Last updated: 2026-03-04
2021 Lexus NX Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Lexus NX scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 30 owner complaints.
2021 is the last model year of the First generation (AZ10; 2014).
Recalls
0
Complaints
30
Complaint Rate
5.1
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)
2021 is the last model year of the First generation (AZ10; 2014).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 3 years after the last refresh (2018).
- 1st generation NX (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
First generation (AZ10; 2014)
Should You Buy the 2021 Lexus NX?
The 2021 Lexus NX earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2021 is the last model year of the First generation (AZ10; 2014).
Its complaint rate (5.1 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 2022 Lexus NX, which scored 7 points lower. See also the 2020 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: Owners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues related to the vehicle's visibility... (3 complaints)
- 2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2021 Lexus NX With
Common Problem Categories
Other
- VISIBILITY (3)
- TIRES (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
The 2021 Lexus NX has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 17
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
4
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Lexus NX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.1%
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.
2021 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 2021 Lexus NX
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for sunroof glass integrity and check for any signs of cracking or stress
- Test side view mirrors for stability at highway speeds to ensure clear visibility
- Check for any unusual noises from the braking system during a test drive
- Verify all electrical systems, including GPS and interior lighting, for proper function
- Inspect tires for wear and potential sidewall damage, especially if original equipment Yokohama Geolandar
Check Any 2021 Lexus NX's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 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.
2021 Lexus NX Common Problems by Component
30 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues related to the vehicle's visibility components. Multiple complaints describe incidents of sunroof glass shattering without any apparent impact, with one report specifying the failure occurring at a mileage of 37,718. Additionally, there are reports of side view mirrors malfunctioning; one owner notes a vibrating left-hand side mirror that affects visibility, while another describes a right side view mirror that unexpectedly shattered while driving. These issues pose potential safety risks, particularly the mirror problems which could impair the driver's ability to monitor surrounding traffic.
TIRES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues with tire blowouts, specifically involving rapid air deflation. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of air pressure, making steering difficult and potentially compromising safety, particularly when driving at moderate speeds such as 35 to 50 mph. The affected tires are reported as original equipment Yokohama Geolandar, with incidents occurring around 26,650 miles. In both cases, the low tire pressure warning light activates as the tire deflates rapidly, and one owner notes damage to the sidewall after driving on a deflated tire. These incidents highlight potential safety implications, such as loss of vehicle control and the need for immediate attention to tire condition when warning indicators appear.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues with the electrical system, including high electromagnetic field levels causing discomfort and health concerns, and system errors such as malfunctioning GPS and flickering interior lights. One owner describes serious electrical instability potentially linked to water intrusion, with symptoms appearing around April 2025. Another owner reports a fire incident occurring at approximately 15,000 miles, where the engine compartment caught fire shortly after all warning lights activated, leading to a total vehicle loss. These complaints highlight safety implications, with two injuries reported and one vehicle fire, underscoring potential risks for buyers considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues with the service brakes, primarily involving brake failure and persistent noise. One owner describes a crash incident where the brakes allegedly failed while descending a steep driveway, with no warning lamps observed. Another owner reports recurring cracking sounds from the brake area, with multiple dealership visits failing to resolve the issue, despite repeated brake component replacements. These complaints suggest that problems may occur as early as 8,000 miles, with unresolved issues persisting over several months. Safety implications are significant, with one crash reported and ongoing fears of potential brake failure.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle slowly lost automotive power and decelerated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the vehicle to continue driving normally. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, and Service Soon warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintThe passenger airbag light is constantly on. When no one is sitting on the chair, the light states that the air bag is off and when someone is sitting in the chair, the airbag light states that it is on. I just purchased this used car a month ago from a Toyota dealership. Two weeks in with no accident whatsoever, the problem had occurred. I noticed the airbag light turned on when I first purchased the car but it would quickly turned off completely after a while.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintMy sunroof exploded outward while I was driving on the highway. It sounded like a gunshot and sent glass flying everywhere. There was no prior damage to the sunroof which is why I fully believe the materials- glass and frame were defective which led to the explosion
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintThe forward collision not working when it raining. I took to a dealership and they said they test the system not the car and everything it okay. I did a test myself today (10/13/2022),and the system didn't work. They advertised that on national tv and it not working. The sales person convinced me to get this car because it very safe for my family, and failed miserably. What lexus is doing called false advertisements, and I need your help to fix this situation with my car please.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintmiddle seat belt in rear seat jammed and would not retract. dealer had to fix
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintDriver side mirror shakes when traveling on highway, making it difficult to see other vehicles clearly in blindspots. Manufacture closed case saying they called the dealership and my mirror doesn't shake any more than other models. Dealership confirmed most of the nx300 mirrors side view mirrors shake on the highway. Toyota has fixed their rav 4 mirrors, Lexus doesn't have a fix, and doesn't seem interested in finding one. The faster you go over 55 mph the more the side mirror shakes. The jiggle is about half an inch of movement, and a vibrating mirror makes it difficult to tell the difference between cars and other objects .
When Do 2021 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(this page)
0 recalls · 30 complaints
2020
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 2021 Lexus NX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus NX?
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus NX have?
Is the 2021 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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