Last updated: 2026-10-10
2023 Lexus NX Reliability Report
The 2023 Lexus NX has good reliability and rates above average among 2023 SUVs, though no-start electrical complaints are its main weakness.
Recalls
10
Complaints
27
Complaint Rate
3.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$551
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,750
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Last year of the second generation, with good reliability, a light complaint load, and no-start electrical problems as the main concern.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- STRUCTURE (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (AZ20; 2021).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2nd 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.
2022: Second generation (AZ20; 2021) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (AZ20; 2021).
Should You Buy the 2023 Lexus NX?
Reliability is good for this model year. It rates above average among 2023 SUVs and sits in the middle of the nine scored NX years. Owners filed 27 complaints, and the 2022 and 2024 NX rate about the same, so neither neighbor clearly beats it.
Electrical trouble is the main worry. Some cars fail to start, and a battery shutdown can lock all the doors. One owner was trapped for 50 to 60 minutes in desert heat. Another pattern is water from hand washing reaching a computer under the hood and causing no-start problems. Smaller complaints include a front wiper that stays lifted after a car wash blower dryer and a headliner buzz near the sunroof. Federal recall records list 10 recalls, touching back over prevention, steering, and air bags.
Ask the seller for proof that the steering and air bag recalls were done. On a test drive, listen for headliner noise over uneven pavement and confirm the car starts cleanly.
Compared to the 2024 Lexus NX, which scored the same. See also the 2022 Lexus NX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 27 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Sunroof glass shatters without warning while driving, with nothing striking it... (3 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Car fails to start, and the battery shutting down can lock all the doors (2 complaints)
Compare 2023 Lexus NX With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 10 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
Recall Overview
10
recalls on record
The 2023 Lexus NX has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.3
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Lexus NX Recall Details
10 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Lexus NX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
STEERING, AIR BAGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
STEERING, AIR BAGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Buying a used 2023 Lexus NX? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Lexus NX, and 10 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 Lexus NX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Safety Technologies
Lexus NXRepair 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.
Lexus NX Resale Value
The Lexus NX is estimated to retain about 65.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Lexus NX model overall and is not specific to the 2023 model year.
- Value Retained
- 65.8%
- Depreciation
- 34.2%
- Listings Analyzed
- 113
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Lexus NX depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com2023 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,700–$3,300/yr
Fuel + repair
22–26 city / 28–33 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
36–39 MPG
Running cost: $2,300–$2,450/yr
Fuel + repair
38–41 city / 33–37 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX 250 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 26 | 33 | 28 | $2,150 |
| NX 250 AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,150 |
| NX 350 AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,750 |
| NX 350 AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,750 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX 450h Plus AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 38 | 33 | 36 | $1,900 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Lexus NX.
Inspect the sunroof glass closely for cracks, chips, or upward bowing, and ask whether it has ever been replaced.
Review service records for no-start, dead battery, or door-lock complaints, and have the battery load-tested.
Check under the hood edges for added foam or rubber trim, a sign of a water-intrusion repair.
Drive over rough pavement and listen for buzzing or rattling from the headliner near the sunroof and dome lights.
Lift the driver's side front wiper and confirm it springs back firmly against the glass.
Remote start the car with the app, then open and close the rear doors and watch whether it locks itself.
2023 Lexus NX Common Problems by Component
27 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsSunroof glass shatters without warning while driving, with nothing striking it from inside or out. Reports describe the panel exploding at highway speed, in one case around 75 mph at 22500 miles, and glass visibly bowing upward afterward. Sudden breakage at speed can startle the driver. In at least one case, the warranty claim was denied and the owner was told to file with insurance. A separate report describes the car locking itself while running on app remote start, with the keys and a child still inside.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe car fails to start, and the battery shutting down can lock all the doors. One report describes being trapped inside for 50 to 60 minutes in desert heat until help arrived. The dealer's advice was only to drive the car more often. Another pattern involves water from hand washing getting under the hood into a computer, which causes no-start problems. A dealer added foam trim around the hood as a fix and found the same leak on other cars on its lot.
