Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||||
| TC00403 | 08/04/2003 | TC00403 | 10003571 | Engine control module (ecm) calibration - shifting enhancement - revised. *tt 2nd revision. *tt | 10/24/2003 |
| TC00403 | 08/04/2003 | 10003570 | Engine control module (ecm) calibration - shifting enhancement. *tt | 10/24/2003 | |
| TC00202 | 06/28/2002 | 633793 | Information regarding a revised valve body assembly developed to improve harsh 2-3 shift during wide open throttle (wot) acceleration at elevations above 3000 feet. *tt | 09/24/2002 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||||
| 00304 | 04/06/2004 | 10007095 | The proper identification of the 7 solenoids used in the u150e/u151e/u151f transmissions. *tt | 05/26/2004 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 12/19/2012 | 150001 | ||
| My 2002 lexus es300 has been jerking and shifting very hard on acceleration. it seems to have more of a problem when i accelerate slowly in the lower gears. it jerks very noticeably. i was told it was just the nature of the car, but it has been getting much worse over the course of the last year. it also hesitates when stepping on the gas after deceleration. | |||
| 11/20/2009 | 2 | ||
| On 11/20/09, i was parked in front of my house in my 2002 lexus es300. when i put the car in drive, it boomed forth, and the brake didn't work. i tried to get around the car that was parked in front of me but the speed was such that i hit it. there was damage to my car and the car i hit. the driver was in the car and has since claimed she was injured. i had another instance of unintended acceleration 2 years prior to this incident but was able to stop. i urge you to push toyota to admit that there are cases of unintended acceleration in models that pre-date the ones they are recalling and to rectify the problem. *cn | |||
| 1 | |||
| 2002 lexus es300 has a lag in time between stepping on the gas and the transmission responding to put the car in motion. *mr the hesitation is most pronounced when braking and then needing to rapidly accelerate. the consumer feels the inability of the vehicle to respond in a timely manner is hazardous. the manufacturer was contacted. *nm | |||
| 12/10/2002 | 228 | 3 | 10/03/2002 |
| Transmission gets confused when shifting into and out of the lower gears, then spends too long trying to figure out what gear to be in. this causes dangerous delays in acceleration, the effect is the same as a momentary engine stall. we have had this happen on several occasions, freeway ramp entrances are certainly the most dangerous place that this has occurred. dealer acknowledges that there have been complaints about the shifting delays but they say no fix is available. this is our third es300, the previous models used a cable between the gas pedal and the throttle, this new one uses what is called fly by wire, a position sensor on the accelarator that a computer is supposed to use to figure out what to tell the engine and transmission. it isn't working very well. if not rectified this problem will certainly lead to a crash someday, then we'll get to see how good the safety equipment is. | |||
| 10/01/2002 | 2 | 06/12/2002 | |
| The consumer states that he cannot view the instrument panel during the daytime. the mfr advised the consumer that the panel is designed that way. *mr the consumer states that the white numbers on the instruments were okay, but it is extremely difficult to see the red needle during the day light (unless your in the shade/or in the evening). the consumer states that he is unable to tell the speed of travel, whether the engine is overheating, and/or the amount of fuel left. also the multi-information displays and the odometer readings are barely visible during the daylight hours. the consumer states that he receives a standard answer that the instrument panel is working as designed. *scc | |||
| 03/01/2002 | |||
| Can't read speedometer in bright daylight with headlights on and driver wearing sun glasses.*ak | |||
| 05/01/2002 | |||
| Very difficult to see speedomoter - dark background with dark needle requires too much time to see speed. *ak | |||
| 1 | 03/25/2002 | ||
| Cannot see speed reading on dashboard in sunlight. dealership is aware of problem. *ak the consumer also states that the change of instruments did not correct the problem. the service department said that this model has the same lighting. right front door hard to close due to being misaligned, dealer adjusted door striker, speedometer needles difficult to see. *scc | |||
| 05/03/2002 | 1 | 05/03/2002 | |
| In day light hours when sun is out consumer can't see dials on speedometer, unable to tell how fast vehicle was going. consumer felt this was very unsafe. *ak consumer also can not see the fuel gauge, engine speed and engine temperature. *tt | |||
