2008 Lexus RX 350 transmission

[StevenR]

Hello all, I just recently purchased an '08 Lexus RX 350, AWD, Flint Mica/black, 80,000 miles with an excellent service history from Lexus. I've been reading some owner reviews and there are an alarming amount of transmission problems with RX and Rav 4's. ( Same V6 engine and transmission ). Does anyone have knowledge of any issues ? Some owners say Lexus wants to replace the entire transmission when it's actually just a bad solenoid. I was planning on using some Auto RX in the transmission and the power steering. My transmission fluid has been changed every 25-30,000 miles by Lexus. Any info would be appreciated.

2008 Lexus RX 350 Flint Mica/black, 80,000 miles
1998 Lexus SC 300 DWP/biege, 144,000 miles

 

[Triton_330]

If it has 80k miles and a good history, and currently for you doesn't seem to have any problems shifting (or even if it does), I doubt it's a "bad transmission" --- like you said, it sounds like it would just be a solenoid. Go ahead an Auto Rx it.

Thing is, if it is a solenoid, your going to have to convince them that that is all it is. Don't let them replace the whole transmission if that's the case.

Do you know what kind of transmission fluid they are using, btw?

 

[Barkleymut]

Are you experiencing any issue with your trans? If not then do not worry about it. I tend to be the same as you and read way to much on the web. Most of the stories are from the 2% that are just unlucky, or the 91% that do not understand how to service a car correctly. If you have documentation that proper transmission fluid changes have been done then rest easy.

 

[hypervish]

The RX350 has no known transmission problems. Do not worry.

Do not go adding additives, because then you surely will end up with a problem that didn't exist before.

If you want more reassurance sign up on http://www.clublexus.com/forums/

 

[MaximaGuy]

Originally Posted By: StevenR
I've been reading some owner reviews and there are an alarming amount of transmission problems with RX and Rav 4's.


Pl. post URLs where it is discussed. The Toyo transmissions are bullet proof, I have a Lexus ES350, my bro has an RX350 (130K miles) his wife drives a 2010 Rav4 AWD, my wife Toyoto Highlander -- never a problem w/ transmissions.

Rest in peace you have a bought a great automobile, the only thing the forum would recommend is 30K fluid changes (provided you know how to work with sealed transmissions).

Enjoy the ride, clean the throttle body and you will be good to go!!!

 

[bepperb]

I wouldn't autorx it. I think with your reasonable ATF drains you will be good to go for a long time. I have not heard of a lot of solenoid or transmission issues, but even if I had I don't see how autorx (a cleaner) would be the fix on a transmission with probably no deposits from frequent fluid changes.

 

[StevenR]

Thanks for all the responses and reassurance. I saw the post on Club Lexus.com, I joined after I purchased my '98 SC3 a few years ago. The post " Any high mileage RX's without transmission problems" ? has 140 posts. Another post about an '07 RX 350, 61,000 miles with transmission slippage. I also did a search online and found some problems. I bought the RX out of state, service history is from Lexus of Omaha. The previous owner had it serviced religiously, 5,000 mile oil changes, transmission fluid changed at 25-30,000 mile intervals ( first change at 16,000 ) with I assume Toyota fluid, transfer case changed, front and rear ends, oil cooler lines changed out, brake fluid flush, throttle body cleaned twice, the list goes on. I purchased the RX online monday from Mercedes Benz of Omaha, it's being shipped to me, should have it next week. I was looking for an RX with black interior and could not find many here in St.Paul, so I broadened my search and found it in Omaha. Funny thing is it was originally sold at Lexus of Maplewood which is where I will take it, 10 miles from me. I bought my SC online and it's been the best car I've ever owned, and in 60 years I've owned quite a few. I hope the RX turns out to be the same.

the SC transmission is slipping a bit between 1st and 2nd, but not bad for 144,000 miles

________________________________________________
2008 Lexus RX 350 Flint Mica/black 80,000 miles
1998 Lexus SC 300 DWP/biege 144,000 miles

 

[hypervish]

