RoadVitals

2016 Lexus NX

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
16
Latest Jul 10, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Jan 31, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 16 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Lexus NX, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and fuel system categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 74 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine523.8%
  • Brakes419.0%
  • Fuel system419.0%
  • Powertrain (other)314.3%
  • Airbags29.5%
  • Driver assistance14.8%
  • Body & structure14.8%
  • Visibility14.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Jan 31, 2018
48,672 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.
The risk: If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 12, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are JLA, J0F.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number JLA, J0FView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Jul 10, 2026

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 ID
11749559
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Mileage
150,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 11, 2026

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 ID
11723586
Incident
Mar 10, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 25, 2025

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 ID
11682795
Incident
Jul 25, 2025
Mileage
84,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2025

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 ID
11678169
Incident
Jul 21, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2025

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 ID
11675669
Incident
Jun 6, 2025
Visibility
Filed Sep 29, 2024

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 ID
11617115
Incident
Sep 29, 2024
Engine
Filed Aug 22, 2024

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 ID
11610268
Incident
Jul 5, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Jul 1, 2023

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 ID
11529896
Incident
Jul 1, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0043-23 Rev1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.

L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lexus NX by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026200
2025155062.2
2024404062.2
2023143051.2
2022252166.9
2021170044.9
2020190047.4
2019301048.5
2018160047.6
2017110047.1
2016Viewing161058.3
2015251050.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.