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsThe driver's side front wiper lifts off the windshield under the blower dryer in automatic car washes and stays upright until someone lowers it by hand. A dealer found the wiper spring working as designed. Separate complaints describe a buzzing or rattling noise from the headliner around the sunroof, worse on uneven pavement. A technician found part of the headliner near the front dome lights was not properly secured, but the noise continued after the inspection.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintThe automatic headlights have a significant delay before turning on when entering a dimly lit parking garage. I have adjusted various car customization settings, but the delay persists. On February 25, 2025, a maintenance technician at Jim Hudson Lexus in Columbia, SC, inspected the issue and confirmed that the headlight sensor is set to the highest sensitivity. The headlights typically take about 15 seconds to activate. Count 15 seconds that is a long time.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintI drive an NX250 and recently took it to a conveyor-style car wash, where you position your front tire in a groove, shift into Neutral, and let the system move the car through. Upon exiting, I experienced an issue where I couldn’t shift directly from Neutral to Drive. Instead, I had to first shift into Park before I could engage Drive. This was especially concerning because I was worried that the car behind me might not have enough time to stop, potentially leading to a rear-end collision. Difficulty shifting from Neutral to Drive after a car wash is a common complaint, especially with newer vehicles that have electronic shifters or safety mechanisms in place.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 Lexus NX450H. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle was several inches away from crashing into another vehicle before the contact was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintMy concern is regarding the auto start-stop feature. It is a concern since the feature is tied to both the brakes and engine, and it could lead to other/bigger issues. When stepping on the brakes to come to a stop, sometimes the auto start-stop feature turns on. Upon releasing the brakes, there is a loud grinding noise. I brought it to the dealer twice for this issue. The first time a master technician got in the car with me, he drove it and he was able to reproduce the sound continuously, at least 10 times. I left my car with them for a week and was told they were never able to reproduce the noise again. I brought my car home and drove it for 5 days and then it started making the noise again. I took it back to the dealership and they kept it for another 5 days. I was told again they were not able to reproduce the noise. There have been no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem. As background, I purchased my car in April of 2023. The noise started in January of 2024, with less than 6800 miles on it. It happened off and on and it took a few weeks for me to realize the noise was tied to the start-stop feature. Once it became more prevalent, that is when I finally called the dealership to explain the issue and got an appointment to take my car in on 2/19/2024. I currently don't have videos to attach but can follow up with videos in the future if needed.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedAirbags failed to deploy during a crash where lexus was hit on driver's side. We got an alert that they malfunctioned. During inspection, the wire for the airbags was pulled which would indicate deployment. Car was totaled.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 Lexus NX350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the Adaptive Cruise Control feature activated, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop while driving by a road with vehicles parked next to the curb. The contact stated that there were no vehicles in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance message was illuminated when the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintThe blind spot never works its been in dealership for 3 times, every time they say issue was fixed but it comes back, Regular issue, keeps happening sometimes the blindspot monitor keeps turned on even if there was no car behind me, which make me difficult to switch lanes, sometimes it pushes me back to lane even if there was no car, almost ended up into car. Very serious technical glitch Almost missed a major accident on freeway
Best & Worst Lexus NX Years
Best Lexus NX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreLexus NX Years to Avoid
No Lexus NX years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 75 and 88 across 9 scored model years.
Lexus NX Reliability Score Trend
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 |
| 2026 | 88/100 | Excellent |
Lexus NX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Lexus NX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Lexus NX?
Does the 2023 Lexus NX have no-start problems?
How many recalls does the 2023 Lexus NX have?
Is the 2023 Lexus NX better than the 2022 or 2024?
Don’t buy a 2023 Lexus NX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 Lexus NX
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Lexus NX does best on repair costs (80/100) and worst on recall impact (75/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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