| While driving when sun is shining consumer is unable to read speed odometer due to poor design, black back round with white numbers and a black needle. dealer has been contacted. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 08/28/2010 | 20000 | ||
| Lexus (2002 es) has dramatic transmission stutter at low or high speeds, jerking occupants and making quick starts (turning across lanes) very dangerous. | |||
| 02/13/2010 | 48800 | 1 | |
| I have a 2002 lexus es300. my car at slower speeds has been jerking/surging at lower speeds and lurches forward without notice. it is a nightmare to drive this car in traffic. i keep being told its normal, it seems hundreds of others have complained, but i'm not getting anywhere. the lexus dealership did a software upgrade recently, it only made the matter worse. i hate driving this car, everyone in my family avoids driving it, as we just don't feel comfortable in the way it accelerates and shifts gears. its a 2002 model, with 49k miles. i avg 25k miles a year driving, do the math, this car sucks, and i avoid using it out of fear/annoyance. *tr | |||
| 01/05/2003 | 500 | 1 | |
| I present this as information to complement the present issues with toyota motor company and its institutional failure to respond to safety related incidents. i owned a 2002 lexus es300. the mechanical/computer problem with this car involved the failure of the transmission to downshift effectively when merging into traffic at 40-50 mph. this issue was first observed when i attempted to merge into the freeway in front of a fast moving truck. the transmission downshifted but did not engage in 3rd gear, but simply disengaged the engine from the wheels; the engine rpms increased, the tachometer went to the red line and the computer shut off fuel to the engine. thus the car decelerated in front of the truck. this was easily replicated, and many similar stories filled the auto chat rooms at that time. lexus response at the dealer level: you use the wrong fuel; you have driven incorrectly and programmed the computer to respond this way; this is the only car behaving like this the shop foreman drove with me, observed the problem and wrote an incident report to toyota. i demonstrated the effect on a new lexus with the service manager, who still was not able to admit that a serious problem existed. lexus response at the national level: no problems have been reported on a problem you describe. finally a service rep showed me a print out from national lexus service, tell the customers that the transmission is behaving the way that it was designed! of course, it was incorrectly designed and it behaved that way. after two years, a partial computer upgrade was sent to the dealers and installed. mine was the second car with the fix, the lexus dealership owner was the first. my point is that the toyota/lexus corporate response to safety issues at the national level has been to stonewall and deny the existence of problems even when they could produce potential catastrophic results. this historical policy of denial existed long before the present issues gained notoriety. *tr | |||
| 02/29/2008 | 82000 | 2 | 11/15/2006 |
| Lexus 2002 es 300 82,000 miles transmission went completely out with no warning and was serviced on 02/28/2007 with 58995 miles as an oil change attendant notified my that my transmission fluid looked completely worn out. my starter was replaced by lexus of tulsa on 01/29/2008 the service manager said he had never seen one completely worn out as this with so few miles. i wonder if i have a lemon. lexus of tulsa has quoted a transmission replacement of 4200-4600 dollars this is unacceptable. my wife and i have a new baby at home and this is our only car that the baby's car seat can travel in. we need help. *tr | |||
| 09/14/2007 | 39300 | 1 | 03/26/2007 |
| Car accelerates when not appropriate and shifts very poorly especially when the air conditioning is on. seems to be stuck in gear when trying to accelerate to pass another vehicle. hesitation. bucks and shifts really hard intermittently. *jb | |||
| 04/12/2006 | 56000 | 100 | |
| Dangerous hesitation in the transmission when stepping on the gas after decelerating. nearly caused an accident. lexus has tried 2 times to fix and nothing has helped. *nm | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 500 | 1000 | 10/12/2002 |
| The flaws and failures of the transmission in my 2002 lexus es300 were noticeable within 500 miles of driving the new car off the lot. i now have 47,000 miles on the car and lexus has performed re-programming of the transmission logic. however, that has not helped. it seems that as i drive more mileage the problem of the transmission not knowing what gear to be in is becoming worse. the resulting hesitation is dangerous for the driver and occupants of my car as it results in close-calls with other vehicles hitting me from behind during hesitation. *jb | |||
| 08/04/2005 | 100 | ||
