Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Lexus NX is known for (2013–2021), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Ask for the fuel pump recall record, and on the drive feel for surging or hesitation and watch for warning lights.
Why it matters: The register states the fuel pump may stop operating, warning lights and messages display, the engine may run rough, and the vehicle can stall and not restart. It is a free dealer fix, but an unrectified car cannot responsibly be retailed.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Check that with brake hold on, undoing the driver's seat belt makes the parking brake engage and the car doesn't creep.
Why it matters: Lexus told MLIT that the brake control computer software was inadequate, that the car may not be able to switch from brake hold into parking brake, and that a driver doing something like unbuckling the seat belt while stopped on brake hold can have the car move off unintentionally. The remedy is a software change, so a car that has never been back to a Lexus dealer since import may still behave this way.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Check for warning lights that stay on together, and look for a mid-2025 brake campaign entry in the service book.
Why it matters: Lexus notified a service campaign in Japan stating that on the electric brake actuator, frequent braking wears the hydraulic control valve earlier than expected, that several warning lamps then light together, and that continued use brings on a buzzer and needs more pedal effort for less braking.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Ask about hard starting or stalling, and look for a fuel pump recall entry dated November 2023 or later.
Why it matters: Lexus filed a further recall with MLIT in November 2023 for cars built 2017 to 2020 over the same fault as the earlier campaign: the resin impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump was moulded at too low a density, it swells in fuel and deforms, touches the pump case, the pump works badly and the engine can stop while the car is being driven.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Look through each dry front door window at a low angle for milky haze or cloudy patches that won't wipe off.
Why it matters: Lexus published a free repair notice in Japan stating that front door glass coated with an ultraviolet absorbing film, or an ultraviolet and infrared absorbing film, can have that coating damaged by strong glass cleaner and then hazed white by ultraviolet light.
Sources: 1
Got a question about a Lexus NX? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.