Lexus NX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Every Lexus NX model year (20152026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

12
Years Tracked
18
Total Recalls
224
Total Complaints
42
Reported Injuries
0
Reported Deaths

Lexus NX Years to Avoid

#1 WORST
2024

4 recalls · 30 complaints

8 reported injuries

Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Problem score: 58

#2 WORST
2015

2 recalls · 39 complaints

6 reported injuries

Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Problem score: 57

#3 WORST
2017

0 recalls · 20 complaints

11 reported injuries

Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES

Problem score: 42

Best Lexus NX Years to Buy

#1 BEST
2026

0 recalls · 1 complaint

Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Problem score: 1

#2 BEST
2021

0 recalls · 12 complaints

Main area: ENGINE

Problem score: 12

#3 BEST
2023

2 recalls · 5 complaints

Main area: STRUCTURE:BODY

Problem score: 13

Found the right year? Verify that specific NX with a free VIN report.

Lexus NX — Year-by-Year Problem Report

YearRecallsComplaintsInjuriesDeathsProblem ScoreVerdict
202601
1
Excellent
2025393
24
Caution
20244308
58
Avoid
2023251
13
Good
20223202
33
Caution
2021012
12
Good
20200194
27
Caution
20192341
42
Avoid
20181162
23
Caution
201702011
42
Avoid
20161194
30
Caution
20152396
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: 2026

Recent 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: 2016

Mid-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 4 recalls, 30 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 58 — 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.

Run a Free VIN Report →