| My 2002 lexus 300 has a dangerous and significant hesitation and shifting problem. acceleration is sluggish and then surges forward suddenly causing the vehicle to move forward unexpectedly. in addition, there is a repeated shifting problem at low speeds wherein the vehicle continuously shifts in and out of overdrive, again with unexpected and uncontrollable results. the dealer indicated this was the way these cars were engineered and did an firmware upgrade. however, the problem persists in much the same way. *jb | |||
| 06/30/2004 | 1 | 07/15/2002 | |
| When accelerating in my 2002 lexus es300, i experience hesitation of a few seconds before the vehicle begins to increase in speed. this did not seem to be a problem when i first got the vehicle, but over time has become extremely noticeable and dangerous since i drive on the major highways in the washington, dc area. when it was reported to my dealer a few months ago they explained it away and took no action.*ak | |||
| 02/05/2005 | 1000 | 10/20/2001 | |
| My 2002 lexus es300 has had continual transmission and shifting problems. we took it in for the update but that did not fix the problem. when i asked again i was told i already had the update and there was nothing else that could be done. i believe lexus needs to take responsibility and fix this issue. often times i will press the gas pedal to quickly get out of the way and the delay is not only annoying, it's dangerous.*jb | |||
| 12/21/2004 | 1000 | 100 | 12/18/2001 |
| Rough shifting/slipping in lower gears (1,2). when accelerating in stop and go traffic car seems to stall before it suddenly bumps into gear. intermittently - when accelerated suddenly (moving steady at about 10 miles per hour) transsmision slipped out of gear, engine rpm reached about 4000 rpm. it engaged in gear after i released accelerator. *ak | |||
| 09/16/2004 | 7000 | 50 | 07/17/2002 |
| I own a 2002 lexus es300, and the car is dangerous! i've taken it to the dealer many times to have the transmission checked out, because it hesitates in traffic when you press the gas.they just say some babble about the transmission just needs to get used to the driver, im sorry but just because we can afford an expensive car doesnt mean that we're stupid. this is my wife's car, and i really don't think there needs to be any injuries or fatalities to have something done about this wide spread problem. *ak | |||
| 11/09/2004 | 19600 | 5 | |
| When accelerating or decelerating vehicle shifted violently. dealer stated they knew about the problem, but could not find a solution at this time. *ak | |||
| 05/11/2004 | 10000 | 30 | 10/12/2002 |
| 2002 lexus es300 with about 18,000 miles has a problem with hesitation when accelerating after slowing down, especially after completing a turn. it is like the transmission doesn't adjust with the pressing of the gas pedal. almost had an accident because of the hesitation. also i have had problems with the car down shifting as i come down a hill. also a problem with the car trying to decide what gear to be in when going around 20 to 25 miles per hour. you can feel the car change gear. passengers even have asked what was that? complained to dealership, and was told it was the way i drive. i had the sb-tc004-03 performed after receiving the letter from lexus, but it didn't help. may have made it worse. *ak | |||
| 07/29/2004 | 2 | ||
| While driving at any speed,transmission slipped while shifting from third to fourth gear. also, there wa s hesitation, and the rpms went way up. dealership replaced a chip and calibrated the transmission, and problem recurred. *ak | |||
| 05/05/2004 | 1 | ||
| Lack of response between the transmission and the engine.*mr the consume explained that there is a lag time between stepping on the gas an the transmission responding. this hesitation was most pronounced when braking and then needing to rapidly accelerate, such as when merging into traffic. the consumer feels the vehicle inability to respond in a timely manner is a hazard. the consumer contacted the manufacturer who indicated that he vehicle was performing with in their specifications. the problem is so bad that the consumer intends to get rid of the vehicle. *nm | |||
| 08/01/2002 | 100 | 1 | 08/01/2002 |
| 2003 lexus hesitates on acceleration when slowing ( e.g., making a turn) and then proceeding to full speed. the manufacturer was aware of the problem in press reviews on release of the car, and took 2 years to provide a software patch that was alleged to have corrected the problem. the patch does not work, and the condition is a safety problem.*ak | |||
| 12/01/2001 | 2 | 11/10/2001 | |
| Power train: automatic transmission. vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal. ar hesitates on acceleration, lunges at times, searches for proper gear and shifts hard. the heistation can be quite dramatic; enough to lose confidence in critical situations. the car has been re-programmed by lexus, but problems continue. lexus denies there is a problem and says the car functions as designed. problems surfaced shortly after purchase and continue.*ak | |||