Originally Posted By: StevenR
Thanks for all the responses and reassurance. I saw the post on Club Lexus.com, I joined after I purchased my '98 SC3 a few years ago. The post " Any high mileage RX's without transmission problems" ? has 140 posts. Another post about an '07 RX 350, 61,000 miles with transmission slippage. I also did a search online and found some problems. I bought the RX out of state, service history is from Lexus of Omaha. The previous owner had it serviced religiously, 5,000 mile oil changes, transmission fluid changed at 25-30,000 mile intervals ( first change at 16,000 ) with I assume Toyota fluid, transfer case changed, front and rear ends, oil cooler lines changed out, brake fluid flush, throttle body cleaned twice, the list goes on. I purchased the RX online monday from Mercedes Benz of Omaha, it's being shipped to me, should have it next week. I was looking for an RX with black interior and could not find many here in St.Paul, so I broadened my search and found it in Omaha. Funny thing is it was originally sold at Lexus of Maplewood which is where I will take it, 10 miles from me. I bought my SC online and it's been the best car I've ever owned, and in 60 years I've owned quite a few. I hope the RX turns out to be the same.

the SC transmission is slipping a bit between 1st and 2nd, but not bad for 144,000 miles

________________________________________________
2008 Lexus RX 350 Flint Mica/black 80,000 miles
1998 Lexus SC 300 DWP/biege 144,000 miles


I'm surprised your SC transmission is slipping so soon. They are known to go hundreds of thousands of miles without any issues. Some people run boost on stock transmissions in the SC.

That thread on CL was created because the OP wanted to know if any DBW lag issues would affect long term transmission durability. If you read all 140 posts you will see that they are quite reliable. In fact, I just went through the whole thread again and not a single person (with a RX330/350) replaced their transmission, they are all on the original transmission. Some people mentioned the lag but that's about it. Some of them were over 200k miles.

And the other thread was a "hit and run" OP only posted once, and didn't give any details at all. For all we know, he could have been doing neutral drops every single day.

The earlier second gen RX's had a TSB for an ECU update to address DBW lag. Aside from that, their are no defects or mechanical issues in the transmission. With proper maintenance they will last forever, you can kill any transmission if you abuse it no matter how well built it is.

 

[StevenR]

Thanks hypervish. My surprise was going from the SC forum where the majority of discussion is about modding and electrical issues and such to the RX forum and seeing transmission issues. I bought the RX because the SC is so great. And as other posters have said, reading too much on the internet can feed your fears. Good to hear positive things about the RX as I'm planning a trip to Colorado and New Mexico to visit relatives this spring. I did read a lot of positive reviews from owners who loved their RX.

With the SC's transmission, it's when I'm going slow around town, 20-30 mph or so, and I coast with my foot off the gas and then when I give gas again there's a vague like dead spot where it will rev a bit before it engages, kinda hard to explain. I thought I read some comments on the RX AWD with the same issue.

I see you don't believe in additives, some people swear by Auto RX, I'm still on the fence.

Are you using a blend of fluid in your transmission ? How's it work ? I was thinking of using Amsoil and type IV.


_______________________________________________
2008 Lexus RX 350 Flint Mica/blk 80,000 miles
1998 Lexus SC 300 DWP/biege 144,000 miles

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: StevenR

Are you using a blend of fluid in your transmission ? How's it work ? I was thinking of using Amsoil and type IV.


_______________________________________________
2008 Lexus RX 350 Flint Mica/blk 80,000 miles
1998 Lexus SC 300 DWP/biege 144,000 miles

I am fairly certain that the 5AT during your model year calls for WS, and only WS.

I highly recommend staying with the Genuine Toyota WS fluid. If you insist on aftermarket, I think Amsoil ATL is an unlicensed substitute.

 

[hypervish]

Originally Posted By: StevenR
Thanks hypervish. My surprise was going from the SC forum where the majority of discussion is about modding and electrical issues and such to the RX forum and seeing transmission issues. I bought the RX because the SC is so great. And as other posters have said, reading too much on the internet can feed your fears. Good to hear positive things about the RX as I'm planning a trip to Colorado and New Mexico to visit relatives this spring. I did read a lot of positive reviews from owners who loved their RX.

