LEXUS NX · model year

2021 LEXUS NX

23 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021LEXUSNX carries 23 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 3 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 NX is electrical system with 2 filings, followed by engine (2) and service brakes (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2021 NX. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

23
Complaints
1
Crashes
3
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

23 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
ENGINE2
SERVICE BRAKES2
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
SEAT BELTS1
TIRES1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
AIR BAGS1

Recent Complaints

20250804ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle began exhibiting multiple electrical safety issues around April 2025. EMF (electromagnetic field) levels were measured and found to be excessively high, causing physical discomfort and triggering health concerns for my disabled son and me. We both sought medical attention. Two independent mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed it showed signs of water intrusion or exposure to hazardous materials — including corrosion, damage to internal components, and abnormal underbody residue. I reported this to Lexus in April and also submitted a lemon claim, but they have failed to act or resolve the matter despite multiple follow-ups. Additional issues include malfunctioning GPS, flickering interior lighting, and system errors suggesting possible electrical instability. I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle due to the ongoing risks and lack of manufacturer response. This is a serious failure of duty to inform, inspect, or repair — and may indicate deeper electrical or str

20250804UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle began exhibiting multiple electrical safety issues around April 2025. EMF (electromagnetic field) levels were measured and found to be excessively high, causing physical discomfort and triggering health concerns for my disabled son and me. We both sought medical attention. Two independent mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed it showed signs of water intrusion or exposure to hazardous materials — including corrosion, damage to internal components, and abnormal underbody residue. I reported this to Lexus in April and also submitted a lemon claim, but they have failed to act or resolve the matter despite multiple follow-ups. Additional issues include malfunctioning GPS, flickering interior lighting, and system errors suggesting possible electrical instability. I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle due to the ongoing risks and lack of manufacturer response. This is a serious failure of duty to inform, inspect, or repair — and may indicate deeper electrical or str

20250804EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Vehicle began exhibiting multiple electrical safety issues around April 2025. EMF (electromagnetic field) levels were measured and found to be excessively high, causing physical discomfort and triggering health concerns for my disabled son and me. We both sought medical attention. Two independent mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed it showed signs of water intrusion or exposure to hazardous materials — including corrosion, damage to internal components, and abnormal underbody residue. I reported this to Lexus in April and also submitted a lemon claim, but they have failed to act or resolve the matter despite multiple follow-ups. Additional issues include malfunctioning GPS, flickering interior lighting, and system errors suggesting possible electrical instability. I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle due to the ongoing risks and lack of manufacturer response. This is a serious failure of duty to inform, inspect, or repair — and may indicate deeper electrical or str

20250406CrashSERVICE BRAKES

Coming down a steep, narrow, long driveway leading from a private home on a hill, and moving forward in low gear, I allege that the brakes failed. After 3-5 attempts at braking, we came off the cement driveway as we accelerated and slid off the side of the hill, turning over onto the driver's side of the car and coming to rest near a dropoff, held by the branches of an oak tree. Fire engines came, and the Jaws of Life were applied, basically demolishing the car (which did hold together as we slid along). The seat belts also did their job. The car was removed from the towing yard in Grover Beach, CA, to Fresno, CA, whereupon the car's computer was inspected by an engineer hired by Lexus. He reported no failures. Besides me, the driver, there were two other occupants. My sister has sustained whiplash, and her boyfriend is having some pain in his hip. I seem to be fine. The other occupants were held in place by the seat belts. I was held by my belt and was also resting against

20250324ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle slowly lost automotive power and decelerated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the vehicle to continue driving normally. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, and Service Soon warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

20250324TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle slowly lost automotive power and decelerated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the vehicle to continue driving normally. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, and Service Soon warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

20250324FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle slowly lost automotive power and decelerated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the vehicle to continue driving normally. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, and Service Soon warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

20250215AIR BAGS

The passenger airbag light is constantly on. When no one is sitting on the chair, the light states that the air bag is off and when someone is sitting in the chair, the airbag light states that it is on. I just purchased this used car a month ago from a Toyota dealership. Two weeks in with no accident whatsoever, the problem had occurred. I noticed the airbag light turned on when I first purchased the car but it would quickly turned off completely after a while.

20241025VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, his father heard the car alarm sounding off. The contact went to inspect the vehicle and saw that sunroof glass had shattered. The contact stated that he reviewed the home security footage and observed that the sunroof glass had not been impacted by an object for the sunroof glass to shatter. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,718.

Mileage: 37,718

20241010VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

The left-hand side outer rear-view mirror vibrates while driving causing safety hazard as it is difficult to clearly see cars behind, or potentially passing while the glass is shaking; yes it is risky; the Lexus dealer in Frederick CO has confirmed the problem. There is currently a warning for other years with the same problem; this is a 2021 NX 300

20240816UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My sunroof exploded outward while I was driving on the highway. It sounded like a gunshot and sent glass flying everywhere. There was no prior damage to the sunroof which is why I fully believe the materials- glass and frame were defective which led to the explosion

20240803VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

As I was driving, , I suddenly heard a very loud noise. I didn’t know what it was till I was going to turn to look at the side view mirror of any cars or pedestrians passing. Then only I realized it was my right view mirror that suddenly blew up.. I was lucky that it didn’t blew up in crosswalk where people were standing or waiting to cross because the fragments could have hit anyone..

