Last updated: 2026-03-04
2019 Lexus NX Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Lexus NX scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 41 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Recalls
2
Complaints
41
Complaint Rate
7
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$551
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 5 in the First generation (AZ10; 2014) (2015–2021).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation NX (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
First generation (AZ10; 2014)
Should You Buy the 2019 Lexus NX?
The 2019 Lexus NX scores 77/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
With 41 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to fuel propulsion system (10). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Lexus NX, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2018 Lexus NX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Low recall count
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- FUEL SYSTEM issues reported (10 complaints)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues reported (10 complaints)
Compare 2019 Lexus NX With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- FUEL SYSTEM (10)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (10)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- STEERING (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Lexus NX has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Lexus NX Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Lexus NX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Camry, 2019 Lexus NX300, and 2019 RX350L vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TA01 and 25LA01.
2019 Lexus NX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.0%
Safety Technologies
Lexus NX Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$551
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2019 Lexus NX Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Bag Clockspring Replacement | $1,037 – $1,094 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Recover | $61 – $90 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $153 – $224 |
| Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection | $153 – $224 |
| Transmission Position Sensor Replacement | $322 – $386 |
| Headlight Bulb Replacement | $289 – $317 |
| Body Control System Diagnosis & Testing | $61 – $90 |
| Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement | $707 – $771 |
| Horn Replacement | $395 – $509 |
| Intercooler Replacement | $1,069 – $1,368 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2019 Lexus NX
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect brake pads for excessive wear, especially front pads
- Verify parking brake actuator functionality
- Check for open recalls, especially related to the fuel pump
- Test for windshield durability; look for signs of cracking
- Ensure drive shaft bolts are secure and intact
Check Any 2019 Lexus NX's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 NX in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Lexus NX with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Lexus NX Common Problems by Component
41 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL SYSTEM
10 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus NX frequently report issues with the availability of parts needed for recall repairs related to the fuel system. Many complaints indicate that the manufacturer has not provided the necessary parts to complete these repairs in a timely manner, with no failures experienced yet by the complainants. In one instance, a vehicle exhibited fluctuating RPMs at a red light, and diagnostic codes pointed to a faulty fuel injector, with the issue occurring at approximately 144,000 miles. No safety incidents such as crashes or fires are reported in connection with these complaints, but potential buyers should be aware of the delays in recall-related repairs and the isolated case of fuel injector failure.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
10 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus NX report issues primarily related to the fuel pump recall, with several complaints indicating delays in receiving a remedy from the manufacturer, sometimes extending over a year. Symptoms frequently mentioned include the vehicle stalling or experiencing a sudden loss of power, particularly when accelerating from a stop or while driving at higher speeds, which could increase the risk of accidents. Some reports describe the vehicle struggling to accelerate or rolling slowly before regaining normal function. These issues often occur sporadically, making them difficult to reproduce for diagnostics. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially if the vehicle has not yet received the necessary recall repairs.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus NX frequently report issues with windshield durability, with multiple complaints describing small impacts from pebbles leading to extensive cracking across the windshield. These incidents often occur shortly after windshield replacement, suggesting a potential issue with the glass quality. Additionally, there are reports of the driver-side mirror vibrating at speeds over 40 mph, which some owners find distracting and potentially hazardous. Another complaint involves the trunk failing to open automatically, which could present a safety risk in emergencies. While specific mileage is not consistently mentioned, these issues appear to arise during regular use and are a concern for potential buyers evaluating the vehicle's reliability and safety.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus NX report issues with the service brakes, primarily involving premature brake pad wear and parking brake actuator failure. Complaints frequently mention front brake pads needing replacement as early as 12,600 to 15,350 miles, indicating a pattern of excessive wear. One owner describes a parking brake actuator failure at 44,806 miles, which also affected the cruise control functionality and was attributed to a manufacturing defect involving improperly secured screws. Safety implications include the potential for brake malfunctions due to these defects, though no crashes or loss of control incidents are reported. Buyers should be aware of potential early brake pad replacements and verify the condition of the parking brake actuator when considering a used model.