Lexus RX Torque Converter Issue

My 2018 Lexus RX hybrid has developed an unsettling issue at 127k km. Feels like torque converter lock-up clutch failure. The check engine light and transmission indicator are illuminated. Gear changes are unclean, sometimes slipping. Occasionally, I get a grinding noise on shifting. VCDS indicates a fault with the torque converter. Does it sound like a defective automatic transmission converter?

4 comment(s)

I also drive an RX. I had similar symptoms a while back. The engine surged a bit at highway speeds, almost like it couldn't decide which gear to be in. Did you notice anything like that before the lights came on? How long has this been happening?

Yes, there was a subtle surge at motorway speeds in the weeks prior, now that you mention it. Almost dismissed it as road surface. How long before you ended up in the shop?

The surging went on for maybe a week or two, then BAM, all the lights, the slipping. I nursed it to my trusted workshop. Sounds awfully similar to my converter failure scenario. I'd suggest getting it checked out sooner rather than later.

Appreciate the confirmation. That pretty much seals it then. Booked it into the workshop. Looks like I am looking at around 2120€ for the repair. Thanks again for the insights!

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