2021 Lexus NX: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Lexus NX has 34 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and visibility. Owners most often flag 12v battery drain (hybrid models): chronic and severe issue causing dead batteries, requiring frequent jumps or trickle chargers, occurs even with regular driving. owners report multiple roadside assistance calls. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

34
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
2
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Lexus NX vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
6
visibility
6
fuel/propulsion system
4
electrical system
4
service brakes
4

What owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The vehicle is widely praised for its exceptional long-term reliability, with the 2015-2021 generation specifically highlighted as "bulletproof." Owners of the…

  • 12V Battery Drain (Hybrid Models): Chronic and severe issue causing dead batteries, requiring frequent jumps or trickle chargers, occurs even with regular driving. Owners report multiple roadside assistance calls. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Various Electrical Gremlins: Includes malfunctioning power liftgate (faulty pinch sensors), non-working window switches, delayed key fob response, hands-free microphone failure, "reduced engine power" warnings with no drivability loss, and complete audio system failure. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the NX. See the full NX owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used NX listings typically run $49,231–$53,068 across 2026 to 2026 model years.

Other NX model years

Compare every NX year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the NX against its rivals