2018 Lexus NX Problems & Complaints

Average1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the NX at the same age

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 2018 Lexus NX with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the NX at the same age. The most reported problem area is the fuel & propulsion system (8 complaints, typically around 232,000 miles).

16complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2018 Lexus NX problems

  • Fuel & propulsion system~232,000 miles
    850%
  • Engine & cooling~232,000 miles
    425%
  • Brakes~40,000 miles
    213%
  • Steering
    213%
  • Other / not specified
    213%
  • Body & structure
    16%
  • Electrical system
    16%
  • Driver assistance
    16%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    16%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    16%

Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus NX complaints by model year

20152016201720182019202020212022202320242025202626181116302217281745186
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus NX. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best NX years: 2016, 2017. Years to avoid: 2024, 2022, 2025, 2023, 2019. Compare all years →

What 2018 Lexus NX owners say

Fuel & propulsion system

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus NX300. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the message "Check Oil" and the Master Warning Light was flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled several times and failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced in April of 2024. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 232,000.

232,000 miles · Nov 2025

I was driving on 64 and at a sudden my 2018 NX 300 stopped accelerating and engine was stalled. I was lucky that the highway was not busy, so I was able to park it on the shoulder of HWY and later towed it to my home. The car was not drivable anymore as engine was keep shutting down with the warning and engine lights. The code on the screen was P0087 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low. It seems that the fuel pump mall function. I research online and noticed, that others also reported the same issue related to Fuel pump failure on this model. Also, on further research, I found that Lexus recalled this model along with other models for the same issue. But when I check my VIN then it shows that my VIN has no recall related to Fuel Pump mall function. Not sure why my VIN is not included in the recall even though this model and year has a recall for this issue.

Jun 2024

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus NX300. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the message "Check Oil" and the Master Warning Light was flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled several times and failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced in April of 2024. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 232,000.

232,000 miles · Nov 2025

HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose keeps getting clogged resulting in the overflow of water into the cabin driver side floor. When using the AC or Defroster this could be a quart of water or more which can result in mold/mildew on carpet and pad. Lexus wants $6000 to repair and replace (they will not repair with out replacing all of the carpet and pad). This is a known issue and Lexus have even issued a "fix" AT THE CONSUMER EXPENSE. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...31864-9999.pdf If a recall were issued for the recommended part (ARINIX Tip) to be installed then the consumer could save thousands of dollars for the replacing of carpet and pad plus labor.

Oct 2021

2018 Lexus NX engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.5L 4-cyl hybridCVTAWD33 / 30 / 31
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticFWD22 / 28 / 25
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticAWD22 / 28 / 24

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Lexus NX a good car?

Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 NX rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the NX at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Lexus NX?

The fuel & propulsion system — 8 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and brakes (2).

How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus NX have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2018 Lexus NX. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus NX?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2022, 2025, 2023 and 2019. See the full Lexus NX years comparison.

At what mileage do 2018 Lexus NX problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 232,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.