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.





