2021 Lexus NX recalls & problems
The 2021 Lexus NX has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 17 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is engine (3 complaints).

Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2021 Lexus NX.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings


2021 Lexus NX 300 SUV AWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16% |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
2021 Lexus NX 300 SUV FWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16.1% |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
2021 Lexus NX 300h SUV AWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16% |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
NX 300h AWD Hybrid
| City / highway | 33 / 30 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,150/year to fuel
NX 300
| City / highway | 22 / 28 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,300/year to fuel
NX 300 AWD
| City / highway | 22 / 28 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel
NX 300 AWD F Sport
| City / highway | 22 / 27 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | — |
| Visibility Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior; Sun/moon roof assembly | 3 | — |
| Tires Sidewall | 2 | — |
| Forward collision avoidance Warnings; Automatic emergency braking | 2 | — |
| Electrical system | 2 | — |
| Service brakes | 2 | — |
| Unknown or other | 2 | — |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | — |
| Seat belts | 1 | — |
| Lane departure Warning | 1 | — |
| Structure Body | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Apr 1, 2026Engine
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump and related fuel system sensor failed, resulting in a sudden loss of engine power. The failure was confirmed by diagnostic trouble codes retrieved by an independent mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost power and became inoperable, leaving me unable to accelerate or maintain speed. This created a dangerous situation with surrounding traffic, including a truck traveling behind me, increasing the risk of a rear-end… - Mar 18, 2026Fuel/propulsion system
My vehicle has slowed while driving four times within the last 12 months. I have taken it to the Hendrick Lexus dealership in Charlotte as well as the Scott Clark Toyota dealership in Charlotte. I was told by the Lexus dealership they could not find anything wrong (this was back in July 2025). The Toyota dealership stated (March 2026) that there may be a problem with the fuel pump, but they were unable to confirm this issue and after getting the vehicle back the same thing happened while driving. This has been concerning. It is very dangerous for us to drive the vehicle at this point. I see that there has been a safety recall introduced in the state of Georgia at a Smyrna Lexus dealership,… - Apr 11, 2025 · 2 injuriesElectrical system
Vehicle began exhibiting multiple electrical safety issues around April 2025. EMF (electromagnetic field) levels were measured and found to be excessively high, causing physical discomfort and triggering health concerns for my disabled son and me. We both sought medical attention. Two independent mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed it showed signs of water intrusion or exposure to hazardous materials â including corrosion, damage to internal components, and abnormal underbody residue. I reported this to Lexus in April and also submitted a lemon claim, but they have failed to act or resolve the matter despite multiple follow-ups. Additional issues include malfunctioning GPS,… - Mar 3, 2025 · crashService brakes
Coming down a steep, narrow, long driveway leading from a private home on a hill, and moving forward in low gear, I allege that the brakes failed. After 3-5 attempts at braking, we came off the cement driveway as we accelerated and slid off the side of the hill, turning over onto the driver's side of the car and coming to rest near a dropoff, held by the branches of an oak tree. Fire engines came, and the Jaws of Life were applied, basically demolishing the car (which did hold together as we slid along). The seat belts also did their job. The car was removed from the towing yard in Grover Beach, CA, to Fresno, CA, whereupon the car's computer was inspected by an engineer hired by Lexus. He… - Mar 24, 2023 · 40,000 milesEngine
The 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. - Jan 17, 2025Air bags
The 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. - Oct 24, 2024 · 37,718 milesVisibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, his father heard the car alarm sounding off. The contact went to inspect the vehicle and saw that sunroof glass had shattered. The contact stated that he reviewed the home security footage and observed that the sunroof glass had not been impacted by an object for the sunroof glass to shatter. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,718. - Sep 10, 2024Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
The left-hand side outer rear-view mirror vibrates while driving causing safety hazard as it is difficult to clearly see cars behind, or potentially passing while the glass is shaking; yes it is risky; the Lexus dealer in Frederick CO has confirmed the problem. There is currently a warning for other years with the same problem; this is a 2021 NX 300
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.