Gearbox Toyota AA81E

Gearbox Toyota AA81E
Type
8-speed automatic
Drive
RWD
Torque
up to 380 Nm
Engine size
up to 3.5 L
Oil capacity
9.5 LToyota ATF WS
Lifespan
~300 000 km

The Toyota AA81E 8-speed automatic transmission has been produced at the Japanese plant since 2012 and is installed on such popular models of the company as the Lexus IS350, GS350 and RC350. In the Aisin range this automatic gearbox is known as the AWR8L35.

Specifications

Type automatic transmission
Number of gears 8
Type of drive rear
Engine volume, l up to 3.5
Torque output, Nm up to 380
Recommended oil Toyota ATF WS
Oil capacity, liter 9.5
Partial replacement, liter 4.0
Maintenance every 50 000 km
Gearbox lifespan, km ~300 000 km
Weight, kg 104

Gear ratios Toyota AA81E

Using a 2015 Lexus IS350 with a 3.5 liter engine as an example:

Main 3.133
1st 4.596
2nd 2.724
3rd 1.863
4th 1.464
5th 1.231
6th 1.000
7th 0.824
8th 0.685
Reverse 2.176

Using

The transmission was installed on:

  • Lexus GS200t 4 (L10) in 2015 – 2017;
  • Lexus GS300 4 (L10) in 2017 – 2020;
  • Lexus GS350 4 (L10) in 2013 – 2020;
  • Lexus IS200t 3 (XE30) in 2015 – 2017;
  • Lexus IS300 3 (XE30) since 2015;
  • Lexus IS350 3 (XE30) since 2013;
  • Lexus RC200t 1 (XC10) in 2015 – 2017;
  • Lexus RC300 1 (XC10) since 2017;
  • Lexus RC350 1 (XC10) since 2014;
  • Toyota Crown 14 (S210) in 2012 – 2018;
  • Toyota Crown 15 (S220) in 2018 – 2022.

Disadvantages of the Toyota AA81E gearbox

  • At first owners complained about delays when shifting from second to third gear;
  • New control unit firmware then appeared and the problem became irrelevant;
  • In some cases, however, only raising the oil level with adaptation helps;
  • Under active driving the valve body quickly gets clogged with clutch wear debris;
  • And with heavy wear of the lockup clutch, vibrations destroy the oil pump bushing.

Frequently asked questions about the Toyota AA81E

What type of transmission is the Toyota AA81E?

The Toyota AA81E is an 8-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel drive cars.

How much torque can the Toyota AA81E handle?

The Toyota AA81E is designed for torque up to 380 Nm and engines up to 3.5 liters.

How much oil does the Toyota AA81E take and which one?

The Toyota AA81E takes 9.5 liters of oil (4.0 liters for a partial change). Recommended oil: Toyota ATF WS.

How often should the Toyota AA81E be serviced?

Recommended service interval: every 50 000 km.

How long does the Toyota AA81E last?

With proper maintenance, the Toyota AA81E typically lasts about 300 000 km.

How much does the Toyota AA81E weigh?

The Toyota AA81E weighs about 104 kg.

What are the gear ratios of the Toyota AA81E?

Using a 2015 Lexus IS350 with a 3.5 liter engine as an example: final drive 3.133, 1st 4.596, 2nd 2.724, 3rd 1.863, 4th 1.464, 5th 1.231, 6th 1.000, 7th 0.824, 8th 0.685, reverse 2.176.

What cars was the Toyota AA81E installed on?

Lexus GS200t 4 (L10) in 2015 – 2017; Lexus GS300 4 (L10) in 2017 – 2020; Lexus GS350 4 (L10) in 2013 – 2020; Lexus IS200t 3 (XE30) in 2015 – 2017; Lexus IS300 3 (XE30) since 2015; Lexus IS350 3 (XE30) since 2013 and 5 more (see the full list above).

What are the common problems of the Toyota AA81E?

At first owners complained about delays when shifting from second to third gear. New control unit firmware then appeared and the problem became irrelevant. All known problems.

El Guardiola
Author
El Guardiola

Doctor of Technical Sciences, former engineer at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee (10 years of experience), holder of certificates and patents for inventions, author of a training manual for employees of the Volkswagen Group of America.
I consider the automotive transmission to be one of the most ingenious mechanisms in a car and I want to provide information about gearboxes to a wide range of car owners.

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