TireKick

Model-year record

2021 Lexus NX
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2021 Lexus NX

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

17

Reports to NHTSA, 2021

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

24.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Visibility issues lead owner complaints (18% of 17 reports), followed by electrical system (12%).

Visibility18% · 3 reports
Electrical System12% · 2 reports
Service Brakes12% · 2 reports
Tires12% · 2 reports
Air Bags6% · 1 report
Engine6% · 1 report
Fuel System6% · 1 report
Fuel/Propulsion System6% · 1 report

+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 17 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11621943, ODI 11619198, ODI 11606265.

Individual complaint reports(17)

Showing the 17 most recent reports
EngineApr 2026 · ODI 11730281Details +

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 collision or crash. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent mechanic retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating failure of the high-pressure fuel pump and related sensor. A dealership acknowledged the issue but was unable to reproduce the problem at the time of inspection because the codes had cleared. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealership after being towed. No police or insurance inspections were conducted. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no significant warning signs prior to the sudden loss of power. The failure occurred unexpectedly while driving. Diagnostic codes were retrieved immediately after the incident but were no longer present during the dealership inspection.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11730281 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 2026 · ODI 11730073Details +

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, but I have yet to see any other information. I would greatly appreciate an investigation. Thank you.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11730073 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2025 · ODI 11678322 · 2 injuriesDetails +

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 — 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, flickering interior lighting, and system errors suggesting possible electrical instability. I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle due to the ongoing risks and lack of manufacturer response. This is a serious failure of duty to inform, inspect, or repair — and may indicate deeper electrical or structural defects that pose risk to others.

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
2 injuries
Open ODI 11678322 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesApr 2025 · ODI 11653067 · crashDetails +

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 reported no failures. Besides me, the driver, there were two other occupants. My sister has sustained whiplash, and her boyfriend is having some pain in his hip. I seem to be fine. The other occupants were held in place by the seat belts. I was held by my belt and was also resting against the side air bag on the driver's door. The passenger's front side air bag also deployed. There is no confirmation of a problem by the dealer or an independent service center, unless the engineer counts as independent. Other than the engineer, I don't know of any inspection of the vehicle. The Highway Patrol was on the scene but did not write a report as we were on private property. No warning lamps came on that I observed.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11653067 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemMar 2025 · ODI 11650192Details +

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.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11650192 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2025 · ODI 11642887Details +

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.

Reported
Feb 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11642887 at NHTSA →
VisibilityOct 2024 · ODI 11621943Details +

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.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11621943 at NHTSA →
VisibilityOct 2024 · ODI 11619198Details +

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

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Sep 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11619198 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2024 · ODI 11609078Details +

My 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

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11609078 at NHTSA →
VisibilityAug 2024 · ODI 11606265Details +

As I was driving, , I suddenly heard a very loud noise. I didn’t know what it was till I was going to turn to look at the side view mirror of any cars or pedestrians passing. Then only I realized it was my right view mirror that suddenly blew up.. I was lucky that it didn’t blew up in crosswalk where people were standing or waiting to cross because the fragments could have hit anyone..

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11606265 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2024 · ODI 11594768Details +

