2018 Lexus NX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 Lexus NX ranks 11th (best) among 11 model years, with a complaint index of 0, just 16 complaints, and no recalls. Fuel system issues topped the list, but median mileage at failure was 136,000, indicating problems appeared late in the vehicle's life.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #11 of 11 NX years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 16
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24.5
- 22 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2018 Lexus NX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System8 (50%)
- Engine5 (31%)
- Brakes2 (13%)
- Other2 (13%)
- Steering2 (13%)
- Electrical System1 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling or losing power while driving on the highway, sometimes triggered by a fuel rail pressure fault code.
- Some describe the fuel pump failing suddenly at highway speed, causing the vehicle to stall.
- Several report the brake pedal going to the floor or brakes becoming inoperative, in one case leading to a low-speed crash into a garage.
- Owners note the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, with no visible cause.
- One owner reported the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn, affecting the ability to complete turns safely.
- A driver described the engine stopping multiple times on the highway over several months with no diagnosed cause.
2018 Lexus NX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2018 Lexus NX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 24.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other NX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Lexus NX reliable?
- Among the 11 NX model years with data, 2018 ranks best, with a complaint index of 0, only 16 complaints, and zero recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lexus NX?
- NHTSA complaints show the Fuel System as the top problem area (8 complaints, 50% share), followed by Engine (5 complaints, 31% share) and Brakes (2 complaints, 13% share).
- Does the 2018 Lexus NX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2018 Lexus NX, including zero do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do 2018 NX problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure across reported complaints is 136,000 miles, with Fuel System and Engine issues specifically showing a median of 232,000 miles.
- How does the 2018 NX compare to other years like 2022 or 2024?
- The 2018 NX has a complaint index of 0 versus 80 for 2022 and 100 for 2024, both of which carry an Avoid verdict, making 2018 the strongest year in the lineup.