Likes
- Arguably the class leader for build quality and reliability.
- Thanks to Toyota underpinnings, affordable parts and maintenance.
- Offers everything expected from this category.
- Not the predictable choice compared to the Euro alternatives.
Used Lexus NX review
2014 - 2021
Dislikes
- Lacks some of the appeal of the Euro alternatives.
- Looks aren’t for everyone.
- Early models can ride on the firm side.
- Ummmm…..that’s about it.
Stuff you should know
While Lexus has an incredible and well deserved reputation for quality and reliability, even when used, when it comes to premium medium SUVs, European brands such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes Benz consistently outsell the Japanese manufacturers NX model.
The NX is aimed squarely at the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes Benz GLC however, this being an incredibly competitive segment, the Volvo XC60, a couple of Land Rover or Range Rover models and even a Porsche are potential competitors and just like the host of European counterparts, the NX is available in a host of different flavours.
While there is a newer 2nd generation NX available, this cheat sheet will be focussing on the first generation or 2014 to 2021 AZ10 NX and even within this generation, you’ll have a choice between pre and post update iterations.
Visually very little changed with the update but the safety tech, equipment and even mechanical equipment and suspension were given attention.
There is then a choice of two powertrains, one a Hybrid, the other not and, depending on the model and trim spec, are both available as either front or all wheel drive.
In terms model designations, it is quite easy to understand, pre-update the non-hybrid is named the NX200t, post-update it was renamed NX300, while the hybrid has always been the NX300h.
As far as the trim spec options, again quite easy to navigate, three levels spread across Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury (details below) with a special edition thrown in to keep things exciting.
However, like any premium brand, there were also a host of optional enhancement packs available.
Interestingly, the NX shares a host of mechanical components such as its engine and transmission as well as its base platform with the Toyota RAV4 (Lexus being Toyotas premium brand), which translates to affordable NX easy to access parts and similar if not the same maintenance costs.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
2015 – 2016 models were issued Service bulletins due to the indicator lights malfunctioning. However, the NXs that were affected should’ve had this problem resolved by now.
There have been reports of Certain Driving Assistance features glitching out, for example, the AEB is known to activate itself randomly and slow the car down without any driver input.
There have also been some reports of the door locks being faulty or just failing altogether. Some owners have experienced delays when trying to unlock the door so it can’t be opened straight away, whereas others haven’t been able to open the door at all.
There are very sporadic reports of the sunroof not being cooperative or just staying open when trying to close it.
Interior:
There have been plenty of complaints about the usability of the infotainment system.
There are a few sporadic reports of the screen freezing or glitching out after Apple CarPlay or Android Auto has been installed.
Also, apparently, the electrics can be prone to act up a bit as well, a few owners have reported cases of either the Electric Windows, Headlights or Air Conditioning not working.
Mechanically:
In something of a first, we could not uncover any common faults as such.
There are odd sporadic reports of coil pack or minor cooling system annoyances on very high and poorly maintained examples however, even these are rare.
Mechanically, the NX is potentially the most reliable vehicle not only in this segment but any segment.
Recalls:
- May 2015 – 189 affected units of Toyota Lexus NX 200t AGZ10 & AGZ15 vehicles have a potential ABS actuator fault that may lead to a loss of vehicle stability and increase the risk of accidents.
- December 2016 – Some Lexus NX vehicles equipped with a brake hold function may have a defect where the parking brake may not automatically apply when the system is deactivated, posing a risk of collision.
- April 2020 – Toyota/Lexus vehicles (ES300h, GS, IS, LX, LS, IS-F, LC, RX, NX, RC) from 2013-2020 with 11,505 affected units recalled due to a fuel pump defect that could cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- April 2020 – Fuel pump on certain TOYOTA & LEXUS models (CAMRY, COROLLA, FJ CRUISER, KLUGER, HILUX, PRADO, LC, GS, IS, LS, NX, RC, RX) manufactured between 2013 and 2020 may stop operating, posing a hazard of vehicle stalling and potential accidents resulting in injuries or death.
- April 2022 – Faulty welding of front shock absorber mounting area body panels in Lexus NX350h Hybrid and NX450h Plug-In-Hybrid models (2021-2022) may cause shock absorber detachment, leading to a loss of vehicle control and potential accidents causing harm or fatalities.
Exterior:
2015 – 2016 models were issued Service bulletins due to the indicator lights malfunctioning. However, the NXs that were affected should’ve had this problem resolved by now.
There have been reports of Certain Driving Assistance features glitching out, for example, the AEB is known to activate itself randomly and slow the car down without any driver input.
There have also been some reports of the door locks being faulty or just failing altogether. Some owners have experienced delays when trying to unlock the door so it can’t be opened straight away, whereas others haven’t been able to open the door at all.
There are very sporadic reports of the sunroof not being cooperative or just staying open when trying to close it.
Interior:
There have been plenty of complaints about the usability of the infotainment system.
