Owners have filed 23 complaints
about the 2016 Lexus NX with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 38
Against the median year of the Lexus NX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
65.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 Lexus NX
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
521.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 84,000 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
417.4%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
Brakes
417.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 150,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
313.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 75,829 mi
Other & Unspecified
28.7%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 59,000 mi
Airbags
28.7%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 59,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
14.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
14.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 67,658 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
19.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
545.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
218.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
218.2%
150,000+ miles
19.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2019peak 4Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Danville, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
As I was traveling eastbound going 55MPH, a car pulled out in front of me from a parking lot and hit my car in the front passenger side. The impact caused my car to go over both eastbound lanes, the median, both westbound lanes, down a hill, and headfirst into a fence. All passenger side airbags deployed, but my driver airbag did not. The impact from the collision should have caused my airbag to go off, and then head first into the fence should have been a second reason for it to deploy. The airbag not going off could have avoided a concussion and severe neck and back trauma. There is an airbag recall on the year, make, and model of my car but my VIN does not show up as an impacted vehicle. This is being looked into currently by the vehicle manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11485601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for inspection. Fortunately, no other cars were in the parking lot and no one else was hurt. The car will be inspected over the next few days. There weren't any warning signs. I cannot say for sure what mechanical failure occurred to cause the accident, but there was clearly a mechanical failure as the acceleration was beyond my control.
NHTSA complaint #11443883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for inspection. Fortunately, no other cars were in the parking lot and no one else was hurt. The car will be inspected over the next few days. There weren't any warning signs. I cannot say for sure what mechanical failure occurred to cause the accident, but there was clearly a mechanical failure as the acceleration was beyond my control.
NHTSA complaint #11443883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for inspection. Fortunately, no other cars were in the parking lot and no one else was hurt. The car will be inspected over the next few days. There weren't any warning signs. I cannot say for sure what mechanical failure occurred to cause the accident, but there was clearly a mechanical failure as the acceleration was beyond my control.
NHTSA complaint #11443883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,658 milesNorth Hollywood, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE FREEWAY 170 WHEN A VEHICLE HIT ME ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WITCH THE IT PUSH ME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY MAKING ME GO OF THE ROAD AND HITTING A TREE , I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING AT THE MOMENT OF THE IMPACT
NHTSA complaint #11318246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,658 milesNorth Hollywood, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE FREEWAY 170 WHEN A VEHICLE HIT ME ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WITCH THE IT PUSH ME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY MAKING ME GO OF THE ROAD AND HITTING A TREE , I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING AT THE MOMENT OF THE IMPACT
NHTSA complaint #11318246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesSan Gabriel, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2016 Lexus NX 300H. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft and had low performance. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle was slow to respond. The message “Braking Power Low - Visit the Dealer” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a fee for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact contacted another local dealer, Lexus Service of Glendale (1221 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204). The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under Manufacturer Recall: 21L302; for the brake booster assembly and brake booster pump assembly. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
ENGINE
My 2016 Lexus NX200t with approximately 157,000 miles experienced sudden engine stalling, loss of acceleration, and the check engine light illuminated while driving. The loss of power created a dangerous situation because the vehicle was unable to accelerate normally in traffic. These symptoms are consistent with the defective low-pressure fuel pump recall affecting certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles that can cause engine stall and loss of power. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall even though my vehicle is experiencing the same safety defect. I am requesting that this issue be investigated to determine whether additional vehicles, including my model year, should be included in the recall due to the risk of sudden engine stall while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11723586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2016 Lexus NX200t with approximately 157,000 miles experienced sudden engine stalling, loss of acceleration, and the check engine light illuminated while driving. The loss of power created a dangerous situation because the vehicle was unable to accelerate normally in traffic. These symptoms are consistent with the defective low-pressure fuel pump recall affecting certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles that can cause engine stall and loss of power. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall even though my vehicle is experiencing the same safety defect. I am requesting that this issue be investigated to determine whether additional vehicles, including my model year, should be included in the recall due to the risk of sudden engine stall while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11723586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesZephyr Cove, NV
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Lexus NX 200T. The contact discovered oil dripping on the surface of her garage floor underneath the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that there was a rear main seal engine oil leak between the engine and the transmission. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #11682795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesZephyr Cove, NV
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Lexus NX 200T. The contact discovered oil dripping on the surface of her garage floor underneath the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that there was a rear main seal engine oil leak between the engine and the transmission. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #11682795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
POWER TRAIN
2016 NX, F-SPORT. TRANSMISSION FAILURE. DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND SUV JUST WENT INTO LIMP MODE. NO CODE ON DASH BEFORE THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11678169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlborough, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS actuator failed. It is available for inspection upon request. The brakes frequently failed, often requiring the brake pedal to be pressed fully to the floor to stop the vehicle, causing severe jolting and near collisions. This created a life-threatening risk to me, my child, and other drivers on the road. A certified Lexus dealership replicated the brake failure issue multiple times during a test drive and confirmed the defective ABS actuator. A trusted local mechanic also identified faulty components, including the master cylinder and spray-painted calipers. The vehicle has been inspected by the certified Lexus dealer and an independent mechanic. There has been no involvement from police or insurance representatives to date. Recently purchased used at 107k. From the initial test drive before purchase, the brakes felt unsafe. Dealer replaced front brake pads. After purchase, the brake pedal often required full depression to stop the vehicle especially during drives longer than 30 minutes.
