Top Lexus NX fixes every owner should know

Cheap, practical fixes for the Lexus NX faults you actually meet, with rough costs and what a garage will charge.

Lexus NX
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

Lexus NX owners should be aware of common faults such as infotainment glitches, suspension noise, battery drain, brake problems, and oil leaks. Understanding these issues and their fixes can save time and money on repairs, with costs ranging from £30 to £300 for parts and £60 to £120 per hour for garage labour.

Infotainment System Issues

Many Lexus NX models from 2014 to 2021 experience infotainment system glitches, including freezing screens and unresponsive controls. A software update may resolve the issue if you are comfortable with electronics. Otherwise, a garage may charge around £80 for a diagnostic and update.

Suspension Noise

Suspension noise is a frequent complaint in models from 2015 to 2020, often caused by worn bushings or struts. A DIYer can replace bushings for around £50, while strut replacement can cost about £150 in parts. Garage labour may add £100 to £150 to the total cost, and this fix can be temporary if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Battery Drain

Battery drain issues are common in Lexus NX models from 2016 to 2021, often due to a faulty alternator or parasitic draw from electronics. You can test the alternator at home with a multimeter. If replacement is needed, expect to pay around £200 for parts, with garage labour likely adding £80 to £120. Fixing the alternator is a permanent solution.

Brake Problems

Brakes can wear out, particularly on models from 2014 to 2019, with symptoms including squeaking or grinding noises. Replacing brake pads is a straightforward DIY job costing around £50 for parts. If rotors need replacing, that could add another £100. Garage labour for brake jobs typically ranges from £60 to £100, and this fix is generally long-lasting.

Oil Leaks

Oil leaks can occur in Lexus NX models from 2015 to 2020, often from the valve cover gasket. A DIY replacement of the gasket costs around £30. If you opt for a garage, expect to pay £100 to £150 for the job. This is usually a permanent fix, provided no other issues exist.

Lexus NX MOT record

From 31,208 recorded MOT tests, 6.8% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20223,1682.9%23,014 mi
20214,2454.6%29,029 mi
20203,9195.2%35,295 mi
20194,3346.4%41,660 mi
20184,2287.3%50,229 mi
20173,7507.6%57,051 mi
20163,6709.4%63,937 mi
20153,06710.7%74,507 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements30.4%
  2. A tyre seriously damaged24.1%
  3. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn20.2%
  4. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm14.6%
  5. Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen10.7%

Figures cover every Lexus NX tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Lexus NX official figures

Median across 67 variants on sale, electricity / petrol, petrol electric.

Combined economy
47 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
136 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common faults with the Lexus NX?

Common faults include infotainment issues, suspension noise, battery drain, brake problems, and oil leaks.

Can I fix these issues myself?

Many issues can be tackled as DIY projects, but some may require professional help.

How much do repairs typically cost?

Parts can range from £30 to £300, while garage labour can cost between £60 and £120 per hour.

Are these fixes permanent?

Some fixes are temporary patches, while others can provide a long-term solution.

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Sources