There are a few sporadic reports of the screen freezing or glitching out after Apple CarPlay or Android Auto has been installed.
Also, apparently, the electrics can be prone to act up a bit as well, a few owners have reported cases of either the Electric Windows, Headlights or Air Conditioning not working.
Mechanically:
In something of a first, we could not uncover any common faults as such.
There are odd sporadic reports of coil pack or minor cooling system annoyances on very high and poorly maintained examples however, even these are rare.
Mechanically, the NX is potentially the most reliable vehicle not only in this segment but any segment.
Recalls:
- May 2015 – 189 affected units of Toyota Lexus NX 200t AGZ10 & AGZ15 vehicles have a potential ABS actuator fault that may lead to a loss of vehicle stability and increase the risk of accidents.
- December 2016 – Some Lexus NX vehicles equipped with a brake hold function may have a defect where the parking brake may not automatically apply when the system is deactivated, posing a risk of collision.
- April 2020 – Toyota/Lexus vehicles (ES300h, GS, IS, LX, LS, IS-F, LC, RX, NX, RC) from 2013-2020 with 11,505 affected units recalled due to a fuel pump defect that could cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- April 2020 – Fuel pump on certain TOYOTA & LEXUS models (CAMRY, COROLLA, FJ CRUISER, KLUGER, HILUX, PRADO, LC, GS, IS, LS, NX, RC, RX) manufactured between 2013 and 2020 may stop operating, posing a hazard of vehicle stalling and potential accidents resulting in injuries or death.
- April 2022 – Faulty welding of front shock absorber mounting area body panels in Lexus NX350h Hybrid and NX450h Plug-In-Hybrid models (2021-2022) may cause shock absorber detachment, leading to a loss of vehicle control and potential accidents causing harm or fatalities.
- April 2022 – Fault: Due to a software issue, certain Lexus models (LX500d Diesel, LX600 Petrol, NX250, NX350, NX350h Hybrid, and NX450h Plug-In-Hybrid) manufactured between 2021-2022 and consisting of 1,122 affected units, may display video images while driving, posing a distraction hazard and increasing the risk of accidents.
- April 2022 – A software issue in Lexus LX & NX models from 2021-2022 may prevent the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system from defaulting to the ON setting when the vehicle is started, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- September 2022 – The Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) steering feature in certain Lexus NX models from 2021-2022 may not operate correctly due to a software issue, potentially increasing the risk of accidents and harm to occupants and other road users.
- September 2022 – Due to a software issue in the Body Control Module (BCM), the Headlamp and the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) in certain Lexus NX350h, NX250, NX350, NX350h & NX450h+ models may remain illuminated simultaneously for 60 seconds when using the Remote Connect Feature, which does not comply with Australian Design Rule ADR13.
- September 2022 – Due to a software issue, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) in Lexus NX250 (AAZA20R – 2WD) and Lexus NX350 (TAZA25R – AWD) models from 2021-2022 may not operate as intended, potentially causing the vehicle to move or roll away if not in the “PARK” position, posing a risk of accidents and injuries to occupants and others on the road.
Exterior:
2015 – 2016 models were issued Service bulletins due to the indicator lights malfunctioning. However, the NXs that were affected should’ve had this problem resolved by now.
There have been reports of Certain Driving Assistance features glitching out, for example, the AEB is known to activate itself randomly and slow the car down without any driver input.
There have also been some reports of the door locks being faulty or just failing altogether. Some owners have experienced delays when trying to unlock the door so it can’t be opened straight away, whereas others haven’t been able to open the door at all.
There are very sporadic reports of the sunroof not being cooperative or just staying open when trying to close it.
Interior:
There have been plenty of complaints about the usability of the infotainment system.
There are a few sporadic reports of the screen freezing or glitching out after Apple CarPlay or Android Auto has been installed.
Also, apparently, the electrics can be prone to act up a bit as well, a few owners have reported cases of either the Electric Windows, Headlights or Air Conditioning not working.
Mechanically:
In something of a first, we could not uncover any common faults as such.
There are odd sporadic reports of coil pack or minor cooling system annoyances on very high and poorly maintained examples however, even these are rare.
Mechanically, the NX is potentially the most reliable vehicle not only in this segment but any segment.
Recalls:
- May 2015 – 189 affected units of Toyota Lexus NX 200t AGZ10 & AGZ15 vehicles have a potential ABS actuator fault that may lead to a loss of vehicle stability and increase the risk of accidents.
- December 2016 – Some Lexus NX vehicles equipped with a brake hold function may have a defect where the parking brake may not automatically apply when the system is deactivated, posing a risk of collision.
