Lexus NX Common Problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several issues with the electrical system in the 2024 Lexus NX, with a notable pattern of 12V battery failures that leave the vehicle non-responsive, often after short-distance driving. Complaints frequently mention being stranded due to unexpected battery drainage and describe instances where the vehicle's doors lock and become inoperable, sometimes trapping occupants inside. These issues typically arise around 5,000 to 19,000 miles. Safety implications include two crashes with injuries and one fire originating from the driver's side door, raising concerns about potential risks when electrical failures occur. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly if considering a plug-in hybrid model, as multiple complaints suggest unresolved issues with battery and app communication systems.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 4 injury reports

FUEL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Lexus NX frequently report issues with the availability of parts needed for recall repairs related to the fuel system. Many complaints indicate that the manufacturer has not provided the necessary parts to complete these repairs in a timely manner, with no failures experienced yet by the complainants. In one instance, a vehicle exhibited fluctuating RPMs at a red light, and diagnostic codes pointed to a faulty fuel injector, with the issue occurring at approximately 144,000 miles. No safety incidents such as crashes or fires are reported in connection with these complaints, but potential buyers should be aware of the delays in recall-related repairs and the isolated case of fuel injector failure.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Lexus NX report issues primarily related to the fuel pump recall, with several complaints indicating delays in receiving a remedy from the manufacturer, sometimes extending over a year. Symptoms frequently mentioned include the vehicle stalling or experiencing a sudden loss of power, particularly when accelerating from a stop or while driving at higher speeds, which could increase the risk of accidents. Some reports describe the vehicle struggling to accelerate or rolling slowly before regaining normal function. These issues often occur sporadically, making them difficult to reproduce for diagnostics. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially if the vehicle has not yet received the necessary recall repairs.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2024 Lexus NX report several distinct issues under the "UNKNOWN OR OTHER" category. A common problem involves the vehicle's doors, with multiple owners experiencing unexpected door unlocking while driving, accompanied by wind noise and warning alerts. Another issue frequently mentioned is the malfunctioning of the CarPlay system, which disrupts hands-free phone calls and voice commands, reportedly due to a pending software update. Additionally, one owner describes a crash incident where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while parking. Complaints also include a vibration in the steering wheel at specific speeds, which some attribute to the hybrid powertrain, and issues with key fob availability due to a chip shortage. These reports are noted soon after purchase, with some issues persisting despite dealer intervention. Safety implications are highlighted by the crash report and the potential for sudden vehicle stoppage or acceleration.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Lexus NX frequently report issues with windshield durability, with multiple complaints describing small impacts from pebbles leading to extensive cracking across the windshield. These incidents often occur shortly after windshield replacement, suggesting a potential issue with the glass quality. Additionally, there are reports of the driver-side mirror vibrating at speeds over 40 mph, which some owners find distracting and potentially hazardous. Another complaint involves the trunk failing to open automatically, which could present a safety risk in emergencies. While specific mileage is not consistently mentioned, these issues appear to arise during regular use and are a concern for potential buyers evaluating the vehicle's reliability and safety.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners report two primary issues with the 2020 Lexus NX related to visibility and wiper components. Multiple complaints describe the sunroof spontaneously exploding while driving, with glass shattering into the vehicle's interior, often when traveling at highway speeds. This issue appears in vehicles with as few as 3,200 miles, suggesting it can occur early in the vehicle's life. Another reported problem involves the driver side mirror shaking when driving over 60 mph. These issues have safety implications, particularly the sunroof explosions, which could lead to potential injury from flying glass, though no injuries are reported in the complaints.

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2018 Lexus NX report issues with the service brakes, often describing brake failure during operation. Complaints frequently mention the brake pedal going to the floor and brakes being unresponsive, sometimes leading to unintended acceleration. Two incidents involve crashes, with one resulting in a minor injury. The problems are noted at varying mileages, including around 17,000 and 40,000 miles. These reports indicate potential safety risks, such as loss of vehicle control and collisions, which prospective buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

STRUCTURE

Owners report two primary issues with the structure of the 2024 Lexus NX. Multiple owners describe incidents where the sunroof unexpectedly explodes while driving, both on local roads and highways, with no apparent external cause. Additionally, complaints frequently mention that in snowy conditions, the vehicle's standard headlights accumulate snow, leading to a significant reduction in visibility and causing the safety features to shut down. This requires drivers to frequently stop and manually clear snow from the headlights to maintain visibility. These issues are reported without specific mileage ranges, but they present potential safety concerns due to impaired visibility and unexpected sunroof failure.