NX (AZ10)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
2AR-FXE, 2JM, 2FM
2.5L 4-cyl / 112 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Lexus NX Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
8AR-FTS
2.0L 4-cyl / 235 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2015-2021 Lexus NX
Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 6 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Sample complaint excerpts
High-Voltage Battery
- [2015] 12-VOLT BATTERY IN TRUNK AREA SHORTED/FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING DANGEROUS CONDITIONS: 1. INABILITY TO OPEN THE TRUNK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE (THERE IS NO EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE IN THIS VEHICLE, POWER ASSISTED TRUNK RELEASE DISABLES MECHANICAL DOOR OPENING AFTER BATTERY FAILURE). 2. ENGAGED CHILD LOCKS DID NOT RELEASE WITH BATTERY FAILURE, SO PASSENGER DOORS WERE ALSO NON
- [2015] 12-VOLT BATTERY IN TRUNK AREA SHORTED/FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING DANGEROUS CONDITIONS: 1. INABILITY TO OPEN THE TRUNK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE (THERE IS NO EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE IN THIS VEHICLE, POWER ASSISTED TRUNK RELEASE DISABLES MECHANICAL DOOR OPENING AFTER BATTERY FAILURE). 2. ENGAGED CHILD LOCKS DID NOT RELEASE WITH BATTERY FAILURE, SO PASSENGER DOORS WERE ALSO NON
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2015] 12-VOLT BATTERY IN TRUNK AREA SHORTED/FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING DANGEROUS CONDITIONS: 1. INABILITY TO OPEN THE TRUNK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE (THERE IS NO EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE IN THIS VEHICLE, POWER ASSISTED TRUNK RELEASE DISABLES MECHANICAL DOOR OPENING AFTER BATTERY FAILURE). 2. ENGAGED CHILD LOCKS DID NOT RELEASE WITH BATTERY FAILURE, SO PASSENGER DOORS WERE ALSO NON
- [2015] 12-VOLT BATTERY IN TRUNK AREA SHORTED/FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING DANGEROUS CONDITIONS: 1. INABILITY TO OPEN THE TRUNK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE (THERE IS NO EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE IN THIS VEHICLE, POWER ASSISTED TRUNK RELEASE DISABLES MECHANICAL DOOR OPENING AFTER BATTERY FAILURE). 2. ENGAGED CHILD LOCKS DID NOT RELEASE WITH BATTERY FAILURE, SO PASSENGER DOORS WERE ALSO NON
Electric Propulsion
- [2016] While driving down the Interstate 75 at 70 mph the car completely lost engine power and the whole dashboard lit up. It would not respond to acceleration. I had to pull the car over to the side of the road. I re-started the car and it started back up and worked normally. The following day while on I-75 the car experienced reduced power this time. The car would not accelerate above 20 mph . We g
- [2016] While driving down the Interstate 75 at 70 mph the car completely lost engine power and the whole dashboard lit up. It would not respond to acceleration. I had to pull the car over to the side of the road. I re-started the car and it started back up and worked normally. The following day while on I-75 the car experienced reduced power this time. The car would not accelerate above 20 mph . We g
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Lexus NX regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Lexus NX200t vehicles manufactured December 18, 2014, to February 2, 2015. These vehicles are equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TRAC), and Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC) which are controlled by an ABS actuator. A component inside the actuator may have been damaged during its assembly and may cause the actuator to not function properly.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2015-2021 Lexus NX problems?
The 2015-2021 Lexus NX has accumulated 200 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Fuel System, Brakes, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Lexus NX engine is most reliable?
The 2015-2021 Lexus NX was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2015-2021 Lexus NX a good used car?
The 2015-2021 Lexus NX can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 200 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2021 Lexus NX have?
The 2015-2021 Lexus NX has 200 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2015-2021 Lexus NX?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2021 Lexus NX vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Lexus NX?
Before buying a used Lexus NX, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Fuel System, Brakes, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the NX?
The 2021 Lexus NX received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.0% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 200 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.