NHTSA complaint #11675669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boulder, CO
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The sunroof glass suddenly shattered, for no apparent reason and without warning. There was no collision and no impact by an object. We were driving at freeway speed when we heard a loud bang above our heads. The interior sunroof cover was closed at the time. I slid it partway open and saw that the glass of the sunroof had shattered, so I closed the cover to keep glass from falling in the car. Had it been open at the time of break, the glass would have rained down on the driver and passenger. I have not yet taken it to a dealer or repair shop.
NHTSA complaint #11617115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centerville, TX
ENGINE
while I was driving in the desert, the check engine light come on and then the motor when on a safe mode idling at less than 5 miles per hour, when I approach a hill did not when up to the hill, the car die. when I started the car back the car went pass the hill and drove for about 20 minutes at 5 miles per hour. I disconnected the battery and work fine after resseting the computer. the car has done the same thing at least three more times.
NHTSA complaint #11610268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Osprey, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving down the Interstate 75 at 70 mph the car completely lost engine power and the whole dashboard lit up. It would not respond to acceleration. I had to pull the car over to the side of the road. I re-started the car and it started back up and worked normally. The following day while on I-75 the car experienced reduced power this time. The car would not accelerate above 20 mph . We got off at the next exit. We spent about 10 minutes searching for the closest Lexus dealer and then when we went to start the car again it ran normally. This has subsequently happened a 3rd time where the car would not respond to the accelerator and I had to pull over to the shoulder and re-start the car. Unfortunately there are no error codes showing when we took it to the dealership on both occasions so they are unable to diagnose the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11529896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes have stopped working twice. Each time I'll stop driving for a day and it's normal again. When it happens my brakes feel very loose and I can't control the direction of my car. I have to pump multiple times and/or press all the way to the floor to even begin to feel it begin to brake. I've had my car checked out and nothing was physically wrong with it.
NHTSA complaint #11527700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danville, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
As I was traveling eastbound going 55MPH, a car pulled out in front of me from a parking lot and hit my car in the front passenger side. The impact caused my car to go over both eastbound lanes, the median, both westbound lanes, down a hill, and headfirst into a fence. All passenger side airbags deployed, but my driver airbag did not. The impact from the collision should have caused my airbag to go off, and then head first into the fence should have been a second reason for it to deploy. The airbag not going off could have avoided a concussion and severe neck and back trauma. There is an airbag recall on the year, make, and model of my car but my VIN does not show up as an impacted vehicle. This is being looked into currently by the vehicle manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11485601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for inspection. Fortunately, no other cars were in the parking lot and no one else was hurt. The car will be inspected over the next few days. There weren't any warning signs. I cannot say for sure what mechanical failure occurred to cause the accident, but there was clearly a mechanical failure as the acceleration was beyond my control.
NHTSA complaint #11443883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for inspection. Fortunately, no other cars were in the parking lot and no one else was hurt. The car will be inspected over the next few days. There weren't any warning signs. I cannot say for sure what mechanical failure occurred to cause the accident, but there was clearly a mechanical failure as the acceleration was beyond my control.
NHTSA complaint #11443883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for inspection. Fortunately, no other cars were in the parking lot and no one else was hurt. The car will be inspected over the next few days. There weren't any warning signs. I cannot say for sure what mechanical failure occurred to cause the accident, but there was clearly a mechanical failure as the acceleration was beyond my control.
