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 post-2022 redesign appr
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.
Interior Rattles and Build Quality — Rattles from dashboard, center console, infotainment screen, seatbelt area, overhead light, and doors. Loose trim pieces and poorly finished components (e.g., paddle shifter edges). Frequency: very frequent.
Power Liftgate Malfunction — Fails to close, beeps and reopens repeatedly due to faulty pinch protection sensors; noted as a common problem across Toyota/Lexus models. Frequency: recurrent.
Air Conditioning (AC) Failures — In first-generation models (2015), AC blowing hot air due to failed servo motors, requiring expensive repairs (~$2,600). Also, general lack of cooling potentially linked to damper motor issues. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the NX.
Typical used price
Used NX listings typically run $49,231–$53,068 across 2026 to 2026 model years.