Lexus NX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lexus NX model year (2015–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lexus NX Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 40 complaints
10 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 69
3 recalls · 40 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 61
0 recalls · 20 complaints
11 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 42
Best Lexus NX Years to Buy
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 2
0 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 12
3 recalls · 9 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 20
Found the right year? Verify that specific NX with a free VIN report.
Lexus NX — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 2 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 4 | 16 | 3 | — | 34 | Caution |
| 2024 | 3 | 40 | 10 | — | 69 | Avoid |
| 2023 | 3 | 9 | 1 | — | 20 | Good |
| 2022 | 4 | 21 | 2 | — | 37 | Caution |
| 2021 | 0 | 12 | — | — | 12 | Good |
| 2020 | 0 | 24 | 4 | — | 32 | Caution |
| 2019 | 1 | 35 | 1 | — | 40 | Caution |
| 2018 | 1 | 17 | 2 | — | 24 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 20 | 11 | — | 42 | Caution |
| 2016 | 1 | 20 | 4 | — | 31 | Caution |
| 2015 | 3 | 40 | 6 | — | 61 | Avoid |
All 12 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Lexus NX Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent NX models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 2 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade NX units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year NX should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2024 Lexus NX if possible. It has 3 recalls, 40 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 69 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year NX to buy?+
The 2026 Lexus NX is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 2. It has only 0 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which NX has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2021, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Lexus NX Research
Check a Specific Lexus NX VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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