With the SC's transmission, it's when I'm going slow around town, 20-30 mph or so, and I coast with my foot off the gas and then when I give gas again there's a vague like dead spot where it will rev a bit before it engages, kinda hard to explain. I thought I read some comments on the RX AWD with the same issue.

I see you don't believe in additives, some people swear by Auto RX, I'm still on the fence.

Are you using a blend of fluid in your transmission ? How's it work ? I was thinking of using Amsoil and type IV.


_______________________________________________
2008 Lexus RX 350 Flint Mica/blk 80,000 miles
1998 Lexus SC 300 DWP/biege 144,000 miles


You're Welcome!

You will grow to love the RX, but be careful they are addicting as is Lexus as a whole brand!

As TheCritic mentioned, your RX350 requires Toyota WS, not T-IV. Toyota WS is not backwards compatible with Toyota Type-IV. I would err on the side of caution and go with Toyota WS instead of Amsoil.

Have you started a read on CL about the SC transmission? It sounds like it's the transmission programming, does not sound like it's slipping. I don't know how similar the programming is to my RX300; but in my RX300 it will shift into neutral as I slow down to 15 mph in an effort to save gas. If i get back onto the throttle when I'm below 15 mph it will rev a tiny bit and then go back into gear. It's not noticeable to just anyone though, you have to feel for it. I wonder if the SC is programmed similarly. I could tell you everything about an RX or ES, but I don't know as much about the rest of the lineup.

I'm running Castrol Transmax IMV along with Toyota Type-IV. At one point I was at nearly 99% Castrol Transmax IMV but then I got a good deal on a case of Toyota Type IV from Amazon, so I'm starting to move back to that.

By the way, I'm surprised the dealer changed the ATF every 25-30k miles. They are known to give the customer the good old "WS fluid is good for 100k miles" line.

 

[MaximaGuy]

The cost of a case of T-IV or WS is quite affordable if one is going to replace it once in 30K miles. So why take additional risk, risk is worth to someone who wants to make a point.

My brother had is RX350 transmission flushed at 70K miles (on my recommendation) when he saw 1-2 MPG decrease (he got back the loss). Dealership charged him $260 in CA, so flushes by dealerships is quite affordable.

 

[StevenR]

Thank you for the correction on the WS fluid. I don't know why they changed the transmission fluid so often but I'm glad they did. I will continue to use WS fluid.

A couple more issues I read about on the RX 330-350's were the rubber oil cooler and VVTi oil lines which rupture from 80 psi and spews your oil out. Lexus has metal upgrades for both. My oil cooler lines were changed around 30,000 miles with new rubber ones I suppose. Was there a recall on the rubber lines ? Are these upgraded rubber oil lines designed to hold more pressure or should I check into the metal upgrades ?
Metal lines sure sound safer. The part is called an oil cooler pipe, available at OEM Lexus Parts.com for $79.32, couldn't find the VVTi line. Really don't want to blow an oil line driving across country this spring. More than likely I will switch to Mobil 1 5w30.

Does anyone know if the transmission cooler only came with the towing prep package or was it on most models of the RX 350 ?


__________________________________________________________
2008 Lexus RX 350 Flint Mica/black 80,000 miles
1998 Lexus SC 300 DWP/biege 144,000 miles

 

[hypervish]

Originally Posted By: StevenR
Thank you for the correction on the WS fluid. I don't know why they changed the transmission fluid so often but I'm glad they did. I will continue to use WS fluid.

A couple more issues I read about on the RX 330-350's were the rubber oil cooler and VVTi oil lines which rupture from 80 psi and spews your oil out. Lexus has metal upgrades for both. My oil cooler lines were changed around 30,000 miles with new rubber ones I suppose. Was there a recall on the rubber lines ? Are these upgraded rubber oil lines designed to hold more pressure or should I check into the metal upgrades ?
Metal lines sure sound safer. The part is called an oil cooler pipe, available at OEM Lexus Parts.com for $79.32, couldn't find the VVTi line. Really don't want to blow an oil line driving across country this spring. More than likely I will switch to Mobil 1 5w30.