20240617SERVICE BRAKES

I am writing to express my deep disappointment with the service I have received regarding my 2021 Lexus NX 300, which I purchased pre-owned in October 2022 with approximately 8,000 miles. I trusted in Lexus's renowned reputation for luxury, dependability, and premium comfort. However, my experience with your service department has significantly diminished that trust. Since my initial report of a recurring issue with the braking system on [XXX], 2023, where I heard a cracking sound in the tire and brake area as if the brakes and wheels were about to fail, I have made multiple visits to the dealership. These visits include: [XXX], 2023: Initial concern reported. No findings were made. [XXX], 2023: Returned to the dealership, noise was noticed, and advised that the braking pins required replacing. Left the dealership with a louder noise issue. [XXX], 2023: Christopher Villacreses acknowledged a few complaints regarding the braking system but stated there was no solution and no recall on

20231124TIRES:SIDEWALL

Driving 35 MPH in right lane, heard popping sound from driver side front tire, difficult to steer car as air deflated immediately from tire, pulled over to side of road. Was difficult steering car after tire deflated, felt at risk and had 94 year old passenger in car. tow truck driver stated it looked like a defective tire. warning light of low tire pressure came on as the tire rapidly deflated tire size 225/65R 17

20231102FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving our Lexus on 8/13/2023 on the interstate under normal driving conditions ALL of our warning lights came on one after another. We also lost air conditioning and power brakes it seemed. We immediately exited and pulled over. Opened the hood and the engine caught fire and fully engulfed the engine compartment. From the time of the first warning light to the vehicle being engulfed was probably 5 - 7 minutes. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. We filed a product liability claim with Lexus/Toyota and they investigated the vehicle on or around 8/28/2023 and were not able to determine a cause of the fire. Because they could not determine a cause our claim was denied. Our car was perfectly maintained and only had 15,000 miles on it at the time of the fire. We bought this vehicle new almost two years to the day of the fire and believe the fire was caused by a defective part. We understand it is very difficult to determine the cause of an automobile engine fire. Other c

20231102FireENGINE

While driving our Lexus on 8/13/2023 on the interstate under normal driving conditions ALL of our warning lights came on one after another. We also lost air conditioning and power brakes it seemed. We immediately exited and pulled over. Opened the hood and the engine caught fire and fully engulfed the engine compartment. From the time of the first warning light to the vehicle being engulfed was probably 5 - 7 minutes. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. We filed a product liability claim with Lexus/Toyota and they investigated the vehicle on or around 8/28/2023 and were not able to determine a cause of the fire. Because they could not determine a cause our claim was denied. Our car was perfectly maintained and only had 15,000 miles on it at the time of the fire. We bought this vehicle new almost two years to the day of the fire and believe the fire was caused by a defective part. We understand it is very difficult to determine the cause of an automobile engine fire. Other c

20231102FireSTRUCTURE:BODY

While driving our Lexus on 8/13/2023 on the interstate under normal driving conditions ALL of our warning lights came on one after another. We also lost air conditioning and power brakes it seemed. We immediately exited and pulled over. Opened the hood and the engine caught fire and fully engulfed the engine compartment. From the time of the first warning light to the vehicle being engulfed was probably 5 - 7 minutes. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. We filed a product liability claim with Lexus/Toyota and they investigated the vehicle on or around 8/28/2023 and were not able to determine a cause of the fire. Because they could not determine a cause our claim was denied. Our car was perfectly maintained and only had 15,000 miles on it at the time of the fire. We bought this vehicle new almost two years to the day of the fire and believe the fire was caused by a defective part. We understand it is very difficult to determine the cause of an automobile engine fire. Other c

20221013FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

The forward collision not working when it raining. I took to a dealership and they said they test the system not the car and everything it okay. I did a test myself today (10/13/2022),and the system didn't work. They advertised that on national tv and it not working. The sales person convinced me to get this car because it very safe for my family, and failed miserably. What lexus is doing called false advertisements, and I need your help to fix this situation with my car please.

20221013LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

The forward collision not working when it raining. I took to a dealership and they said they test the system not the car and everything it okay. I did a test myself today (10/13/2022),and the system didn't work. They advertised that on national tv and it not working. The sales person convinced me to get this car because it very safe for my family, and failed miserably. What lexus is doing called false advertisements, and I need your help to fix this situation with my car please.

20221013FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The forward collision not working when it raining. I took to a dealership and they said they test the system not the car and everything it okay. I did a test myself today (10/13/2022),and the system didn't work. They advertised that on national tv and it not working. The sales person convinced me to get this car because it very safe for my family, and failed miserably. What lexus is doing called false advertisements, and I need your help to fix this situation with my car please.

Compare 2021LEXUSNX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 LEXUS NX have?
The 2021 LEXUS NX has 23 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 LEXUS NX?
The most-complained component for the 2021 LEXUS NX is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2021 LEXUS NX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.