LANE THE CAR ACCELERATES UNPREDICTABLY MAKING THE DRIVING A SCARY EXPERIENCE.

NHTSA complaint #11377378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST, 2020, ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE THE CAR WAS IN GEAR (REVERSE OR DRIVE), WHEN PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WOULD NOT "GO". IT WAS AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL BUT IT WAS NOT. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TURNING AROUND IN A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY AND WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT REVVED LIKE I WAS IN NEUTRAL BUT THE R WAS ON THE DASH AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN R. I THEN PUT IT IN DRIVE AND THE SAME THING. THE ONLY WAY I GOT THE CAR TO GO WAS TO PUT IT IN PARK, TURN THE CAR OFF & THEN TURN IT BACK ON. THE 2ND TIME, I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION WAITING TO TURN RIGHT ON RED. THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE AND I STARTED TO MAKE MY TURN BUT AGAIN, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO - IT WAS LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. WE CHECKED FOR ANY ERROR LIGHTS/MESSAGES (THERE WERE NONE) AND WE LOOKED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS IN GEAR AND THE D WAS 100% ON THE DASH AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN DRIVE. AGAIN, THE ONLY WAY TO GET GOING WAS TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND THEN START THE CAR AGAIN. THIS 2ND TIME, I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED AND IF THE LIGHT HAD NOT TURNED RED FOR THE CROSS TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE MOST LIKELY BEEN HIT. THE DEALER TOOK THE CAR BOTH TIMES, RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND EVEN DOWNLOADED THE BLACK BOX DATA; HOWEVER, BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE, THEY COULD NOT FIX IT. THEY ALSO CONTACTED LEXUS "EXPERTS" AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO ISSUE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. ATTACHED IS MORE DETAIL I GAVE TO THE DEALER WHEN THEY ASKED ME TO JOT DOWN EVERYTHING I COULD REMEMBER.

NHTSA complaint #11352893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11338582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11317828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

SINCE MAY OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE OBD READER KEEPS DETECTING A TROUBLE CODE. WHEN MOVING BACK TO CALIFORNIA, I HAD TO REREGISTERED FOR CALIFORNIA LICENSE PLATES, TAGS, AND GET MY CAR SMOGGED WITH MY SMOG CERTIFICATION IN ORDER FOR ME TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY INTO MY CAR THAT IT'S AFFECTING ME FROM GETTING TO WORK/ SCHOOL AND TAKING DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AS WELL. EVERY TIME I GET SOMETHING FIXED AND DRIVE THE MILES I'M SUPPOSED TO BE DRIVING, THAT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON WITH A TROUBLE CODE. THIS IS AFFECTING ME BECAUSE I'M UNABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE IT STILL WON'T PASS SMOG. IT'S BEEN GOING ON QUITE FOR SOME TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11299662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

AT 59000 MILES MY 2010 LEXUS EXPERIENCED ROUGH SHIFTING UP THROUGH THE GEARS AND DOWN THE GEARS UNTIL THE CAR COMES TO A FULL STOP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LEXUS DEALER NEAR ME IN FLORIDA. THEY DIAGNOSED THE ROUGH SHIFTING AS A BAD TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH THE POWERTRAIN HAS A 7 YEAR 70,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR DEFECTS, THE FACTORY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REPRESENTATIVE ONLY OFFERED TO OFFSET THE $7,000 COST OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BY $3,000. I DO NOT THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PORTION OF THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS 10 MODEL YEARS OLD IT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY DRIVEN LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. MOST OF THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES AS THIS IS OUR SECOND CAR AND IS USED PRIMARILY FOR DRIVING TRIPS. IT IS GARAGED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. HAS BEEN SERVICED ONLY BY A LEXUS DEALER SINCE NEW. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT LEXUS HAS PROVIDED ME WITH A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT THAT FAILED AFTER 59,000 MILES THROUGH NO FAULT ON MY BEHALF. BECAUSE THE CAR EXCEEDED THE YEARS OF THE WARRANTY SITTING IN A GARAGE NOT BEING USED SHOULD NOT BE THE DECIDING FACTOR. I REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE TO HAVE LEXUS CORRECT A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION THAT HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR THE 70,000 MILES THAT SHOULD BE THE CONTROLLING FACTOR NOT THE AMOUNT OF TIME THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY LIGHTLY USED AND CAREFULLY MAINTAINED

NHTSA complaint #11297005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

1) PASSENGER DRIVER SIDE DASH AIR BAG LOOKS AS IF IT IS READY TO BURST. 2) TRANSMISSION OFTEN HAS SLIGHT SLIP WHILE DRIVING. I NOTICE AT CERTAIN GEAR CHANGE WHILE DRIVING AUTOMATIC VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11242162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11222547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

WAS DRIVING IN WEST SACRAMENTO , WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE, CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM ALARMS WENT OFF.WITHIN 1 MINUTE , THE CAR WENT DEAD, NO POWER, NO STEERING. IF I WAS ON AN EXPRESS WAY , IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GUARANTEED FATALITY FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND OTHER CARS INVOLVED. THE DEALERSHIP , LEXUS OF SACRAMENTO TOLD ME THE COMPUTER FAILED IN THE CAR. THE CAR HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES ON IT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF PARTS USED BY LEXUS.

NHTSA complaint #10947604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION WAS HESITANT AND SUDDENLY RELEASE CREATING A SUDDEN ACCELERATION RUSH WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS APPLIED AT 10 TO 15 MPH. THIS HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DOWNSHIFT GEAR MODE AND WAS ASKED TO ACCELERATE UPSHIFT GEAR SUDDENLY. THE TRANSMISSION JERKING/HESITANT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY IN MERGING TRAFFIC. THIS COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TRANSMISSION ALSO HAS A ROUGH SHIFT FROM TIME TO TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10716347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.