Does anyone know if the transmission cooler only came with the towing prep package or was it on most models of the RX 350 ?


__________________________________________________________
2008 Lexus RX 350 Flint Mica/black 80,000 miles
1998 Lexus SC 300 DWP/biege 144,000 miles



Here's what the old vs new lines looks like :

You should no longer have rubber ones, these are both now metal. When the issue was first discovered some people were given replacement rubber lines, but the majority got metal lines.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: hypervish

As TheCritic mentioned, your RX350 requires Toyota WS, not T-IV. Toyota WS is not backwards compatible with Toyota Type-IV. I would err on the side of caution and go with Toyota WS instead of Amsoil.



I'm not sure why not using Amsoil ATL would be more cautious. What do you mean?

 

[hypervish]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: hypervish

As TheCritic mentioned, your RX350 requires Toyota WS, not T-IV. Toyota WS is not backwards compatible with Toyota Type-IV. I would err on the side of caution and go with Toyota WS instead of Amsoil.



I'm not sure why not using Amsoil ATL would be more cautious. What do you mean?


It wasn't meant to be a knock at Amsoil.

Clearly though the safer option would be to use what Toyota originally put in the car, if their engineers thought Toyota WS wasn't up to the job they wouldn't have spec'd that fluid. I have more faith in Toyota's/Aisin's engineers than I would of any oil manufactures'.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: hypervish
Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: hypervish

As TheCritic mentioned, your RX350 requires Toyota WS, not T-IV. Toyota WS is not backwards compatible with Toyota Type-IV. I would err on the side of caution and go with Toyota WS instead of Amsoil.



I'm not sure why not using Amsoil ATL would be more cautious. What do you mean?


It wasn't meant to be a knock at Amsoil.

Clearly though the safer option would be to use what Toyota originally put in the car, if their engineers thought Toyota WS wasn't up to the job they wouldn't have spec'd that fluid. I have more faith in Toyota's engineers than I would of any oil manufactures'.


I would say based on recent automotive history, the lubrication manufacturers are way ahead of automobile manufacturers on tribology. But that may be based on the number of Toyota recalls and sorta recalls in the last few years. Which transmission is this? Does Toyota actually make it? Or is it an AW transmission? I would tend to trust AW over Toyota.

 

[hypervish]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: hypervish
Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: hypervish

As TheCritic mentioned, your RX350 requires Toyota WS, not T-IV. Toyota WS is not backwards compatible with Toyota Type-IV. I would err on the side of caution and go with Toyota WS instead of Amsoil.



I'm not sure why not using Amsoil ATL would be more cautious. What do you mean?


It wasn't meant to be a knock at Amsoil.

Clearly though the safer option would be to use what Toyota originally put in the car, if their engineers thought Toyota WS wasn't up to the job they wouldn't have spec'd that fluid. I have more faith in Toyota's engineers than I would of any oil manufactures'.


I would say based on recent automotive history, the lubrication manufacturers are way ahead of automobile manufacturers on tribology. But that may be based on the number of Toyota recalls and sorta recalls in the last few years. Which transmission is this? Does Toyota actually make it? Or is it an AW transmission? I would tend to trust AW over Toyota.


Let's be honest here, I think you know the answer to all of those questions. You just wanted to make a jab at Toyota.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: hypervish


Let's be honest here, I think you know the answer to all of those questions. You just wanted to make a jab at Toyota.


Absolutely I did not. I just know there are better choices than using Toyota WS branded fluid.

 

[hypervish]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: hypervish


Let's be honest here, I think you know the answer to all of those questions. You just wanted to make a jab at Toyota.


Absolutely I did not. I just know there are better choices than using Toyota WS branded fluid.


If that's indeed the case... The RX350 has the U151e or U151f transmission depending on FWD or AWD. It is of course made by Aisin Warner.

As far as fluid choices, to each their own.