Last updated: 2026-03-04

Lexus NX

0 Lexus NX Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Lexus NX average of 78/100

All Lexus NX years score consistently around the model average of 78/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2021 82/100 and the weakest is 2022 75/100.

Verdict

All Lexus NX years score consistently around the model average of 78/100 (75–82 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2021 82/100 and the weakest is 2022 75/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Lexus NX Problems?

Top reported issues across all Lexus NX model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

27 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2022

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL SYSTEM

12 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

SERVICE BRAKES

11 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

STRUCTURE

9 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2023, 2024

Best Lexus NX Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Lexus NX

The 2018 Lexus NX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 36 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Lexus NX. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (6), Fuel Propulsion System (6), Steering (4).

Score: 79/100 (Good)1 recalls36 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Lexus NX Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Lexus NX Reliability Scores by Year

2020 Lexus NX (2020)82/100
2021 Lexus NX (2021)82/100
Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lexus NX years should you avoid?
All Lexus NX years in our database score consistently around the model average of 78/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Lexus NX?
The best year for the Lexus NX is 2021, with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 30 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Lexus NX have?
Across all years in our database, the Lexus NX has a total of 47 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Lexus NX worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2021 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 78/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Lexus NX problems?
The most common Lexus NX problems are unknown or other (27 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (18 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Lexus NX reliable long-term?
The Lexus NX has an average reliability score of 78/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Lexus NX generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Lexus NX generation is the First generation (AZ10; 2014) with an average score of 80/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2021 Lexus NX a good used buy?
Yes, the 2021 Lexus NX is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 30 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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