| 05/19/2004 | 1900 | 1 | 08/23/2002 |
| Dangerous condition exists with 2002 lexus es300, where a severe hesitation exists when accelerating at slow roll (< 5mph) at intersection turns, exiting driveways, and generally anywhere when trying to get into flow of traffic when nearly stopped - especially when a turn is involved along with the acceleration. very dangerous condition exists when trying to enter lane, or make a turn, in front of fast-moving traffic. it seems the car's electronics does not regognize the accelerator's request for fuel under those conditions. this is exactly what complaint /case #100375515 listed and i have the exact same problems. i have taken it back to the dealer twice and another one sheduled for 5/21/2004. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Brake rotors were replaced, entire new brake kit installed and all four tire were replaced prior to reaching 20k miles. *ph the consumer has not been pleased with the shifting performance of the vehicle. the automatic transmission demonstrate erratic, rough and inconsistent shifting. the manufacturer installed a software upgrade but it only slightly improved the performance. the consumer also had a 2000 lexus gs 300 which had a more dramatic transmission problem. the local dealer insisted that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. *nm | |||
| 08/28/2002 | 1 | 08/30/2002 | |
| 2002 lexus es300 had a major surging problem at approximately 40 mph. after a year of promises, lexus came out with a computer upgrade that changed the problem from annoying to dangerous. the 1/2 and 2/3 shifts are wildly inconsistent, sometimes taking 2/3 seconds and feeling like a slipping transmission. when acceleration, as in a passing or avoidance situation, is called for the motor revs up and the car goes nowhere while the transmission searches for a gear. this can take 3/4 seconds and has already almost caused a accident. lexus customer service says the car is performing as designed and no further modifications are planned. *la | |||
| 4108 | 1 | ||
| Transmission is unreliable. since march 2003, when accelerating the transmission slips. *ak *ts | |||
| 12/01/2002 | 3200 | ||
| The 2002 lexus es300 has a significant flaw in the new electronically controlled transmission system. this flaw has been recognized by multiple dealerships and by lexus customer service. i have been waiting for a resolution to this problem since december 2002 which is shortly after i purchased the vehicle. there are three very obvious symptoms that have been occurring ever since i purchased the vehicle. depending upon fuel and driving conditions, the car will develop a neck jerking shutter as it violently shifts between gears. this usually occurs anywhere between 40 and 50 mph, but most often when you are trying to maintain a constant speed. the second condition occurs when you go from a slowing situation into an acceleration situation. during this time, the car often goes into a neutral condition and takes a couple seconds before power is returned to the wheels. this condition is very dangerous when moving into traffic or turning a corner. when turning, you will nearly coast around the corner until the power is returned to the wheels. when the power is returned, it is very abrupt and lunges the car forward. the third condition occurs during full throttle acceleration. this is most evident when accelerating onto a highway. the car seems to shift into a very low gear where rpm is nearly red-line and power is almost non-existent. the car then jerks into a different gear where you may get more power, but it doesn't usually stay in that gear either. it then shifts back to the low gear, red-lines again and repeats the process. this will often occur 2 or 3 times before a good gear is found and you can then proceed with normal driving. at this point, lexus did make a couple lease payments for me in exchange for waiting a few more months for the fix. unfortunately, that was nearly a year ago and i'm still waiting. we need to get this fixed before someone gets injured, not after! *nlm | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 3500 | 50 | 04/09/2002 |
