My latest find in the Lexus GX550 Owners’& Enthusiasts group on Facebook is an interesting topic, posted by Erika Woods. She is experiencing what many GX550 owners describe as a transmission jerk at low speeds. Erika is aware of the issue, but from what owners are discussing, there doesn't seem to be a universal solution. Here's what her post says:
“What are people hearing about the transmission fix? My car has the issue, and my dealership just says there’s no ETA on getting it fixed.”
In a reply to another owner, Erika also added, “Mine actually threw a code for the transmission.”,
This doesn't seem to be a widespread issue as not every owner of the luxury SUV experiences it. Some people believe it is normal at low speeds as the vehicle is heavy, up to 5,709 pounds, depending on the spec. The hard shifts are especially noticeable when downshifting from second to first gear, as the SUV is coming to a stop. Other owners are also experiencing a slow first-to-second shift when the SUV is cold, which isn't much of a surprise. In my personal experience, I've noticed this typically happens to cars with a higher mileage and not new ones.
Things like this can ruin your ownership experience, and as popular as the J250 platform may be, some Lexus GX550 owners are already trading in their SUVs after mere months. The same goes for its Toyota sibling, as many Land Cruisers are being traded in for other models with larger-displacement engines. On the plus side, I think these SUVs will be hot on the used/ pre-owned market in a couple of years, as dealers would want to get them off their lots.
Here's what other owners are sharing about this issue.
Rachel Williamsen says: “My dealership told me they need to wait for a software update to come through, which should be *in the next month* (said a month ago with no further word)”
Lucas Blackman says: “I had the same issue and mentioned it at the 10k servicing. They fixed it that day with a software update and haven’t had an issue since.”
In Lucas' case, the dealerships performed an “IP compensation code reset”, which apparently solved the issue. However, it doesn't seem that all dealerships have the means to sort out the issue at this point.
Other owners are less fortunate when it comes to fixing the issue, and some are outraged that Toyota/ Lexus is still making cars with a known issue.
Amy Lynn says: “I too, mentioned it on my 10k service, and they said they had to recreate it and couldn’t, so refused to do anything. I mentioned it again when I just took it in for the hood flutter, and they continue to say they have to recreate but are making notes of my complaint.”
Sue Center-Monteath says: “Shouldn’t there be a recall for this by now? How can they continue manufacturing more cars with this known issue?”
The worst thing for owners who haven't had the chance to resolve the issue yet is that this doesn't fall under the lemon law, as there is a known fix. However, it seems not all dealerships have the means or are willing to sort out the jerky shift action in the Lexus GX550 transmission.
Like other modern-day automatics, the 10-speed torque-converter automatic in the Lexus SUV features a lock-up clutch. I suspect the issue may have something to do with the level of slippage allowed at lower gears. So far, the best course of action would be to find a dealership that has already fixed this issue. I think Toyota should put some pressure on dealerships to fix the issue under warranty, as the segment is crowded and great SUV alternatives are plentiful.
Let me know what you think. If you had this issue before, did you manage to get it fixed? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2024 Lexus GX press release
