Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Lexus NX Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Lexus NX scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 26 owner complaints.
2020 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
Recalls
0
Complaints
26
Complaint Rate
4.7
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
- Year 6 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 2020 Lexus NX?
The 2020 Lexus NX earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2020 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
Its complaint rate (4.7 per 10k sold) sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
Compared to the 2021 Lexus NX, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Lexus NX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Strong reliability score
- No recalls issued
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
- Well-established generation
Cons
- VISIBILITY/WIPER: Two primary issues with the 2020 Lexus NX related to visibility and wiper... (4 complaints)
- 2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2020 Lexus NX With
Common Problem Categories
Other
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- ENGINE (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- TIRES (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- STEERING (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
The 2020 Lexus NX has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 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.
2020 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 2020 Lexus NX
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect fuel injectors and fuel pump for signs of failure
- Check sunroof for cracks or signs of stress
- Test for water leaks around the center console
- Verify engine performance for misfires or stalling
- Ensure adaptive cruise control activates brake lights
Check Any 2020 Lexus NX's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 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.
2020 Lexus NX Common Problems by Component
26 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2020 Lexus NX related to visibility and wiper components. Multiple complaints describe the sunroof spontaneously exploding while driving, with glass shattering into the vehicle's interior, often when traveling at highway speeds. This issue appears in vehicles with as few as 3,200 miles, suggesting it can occur early in the vehicle's life. Another reported problem involves the driver side mirror shaking when driving over 60 mph. These issues have safety implications, particularly the sunroof explosions, which could lead to potential injury from flying glass, though no injuries are reported in the complaints.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the fuel propulsion system in the 2020 Lexus NX, primarily involving the fuel pump and fuel injectors. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle entering limp mode or experiencing a sudden loss of power, often accompanied by shaking. These failures typically occur without warning and have been documented at mileage points as low as 33,000 miles and up to 80,000 miles. The safety implications are notable, with multiple owners describing difficulty controlling the vehicle at highway speeds, posing a risk of accidents. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential issues, especially given the absence of alerts or bulletins from dealers regarding the failures.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lexus NX report issues primarily involving the sunroof and water leakage. One complaint describes the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, which resulted in glass scattering inside the vehicle and a loud noise, though no injuries were reported. Another owner details water intrusion from the center console after a service, attributed to a blocked drain tube, with the issue exacerbating while driving and leading to mold formation. This incident occurred shortly after a 10,000-mile service. No specific mileage or timeline is mentioned for the sunroof issue. Safety implications include potential driver distraction or visibility issues due to sudden glass breakage and water ingress.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lexus NX report issues with the power train, specifically involving sudden loss of engine power and recurring engine/transmission problems. Common symptoms include rapid deceleration despite acceleration input, rough idling, slow acceleration, vibration, fluctuating RPMs, and stalling. These issues are noted in vehicles with mileage under 100,000 miles and have been linked to problems such as a misfire in Cylinder 2 and a faulty cylinder head. Safety implications are significant, as one owner describes a severe power loss while merging onto a highway, creating a risk of collision. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially considering the potential for high repair costs and recurring problems despite previous repairs.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Lexus NX report issues related to engine performance and safety. One complaint describes a vehicle stalling while driving, accompanied by a "Reduced Speed" message and an illuminated check engine light, occurring at approximately 72,283 miles, with a diagnosis indicating a need for cylinder head replacement. Another owner reports an incident involving a fire that started near the front hood of the vehicle while it was parked, with the fire occurring at a mileage of about 3,500 miles; the cause remains undetermined. These complaints highlight potential safety risks, including fire hazards and engine stalling, which prospective buyers should consider, especially when evaluating vehicles with higher mileage.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lexus NX report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving acceleration and braking. One owner describes the vehicle's failure to accelerate properly at highway speeds, with the issue recurring after initial dealer inspection, and the diagnosis pointing to faulty ignition coils around 38,880 miles. Another owner highlights a safety concern where the adaptive cruise control system fails to activate brake lights when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, risking rear-end collisions. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, especially in traffic, and may be of interest to used car buyers considering this model.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintWhile driving at interstate highway speed at approximately 70 mph in heavy rush hour traffic, the vehicle suddenly made a popping sound and immediately lost all engine power. The accelerator became unresponsive, and the vehicle rapidly decelerated without warning. I was forced to coast across lanes to the shoulder to avoid a collision. The engine shut down completely and the vehicle would not restart. This created a serious risk of injury or death due to loss of power in high-speed traffic. The vehicle had to be towed and is currently undrivable. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had a long history of repeated engine misfires. Spark plugs were replaced twice, and a fuel line repair was performed. Despite these repairs, the misfires continued. The sudden engine shutdown occurred without warning.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintBridgestone 235/55 R18. I was driving in the far left Lane on the interstate going 65mph. The tire pressure warning came on. The vehicle seemed too shaky to continue on. I attempted to merge right to get off on the next exit and the vehicle began to shake violently. Before I could exit safely the tire shredded with several loud pops in the 3rd lane of traffic before I was able to merge to the exit. I had to stop on the side of the interstate. I was strong enough to keep control of the vehicle by gripping the steering wheel. The safety of myself and my children were in grave danger traveling on a busy interstate. No cops were called since there was no wreck. This 2020 Lexus NX 300 was a rental from AVIS RENTAL CAR at DFW Airport. This vehicle will be returned to Avis 1/12/23
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintwhen someone seats behind the driver, on the left rear seat, many times the seat belt comes loose and the lamp turns on, the audio makes a sound and verbally says to please put on your seat belt. It sometimes takes two to three tries for someone to successfully put on the seat belt. other times the first time works. I bought this car on December of last year, so I'm not sure it it was inspected before that.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owns a 2020 Lexus NX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel was difficult to operate. There was no warning light illuminated. On another occasion, the steering wheel veered to the left and right. In addition, there was a sudden unintended acceleration. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not reduce in speed. The contact crashed into a side tree, columns, and a divider in order to stop the vehicle. All of the air bags did deploy as intended. There was smoke that caused the contact and his wife to have difficulty breathing. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle system automatically contacted emergency. The police and fire and paramedics arrived on the scene. There was a police report filed. The contact and his wife were unconscious. The police cut the seat belt to pull the contact out safely; however, the wife released herself. The wife injured her left knee; while the contact was injured with bruises and smoke inhalation. The paramedics transported the contact and wife to the hospital. They both received medical treatments and x-ray, then were admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,00.
When Do 2020 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).
2021
0 recalls · 30 complaints
2020(this page)
0 recalls · 26 complaints
2018
1 recall · 36 complaints
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 2020 Lexus NX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lexus NX?
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus NX have?
Is the 2020 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.
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