How Long Does a Lexus Transmission Last (And When to Replace)

As part of the Toyota Motor Corporation, the Lexus brand has a long-standing tradition of producing quality vehicles. While Lexus makes durable cars with high-reliability ratings, car systems like the transmission don’t last forever and need periodic replacement. So how long does a Leux transmission last?

The lifespan of a Lexus transmission depends on your driving habits and how well you maintain your car. The transmission may start acting up in as little as 100,000 miles without proper upkeep. But when taken care of, Lexus transmissions can last more than 300,000 miles.

The transmission system is one of the most expensive parts of a standard vehicle, and repairing it is challenging even if you’re handy. It’s important to schedule a car assessment with a mechanic if your Lexus has faulty transmission. Let’s take a detailed look at how long Lexus transmissions typically last and when it’s best to replace them.

How Long Should a Car’s Transmission System Last?

Ideally, a car’s transmission would last the vehicle’s lifetime, but in practice, it often fails far sooner. Because transmissions are costly to replace and their useful lives are often difficult to anticipate, they are often among the primary sources of anxiety for new car owners.

Some car transmissions may fail from a little over 10,000 miles, but most transmissions last for 200,000 miles or more. However, routine vehicle maintenance is the most essential element in determining how long a transmission will survive, and proper maintenance can extend its life even more.

Transmissions are linked with other automotive components like the chassis, engine, electronics, and differentials.

To avoid costly repairs down the road, you should do what you can to keep your transmission in good shape and extend its life because transmission issues will affect the other components of your vehicle and vice versa.

Although it’s difficult to predict how long a particular car’s transmission will survive, there are two things you can do to help it last longer: keep up with routine maintenance and pay close attention to the levels of the transmission fluid.

How Long Does a Lexus Transmission Last?

Manufactured by Toyota, the Lexus features legendary engineering, making it one of the most reliable cars in the market. Lexus continues to receive many awards annually from reputable reviewers like JD Power for reliability and quality.

Lexus transmission systems can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles.

To prolong the longevity of your Lexus’ transmission, ensure to conduct regular checks on the transmission fluid levels and warm up your Lexus for a few minutes before traveling.

When Should You Replace a Transmission?

Almost every car owner will have to deal with transmission issues at some point. The real challenge is determining whether to get it fixed or replace it.

Internal clutches and bands must apply and release at the correct times for your transmission to change gears correctly. Strain may cause excessive wear on your car’s transmission, resulting in a significant or even catastrophic failure.

But how can you know when the transmission is due for replacement?

Here are some factors to consider before deciding whether or not to replace your transmission:

Transmission Mileage

Most automatic transmissions fail between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, while manual transmissions often fail much sooner. This is especially true if you neglect essential maintenance.

When your faulty transmission has more than 80,000 miles on it, replacing it might be cheaper in the long run than paying hundreds of dollars for repairs every few months.

Repair History

When deciding whether to repair or replace the transmission, it is essential to take into account how often the transmission has been repaired in the past.

If your transmission has a persistent problem, it’s not cost-effective to continually take your car in for repairs just to have it break down again a few months later. Transmissions that have experienced repeated problems in the past year are prime candidates for replacement.

Vehicle Condition

It is also best to consider the vehicle’s overall condition. Spending a few thousand dollars on a new transmission may not be the best idea if your car or truck is more than a few years old, has more than 150,000 miles on it, and needs extensive repairs and maintenance.

However, a new transmission can help you get even more miles out of the car or truck you love if it’s the only thing wrong with it and the rest of the vehicle is in good shape.

How Many Miles Is Too Many for a Used Lexus?

Choosing the best car can be a daunting experience, especially if you buy a used one. Lexus-made cars usually last around 250,000 to 300,000 miles depending on care and maintenance.

When buying a used Lexus, go for one with less than 100,000 miles. High-mileage cars are often more affordable than low-mileage ones.

Deciding the best mileage range for a used Lexus depends on various factors, like the model and age of the car. Generally, cars should put in about 12,000 to 15,000 miles each year. Therefore, a used Lexus that is four years old should have a mileage of about 48,000 to 60,000 miles.

An old car with low mileage may have been sitting idle for extended periods, while high-mileage ones might be over-driven.  

How Much Does a Transmission for a Lexus ES 350 Cost?

The transmission replacement cost for a Lexus ES 350 ranges from about $3,500 to $4,000, depending on the model. This is cheaper than most cars, which would cost approximately $5,000 to $6,000.

Consider replacing the transmission on the Lexus ES 350 if you notice any of the following warning signs:

Difficulty Shifting

Most people take car transmissions for granted, and only appreciate having a transmission that works correctly once it fails.

If your car is having trouble shifting gears, slipping gears, banging into gears, or experiencing sudden increases in RPM without corresponding increases in speed, your transmission is likely having issues.

Noise When Shifting Gears

Grinding sounds when shifting gears in a manual transmission indicate poor driving skills or a malfunctioning mechanism.

Which of these two is the worst depends on your perspective. If you drive an automatic and your transmission is faulty, the cranky transmission may make an extremely irritating whining sound.

Check Engine Light

It’s not uncommon to ignore the check engine light when it turns on.

However, it’s best to avoid disaster by paying attention to the warning signs on your car’s dashboard. The check engine light usually comes on because something is wrong with your vehicle, and no amount of willpower can make that problem go away on its own.

Do You Need to Change Lexus Transmission Fluid?  

Because it requires far less fluid and time to complete, a transmission fluid change is typically valued at 50% of the cost of a transmission clean. Regular transmission fluid replacements are necessary to maintain your Lexus transmission clean and lubricated.

Your Lexus transmission may fail if you don’t regularly change the fluid every 30,000 miles. For additional information about the incontestable mileage intervals at which your transmission fluid needs to be replaced, consult your car’s owner’s manual.