NHTSA complaint #11443883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesPonce, PR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE PANEL SHOWS A REDUCE ENGINE POWER MESSAGE. I TRIED TO ACCELERATE MY VEHICLE BUT IT DIDN'T WANT TO GO OVER 20 MPH, THAN IT BEGAN STALLING UNTIL IT SHUT OFF. I TRIED TO RESTART IT BUT IT KEPT DOING THE SAME THING. FINALLY I DECIDED TO WAIT LIKE 15 MINUTES AND TRIED AGAIN UNTIL IT FINALLY WORKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME NUMEROUS TIMES A YEAR, BUT NOW IS HAPPENING AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH. SOME OF THE OBD CODES ARE: P00CF, P106D, P107B, P0087(FUEL RAIL SYSTEM PRESSURE TOO LOW). IT HAPPENED ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: 6/13/20 , 7/15/20X 2 / 8/28/202 X 2, 8/30/20, 9/04/20, 9/05/20, 9/10/20/ 9/17/20, 10/24/20 X5, 10/27/20X 2, 11/3/20, 11/13/20. THESE ARE THE DATES THAT I RECORDED BUT THIS ISSUES HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2017.
NHTSA complaint #11375114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9/5/2016. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN DESPITE PRESSING ACCELERATOR. RPMS WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 1200 RPM. MESSAGE DISPLAYED "REDUCED ENGINE POWER. VISIT YOUR DEALER" CONTINUED TO DRIVE A SLOW SPEED TO NEARBY DESTINATION. MORE MESSAGES APPEARED, TRACTION CONTROL DISABLED FOLLOWED BY 4WD SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, 2WD MODE. PARKED VEHICLE OVERNIGHT. 4WD SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE WAS THE ONLY ONE REMAINING. ENGINE ACCELERATED NORMALLY. PULLED CODE AT NEARBY AUTO PARTS STORE P0087 "FUEL RAIL/SYSTEM PRESSURE TOO LOW". CLEARED CODE. PROBLEM 2 MORE TIMES ON 9/6/2020. THE FIRST TIME I PULLED OVER BEFORE ANY MESSAGES OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN. ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER, SPUTTER, AND STALL. AFTER WAITING 5-10 MINUTES ENGINE STARTED NORMALLY AND RAN FINE FOR ABOUT ANOTHER 30 MINUTES. ENGINE LOST POWER AGAIN. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND WAITED 15 MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN FINE FOR THE NEXT 3 HOURS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. COMMON FACTORS, UP HILL ACCELERATING, HALF TANK OR LESS OF FUEL, DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #11353574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,658 milesNorth Hollywood, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE FREEWAY 170 WHEN A VEHICLE HIT ME ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WITCH THE IT PUSH ME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY MAKING ME GO OF THE ROAD AND HITTING A TREE , I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING AT THE MOMENT OF THE IMPACT
NHTSA complaint #11318246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,658 milesNorth Hollywood, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE FREEWAY 170 WHEN A VEHICLE HIT ME ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WITCH THE IT PUSH ME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY MAKING ME GO OF THE ROAD AND HITTING A TREE , I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING AT THE MOMENT OF THE IMPACT
NHTSA complaint #11318246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,658 milesNorth Hollywood, CACrash
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE FREEWAY 170 WHEN A VEHICLE HIT ME ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WITCH THE IT PUSH ME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY MAKING ME GO OF THE ROAD AND HITTING A TREE , I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING AT THE MOMENT OF THE IMPACT
NHTSA complaint #11318246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBaytown, TX
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LEXUS NX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STARTED TO SHUDDER AND HESITATED. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DISPLAYED HIGHER ENGINE TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STERLING MCCALL LEXUS CLEAR LAKE LOCATED AT (18160 GULF FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX 77546, 281-8523-1400) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11316258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesMurrieta, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 72.5 MPH THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID 60 TO 70 FEET, CRASH INTO A CONCRETE CENTER DIVIDER AND AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED. MODERATE INJURIES. LEXUS DID AN INSPECTION 32 DAYS LATER AND THEY HAVE NO EXPLANATION. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AGO ON AUGUST 9 , 2019. VEHICLE STILL SITS AT THE DEALERSHIP WHILE I MAKE PAYMENTS, PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR, AND ENSURE THE VEHICLE. LEXUS HAS NOT GIVEN ME ANY WRITTEN EXPLANATION AS PROMISED.
NHTSA complaint #11267526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesMurrieta, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 72.5 MPH THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID 60 TO 70 FEET, CRASH INTO A CONCRETE CENTER DIVIDER AND AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED. MODERATE INJURIES. LEXUS DID AN INSPECTION 32 DAYS LATER AND THEY HAVE NO EXPLANATION. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AGO ON AUGUST 9 , 2019. VEHICLE STILL SITS AT THE DEALERSHIP WHILE I MAKE PAYMENTS, PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR, AND ENSURE THE VEHICLE. LEXUS HAS NOT GIVEN ME ANY WRITTEN EXPLANATION AS PROMISED.
NHTSA complaint #11267526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.