| When the accelerator is pressed for the purpose of passing or for merging into traffic at varying speeds between 25-50 mph, the vehicle lags or encounters a dead spot before responding (by suddenly speeding off). the vehicle seems to be attempting to decide how to respond to the action of the accelerator being pressed (whether to remain in the current gear, or down-shift for quick acceleration). the 'rpms' will rise extremely high, before the transmission figures out what gear to shift into in order to comply with the request of the driver's action. this 'lag period' is an extremely dangerous time for the vehicle's occupants as the vehicle does not respond like normal vehicles confronted with a wide-open-throttle request do. if my wife, who is no car buff and generally does not pay attention to anything but starting the vehicle, has also brought this issue to my attention, then i know there is definitely a problem. as the problem presents itself as a serious safety issue for my family, i have contacted lexus customer service who have advised me that lexus is attempting to develop a fix for the concern that many of our customers have brought to our attention. i have been waiting for this fix for over 7 months now, and the expected date keeps being pushed back! please take some action regarding this serious issue, as there are many other lexus owners who were in the passionate pursuit of perfection (lexus slogan), but have not taken the time to file a complaint!!*ak | |||
| 05/01/2002 | 1000 | 50 | 04/02/2002 |
| I have experienced significant delay in downshifting when attempting to merge with traffic in my 2002 lexus es300. following the delay, the transmission shifts to the top of the rpm range effectively resulting in no acceleration, then it up shifts to an appropriate gear. this is a dangerous condition. i have had several near misses from being rear ended as a result. the dealer has duplicated this problem on other 2002's and lexus in california admits there is a problem but has no fix. i have been told for almost a year now that a fix is coming but still no fix. i hope someone does not get killed from this defect before it gets fixed! please do something. *nlm | |||
| 05/01/2002 | 100 | 1 | 03/30/2002 |
| 1. shuddering transmission in stop/go traffic. 2. when at a complete stop, car nudges forward even when brakes are fully depressed. notified dealer as well as lexus corp and was told no fix is available at this time. *jb | |||
| 10/30/2001 | 100 | 1 | |
| 1) stumble - this occurs when you quickly accelerate and the car hesitates for 1-2 seconds before it kicks in. 2) shudder - with no pattern, the car will suddenly shudder. this occurs with no/little acceleration. 3) surging - the car surges approx. 1/2 foot when the air conditioner is on. i have noticed that this problem is intensified when the car is slowly (e.g., in traffic) moving down hill. *jb | |||
| 01/08/2003 | 150 | 1 | 09/02/2002 |
| The transmission had a jerk in the transmission, the dealer told the consumer it was the design the of the vehicle. *ts *jb | |||
| 12/10/2002 | 228 | 3 | 10/03/2002 |
| Transmission gets confused when shifting into and out of the lower gears, then spends too long trying to figure out what gear to be in. this causes dangerous delays in acceleration, the effect is the same as a momentary engine stall. we have had this happen on several occasions, freeway ramp entrances are certainly the most dangerous place that this has occurred. dealer acknowledges that there have been complaints about the shifting delays but they say no fix is available. this is our third es300, the previous models used a cable between the gas pedal and the throttle, this new one uses what is called fly by wire, a position sensor on the accelarator that a computer is supposed to use to figure out what to tell the engine and transmission. it isn't working very well. if not rectified this problem will certainly lead to a crash someday, then we'll get to see how good the safety equipment is. | |||
| 08/01/2002 | |||
| Shift comfort issue exists at somewhat predictable driving conditions that cause the driver to handle the car in a cautious manner to avoid vehicle malfunction. dt | |||
| 08/25/2002 | |||
| While driving at 20mph and with no warning making a turn and vehicle will stall. it will be hard for consumer to control vehicle. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| 10/01/2001 | |||
| Car has very poor shifting characteristics. it is always annoying and sometimes unsafe. twice i have started to quickly accelerate from a stop to turn left and had the transmission start to downshift then wait through a delay as if the software was confused. the result was the car sitting in the intersection with the accelerator depressed but no power to the wheels for around 1 or 2 seconds. dealer acknowledges shifting comfort issues are the number one complaint for the car but says no fix is available. i have been in discussions with the service manager on this issue for over 8 months and have had no help.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2002 | 1 | 12/01/2001 | |
| We have an escalating shudder when down shifting the transmission. the dealer acknowledged that they have a problem with software between the engine and the powertrain/transmission. they do not have a fix and are asking customers to drive the vehicle for another possible 45 to 60 days until the fix is issued. we have requested another car since this is our 4th es400 in the past ten years and the 97 lexus we traded was in perfect condition. we are not willing to wait for a repair and have notified the company that they need to resolve our problem caused by their defective product with a new vehicle.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2002 | |||