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus NX report issues primarily related to the power train, with two distinct problems noted. One complaint describes an air fuel ratio imbalance leading to rough idling and the need for significant engine work, such as cylinder head removal. Another owner details a failure where the drive shaft detached due to missing bolts, causing a loud noise and requiring towing to a dealership. These issues appear to occur without specific mileage references, and the detachment of the drive shaft may have safety implications, as it happened while the vehicle was in motion. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential power train concerns, particularly the drive shaft issue's potential impact on vehicle control.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus NX report issues related to airbag deployment during crashes. In one instance, a vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, leading to a crash with no mention of airbag deployment. Another report describes a collision where a vehicle failed to yield, resulting in a crash where the airbags did not deploy, causing injuries to the driver. These incidents occur at low to moderate speeds (25-40 mph) and involve significant safety implications, including crashes and injury. Buyers should be aware of these reported airbag non-deployment issues when considering this model.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintTHERE IS A REFLECTION ON THE INSIDE OF FRONT WINDOW SHIELD FROM THE SILVER TRIM THAT SURROUNDS THE DASHBOARD MEDIA SCREEN...IF THE SUN IS SHINING OR AT NIGHT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THIS REFLECTION IS VERY ANNOYING AND TAKES ATTENTION AWAY FROM DRIVING SAFELY. I MENTIONED THIS TO AN EMPLOYEE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND HE REPLIED...YES I ALSO HAVE A NEW NX AND I SEE IT BUT IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME!! IT SURE BOTHERS ME.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintWe bought used 2019 Lexus NX 300 with 11573 miles Lexus dealer salesman said the car was still under warranty Before delivery to customer Lexus dealer did performed 161points of service such as : electrical same as mechanical components on entirely of the car and it s/ b working properly without any problems In the past over two years I’ve continued to bring the car back for service Last year I did question ask some service manager about these squeaking noise when driving on the road and they did responded it’s normal ( four original tires are comes with my 2019 Lexus SUV )last time I discovered about two tires brand Dunlop ST 30 size : 225/65R17 -102H show numbers of cracked along to side of the tires and I did mentioned with Lexus dealer but they said its normal and not warranty In the list 161 points of Lexus certified PDF under pages 5 of 6 Section : Hoist items# 114 mention about this condition was covered from Lexus I’ve been trying to work out with them in fact I did contact with two Lexus dealers at Westminster and Riverside city without any luck and only received with “ a runaround “ answers My 2019 Lexus NX 300 shows with 26705 on odometer and I need to report to NHTSA about an unsafe and dangerous issues and prevent it happens in the future customers Thanks for help and let me know if you need more information
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1 complaints)
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaintTHE LEXUS NX 300 F SPORT HAS BEEN AN EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. THE COLLUSION SYSTEM HAS PLACE MY FAMILY AS WELL AS MYSELF IN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO THE POINT THAT I DO NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BRAKED UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND ON BACK ROADS WITH NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME. IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS . WE HAVE HAD THIS LEASE FOR ONE YEAR AND 9 MONTHS AND THE PROBLEM STARTED AT 15,000 MILES AND HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 7 TIMES MOST IMPORTANTLY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSE A PILE UP ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO OUR DESIGNATED LEXUS DEALERSHIP EACH TIME AND BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE DURING THEIR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THEY CONTINUE TO PUSH US AWAY. WE HAVE ALSO REACHED OUT TO THE GENERAL SALES MANAGER AND DUE TO A FAULTY CAR THAT WE WERE GIVEN THEY HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL. MY HUSBAND AND I ALSO REACHED OUT TO LEXUS CORPORATE AND THEY STATE THAT ON THE SERVICE DOCUMENTATION NOT ONCE HAVE THEY STATED THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED, WHICH SHOWS THE REGARD FOR OUR SAFETY IS NOT A PRIORITY . MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE TRIED TO WORK THIS ISSUE OUT IN HOUSE, BUT NOW WE HAVE DECIDED TO EXERCISE OUR CONSUMER RIGHTS AS A CUSTOMER. WE ARE EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED AND THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OF THE ROAD AS OUR LIVES HAVE BEEN IN DANGER AND THE VEHICLE IS TRULY UNSAFE.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintSLIGHT PULL/DRIFT TO THE RIGHT A CONSTANT PULL TO THE RIGHT. I'VE DONE ALIGNMENT DONE, NO ISSUES FOUND WITH ALIGNMENT
When Do 2019 Lexus NX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lexus NX Years
Best Lexus NX Years to Buy
The best Lexus NX year is 2021 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2020 (82/100) and 2018 (79/100).
Lexus NX Years to Avoid
No Lexus NX years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Lexus NX years-to-avoid analysis →Lexus NX Reliability Score Trend
Lexus NX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
Lexus NX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Lexus NX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Lexus NX?
How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus NX have?
Is the 2019 Lexus NX expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Browse More Lexus Models
Browse More 2019 Vehicles
2019 Lexus RX
Score: 82/100
2019 Lexus IS
Score: 79/100
2019 Lexus GX
Score: 78/100
2019 Chevrolet Colorado
Score: 78/100
2019 Mazda 3
Score: 78/100
2019 Hyundai Elantra
Score: 78/100
2019 Lexus UX
Score: 77/100
2019 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 77/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue