Comments on: 2009 Lexus LS460 Review http://www.automoblog.net/2009/08/22/2009-lexus-ls460-review/ A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:23:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Brian Truhnhttp://www.automoblog.net/2009/08/22/2009-lexus-ls460-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136363 Brian Truhn Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:20:12 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/08/22/2009-lexus-ls460-review/#comment-136363 I have a LS 460 AWD (2009) and it shudders when driven in the 35-40 MPH range. I had the dealer look at it and was told that it is "normal". I have a hard time believing that this would be engineered in. I raised the issue with Lexus corporate to see if they had any plans to resolve this issue and they also said it is normal. This is a significant problem for me because a good part of the time I am on surface streets with a speed limit between 35-40 which is exactly where the problem occurs. I have also noticed that it will shudder sometimes when it downshifts (like when giving a bit of gas on an on-ramp). The problem, according to the engineer at Lexus Corporate, is that the issue occurs because of the desire to maximize fuel economy and reduce emissions - hence the 8 speed transmission. In short, the AWD version of the car is heavier and has less HP and the logic for the ECT is shifting too soon and in some cases can't make up it's mind whether to down-shift or not which causes the shuddering sensation. To change the shifting patterns would require Lexus to do some programming and push it out to the dealers but they do not intend to fix it - unless they get more calls on the same issue. He also said that Lexus wants their customers to be happy - especially those that buy LS' and that he would start the buy-back process. In short the "buy-back process" is the execution of the Lemon Law process and it was denied by the regional Lexus office. I am now forced to use either sell the car and take a loss or go through the arbitration process. I have a LS 460 AWD (2009) and it shudders when driven in the 35-40 MPH range. I had the dealer look at it and was told that it is "normal". I have a hard time believing that this would be engineered in. I raised the issue with Lexus corporate to see if they had any plans to resolve this issue and they also said it is normal. This is a significant problem for me because a good part of the time I am on surface streets with a speed limit between 35-40 which is exactly where the problem occurs. I have also noticed that it will shudder sometimes when it downshifts (like when giving a bit of gas on an on-ramp).

The problem, according to the engineer at Lexus Corporate, is that the issue occurs because of the desire to maximize fuel economy and reduce emissions – hence the 8 speed transmission. In short, the AWD version of the car is heavier and has less HP and the logic for the ECT is shifting too soon and in some cases can't make up it's mind whether to down-shift or not which causes the shuddering sensation. To change the shifting patterns would require Lexus to do some programming and push it out to the dealers but they do not intend to fix it – unless they get more calls on the same issue.

He also said that Lexus wants their customers to be happy – especially those that buy LS' and that he would start the buy-back process. In short the "buy-back process" is the execution of the Lemon Law process and it was denied by the regional Lexus office.

I am now forced to use either sell the car and take a loss or go through the arbitration process.

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