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
2 recalls · 39 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 57
4 recalls · 22 complaints
8 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 50
0 recalls · 20 complaints
11 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 42
Best Lexus NX Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 1
0 recalls · 11 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 11
4 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 19
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 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 5 | 10 | 3 | — | 31 | Caution |
| 2024 | 4 | 22 | 8 | — | 50 | Avoid |
| 2023 | 4 | 5 | 1 | — | 19 | Good |
| 2022 | 6 | 20 | 2 | — | 42 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 0 | 11 | — | — | 11 | Good |
| 2020 | 0 | 19 | 4 | — | 27 | Caution |
| 2019 | 2 | 34 | 1 | — | 42 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 1 | 15 | 2 | — | 22 | Caution |
| 2017 | 0 | 20 | 11 | — | 42 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 0 | 19 | 4 | — | 27 | Caution |
| 2015 | 2 | 39 | 6 | — | 57 | 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 1 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 2015 Lexus NX if possible. It has 2 recalls, 39 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 57 — 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 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint 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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