I am writing to express my deep disappointment with the service I have received regarding my 2021 Lexus NX 300, which I purchased pre-owned in October 2022 with approximately 8,000 miles. I trusted in Lexus's renowned reputation for luxury, dependability, and premium comfort. However, my experience with your service department has significantly diminished that trust. Since my initial report of a recurring issue with the braking system on [XXX], 2023, where I heard a cracking sound in the tire and brake area as if the brakes and wheels were about to fail, I have made multiple visits to the dealership. These visits include: [XXX], 2023: Initial concern reported. No findings were made. [XXX], 2023: Returned to the dealership, noise was noticed, and advised that the braking pins required replacing. Left the dealership with a louder noise issue. [XXX], 2023: Christopher Villacreses acknowledged a few complaints regarding the braking system but stated there was no solution and no recall on the vehicle. When questioned about persistent issues, he advised to bring the car back but was unsure if it would be covered under warranty. [XXX], 2024: After filing a complaint with Corporate, Tim, the Master Technician, was assigned to check the vehicle. I was provided with a loaner car for a week. Upon returning, no explanation of the problem was given, despite my deep concerns for my family's safety. [XXX], 2024: Following a complaint with NCDS, Lexus replaced all brakes on the vehicle. However, the problem persisted and seemingly worsened. Despite five subsequent visits and repeated attempts to address the issue, including replacing the brake kits, pins, and all four brake pads, the problem remains unresolved. I am in fear that my brakes may fail while driving, potentially causing injury to my family or others due to this defect. I feel manipulated by the corporation's lack of transparency regarding the issue, and I no feel safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11594768 at NHTSA →
TiresNov 2023 · ODI 11556673Details +

Driving 35 MPH in right lane, heard popping sound from driver side front tire, difficult to steer car as air deflated immediately from tire, pulled over to side of road. Was difficult steering car after tire deflated, felt at risk and had 94 year old passenger in car. tow truck driver stated it looked like a defective tire. warning light of low tire pressure came on as the tire rapidly deflated tire size 225/65R 17

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11556673 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2023 · ODI 11553141 · fireDetails +

While driving our Lexus on 8/13/2023 on the interstate under normal driving conditions ALL of our warning lights came on one after another. We also lost air conditioning and power brakes it seemed. We immediately exited and pulled over. Opened the hood and the engine caught fire and fully engulfed the engine compartment. From the time of the first warning light to the vehicle being engulfed was probably 5 - 7 minutes. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. We filed a product liability claim with Lexus/Toyota and they investigated the vehicle on or around 8/28/2023 and were not able to determine a cause of the fire. Because they could not determine a cause our claim was denied. Our car was perfectly maintained and only had 15,000 miles on it at the time of the fire. We bought this vehicle new almost two years to the day of the fire and believe the fire was caused by a defective part. We understand it is very difficult to determine the cause of an automobile engine fire. Other comments below: We do not know where the vehicle is now as there was an insurance claim and the insurance company only held it for 30 days. Our safety and the safety of others was at risk luckily no one was injured. Problem has not been reproduced or reviewed by an independent service center. Vehicle was inspected. All electrical warning lights came on

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11553141 at NHTSA →
Lane DepartureOct 2022 · ODI 11489177Details +

The 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.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11489177 at NHTSA →
TiresSep 2022 · ODI 11483075Details +

This is an original equipment Yokohama Geolandar tire with 26,650 miles size 225/60R18. We were traveling on I-80 through a work zone at 50 mph. We noticed our tire pressure indicator was lit. On a separate info screen, I could see the pressure on each tire and watched the passenger front tire at 14 psi and then decline. This told me we had a blowout rather than a leak. The other 3 tires were at the normal 35 psi. Through the work zone, the shoulder was closed, so I had to drive on the tire with inflation below 10 psi until I reached an area wide enough to safely pull over, about 2 miles. The blowout was surprising as we did not hit anything and there were no potholes. Everything was normal until the tire pressure light came on. On inspection at the Lexus dealer, they were unable to determine the cause but noted damage on the sidewall due to driving at low inflation.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11483075 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsMar 2022 · ODI 11457868Details +

middle seat belt in rear seat jammed and would not retract. dealer had to fix

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Mar 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11457868 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperOct 2021 · ODI 11436587Details +

Driver 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 .

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11436587 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
NX 300h AWD2.5L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive333031
NX 3002.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive222825
NX 300 AWD F Sport2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive222724
NX 300 AWD2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive222824

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2021 Lexus NX: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Lexus NX?

Owners filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Lexus NX. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2021 Lexus NX?

The most-reported problem areas are Visibility (18% of complaints) and electrical system (12%).

How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus NX have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2021 Lexus NX as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Lexus NX get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Lexus NX between 24 and 31 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.