| The car stalls and pauses in traffic. the car has rough vibration when the gears shift. the dealer said the computer was designed to operate in that manner and that there is presently no correction for the problem. the dealer acknowledged the problem, but refuses to replace the car or to buy me out because this problem has not resulted in any fatalities. | |||
| 10/01/2001 | |||
| Car won't go into gear properly during stop-and-go traffic or pull out into traffic while turning a corner, resulting in unsafe situations as noted by other cars' horns honking and brakes being applied . dealer says it performs as designed by factory, and there is no way to fix it. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||
| 07/23/2005 | 48480 | 3 | 02/17/2005 |
| Upon acceleration in stop-and-go traffic, severe hesitation with brake-like effect, engine reviving, with driver thrown forward, then lurching into gear. said was fixed with installation of tsib tc004-3. narrowly being missed by oncoming traffic when car basically stalled. tsib not a fix. now engine light on. dangerous in stop-and-go traffic. *nm | |||
| 05/11/2004 | 10000 | 30 | 10/12/2002 |
| 2002 lexus es300 with about 18,000 miles has a problem with hesitation when accelerating after slowing down, especially after completing a turn. it is like the transmission doesn't adjust with the pressing of the gas pedal. almost had an accident because of the hesitation. also i have had problems with the car down shifting as i come down a hill. also a problem with the car trying to decide what gear to be in when going around 20 to 25 miles per hour. you can feel the car change gear. passengers even have asked what was that? complained to dealership, and was told it was the way i drive. i had the sb-tc004-03 performed after receiving the letter from lexus, but it didn't help. may have made it worse. *ak | |||
| 01/01/2002 | 0 | 08/28/2002 | |
| 2002 lexus es300 exhibits most of the pecularities mentioned in pe 04021 and dp 04003 in addition to inconsistent 1/2 and 2/3 shifts and major lag time in downshifts at speed. a major defect that has caused numerous near misses. | |||
| 09/08/2003 | 17000 | 1 | 03/18/2002 |
| Dangerous condition exists with 2002 lexus es300, where a severe hesitation exists when accelerating at slow roll (< 5mph) at intersection turns, exiting driveways, and generally anywhere when trying to get into flow of traffic when nearly stopped - especially when a turn is involved along with the acceleration. very dangerous condition exists when trying to enter lane, or make a turn, in front of fast-moving traffic. it seems the car's electronics does not regognize the accelerator's request for fuel under those conditions. a prior lexus tsb addressed transmission shifting at higher speeds, but seems to have created a new, and potentially more dangerous condition.*ak | |||
| 12/10/2002 | 228 | 3 | 10/03/2002 |
| Transmission gets confused when shifting into and out of the lower gears, then spends too long trying to figure out what gear to be in. this causes dangerous delays in acceleration, the effect is the same as a momentary engine stall. we have had this happen on several occasions, freeway ramp entrances are certainly the most dangerous place that this has occurred. dealer acknowledges that there have been complaints about the shifting delays but they say no fix is available. this is our third es300, the previous models used a cable between the gas pedal and the throttle, this new one uses what is called fly by wire, a position sensor on the accelarator that a computer is supposed to use to figure out what to tell the engine and transmission. it isn't working very well. if not rectified this problem will certainly lead to a crash someday, then we'll get to see how good the safety equipment is. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 04/29/2010 | |||
| 2002 lexus es300, car lunges and jerks during acceleration and deceleration. car drove fine until lexus upgraded software, and then 100% noticable difference in performance. car was brought to jm lexus approx 4-5 times for problem, and once to palm beach lexus. car jerked during test drive with mechanic. i was told it was a characteristic of the car, and there was nothing that can be done to fix it. mechanic stated he has seen the same problem on other cars. problem has been getting worse. | |||
| 04/20/2004 | 1 | 02/19/2004 | |
| I have a 2002 lexus es300. if you stomp on the gas while driving in order to merge or pass the engin reves but the car does not pick up speed i.e there is a big dead spot. i took it to the dealor and was told that was how the care was designed to work. i feel that the hesitation is a big safty problem that could lead to a accident. what can be done to get lexus to fix this problem?*ak | |||