- April 2020 – Toyota/Lexus vehicles (ES300h, GS, IS, LX, LS, IS-F, LC, RX, NX, RC) from 2013-2020 with 11,505 affected units recalled due to a fuel pump defect that could cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- April 2020 – Fuel pump on certain TOYOTA & LEXUS models (CAMRY, COROLLA, FJ CRUISER, KLUGER, HILUX, PRADO, LC, GS, IS, LS, NX, RC, RX) manufactured between 2013 and 2020 may stop operating, posing a hazard of vehicle stalling and potential accidents resulting in injuries or death.
- April 2022 – Faulty welding of front shock absorber mounting area body panels in Lexus NX350h Hybrid and NX450h Plug-In-Hybrid models (2021-2022) may cause shock absorber detachment, leading to a loss of vehicle control and potential accidents causing harm or fatalities.
- April 2022 – Fault: Due to a software issue, certain Lexus models (LX500d Diesel, LX600 Petrol, NX250, NX350, NX350h Hybrid, and NX450h Plug-In-Hybrid) manufactured between 2021-2022 and consisting of 1,122 affected units, may display video images while driving, posing a distraction hazard and increasing the risk of accidents.
- April 2022 – A software issue in Lexus LX & NX models from 2021-2022 may prevent the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system from defaulting to the ON setting when the vehicle is started, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- September 2022 – The Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) steering feature in certain Lexus NX models from 2021-2022 may not operate correctly due to a software issue, potentially increasing the risk of accidents and harm to occupants and other road users.
- September 2022 – Due to a software issue in the Body Control Module (BCM), the Headlamp and the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) in certain Lexus NX350h, NX250, NX350, NX350h & NX450h+ models may remain illuminated simultaneously for 60 seconds when using the Remote Connect Feature, which does not comply with Australian Design Rule ADR13.
- September 2022 – Due to a software issue, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) in Lexus NX250 (AAZA20R – 2WD) and Lexus NX350 (TAZA25R – AWD) models from 2021-2022 may not operate as intended, potentially causing the vehicle to move or roll away if not in the “PARK” position, posing a risk of accidents and injuries to occupants and others on the road.
Should you buy it?
Should you buy a Lexus NX, of course you should, in fact, this is THE premium medium sized used SUV you should buy.
Like any used car, make sure it has a full and thorough service history and have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out but, will you get one? Because, as sales figures show, most people keep buying other brands.
Interestingly, when it comes to feats of engineering like cameras, high end hi-fi equipment and musical instruments, complex electronics, architecture, watches, even the most intricate and precise edible delicacies, Japan is regarded as the world leader and there’s no hesitation when it comes to equating Japanese manufacturing with being arguably the best in the world.
Yet, when it comes to cars, again something Japan is renowned for, no matter how often Lexus tops reliability and customer satisfaction surveys, no matter that Lexus prove time and time again that they can match and often beat their competitors in every facet of the automotive experience, the sales figures show that people would rather spend their hard earned cash on brands that are known to be, to put it kindly, a bit disappointing.
That’s the power of marketing and image, no matter how good the Lexus NX is are, chances are, you’re just going to buy something European anyway, such a shame.
Should you buy a Lexus NX, of course you should, in fact, this is THE premium medium sized used SUV you should buy.
Like any used car, make sure it has a full and thorough service history and have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out but, will you get one? Because, as sales figures show, most people keep buying other brands.
Interestingly, when it comes to feats of engineering like cameras, high end hi-fi equipment and musical instruments, complex electronics, architecture, watches, even the most intricate and precise edible delicacies, Japan is regarded as the world leader and there’s no hesitation when it comes to equating Japanese manufacturing with being arguably the best in the world.
Yet, when it comes to cars, again something Japan is renowned for, no matter how often Lexus tops reliability and customer satisfaction surveys, no matter that Lexus prove time and time again that they can match and often beat their competitors in every facet of the automotive experience, the sales figures show that people would rather spend their hard earned cash on brands that are known to be, to put it kindly, a bit disappointing.
That’s the power of marketing and image, no matter how good the Lexus NX is are, chances are, you’re just going to buy something European anyway, such a shame.
Should you buy it?
Should you buy a Lexus NX, of course you should, in fact, this is THE premium medium sized used SUV you should buy.
Like any used car, make sure it has a full and thorough service history and have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out but, will you get one? Because, as sales figures show, most people keep buying other brands.
Interestingly, when it comes to feats of engineering like cameras, high end hi-fi equipment and musical instruments, complex electronics, architecture, watches, even the most intricate and precise edible delicacies, Japan is regarded as the world leader and there’s no hesitation when it comes to equating Japanese manufacturing with being arguably the best in the world.
Yet, when it comes to cars, again something Japan is renowned for, no matter how often Lexus tops reliability and customer satisfaction surveys, no matter that Lexus prove time and time again that they can match and often beat their competitors in every facet of the automotive experience, the sales figures show that people would rather spend their hard earned cash on brands that are known to be, to put it kindly, a bit disappointing.
That’s the power of marketing and image, no matter how good the Lexus NX is are, chances are, you’re just going to buy something European anyway, such a shame.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of June 23, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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