2020 Lexus NX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#6 most-complained of 11 NX years
The 2020 Lexus NX has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 6th worst out of 11 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA logs 21 complaints, mostly Engine (43%) and Fuel System (38%), with no recalls filed.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24.5
- 22 city / 28 hwy
Top 2020 Lexus NX problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine9 (43%)
- Fuel System8 (38%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (10%)
- Electrical System1 (5%)
- Other1 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (5%)
- Steering1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)
What owners report
- Engine stalls or fails to accelerate at highway speed, sometimes with a 'Reduced Speed' message and check engine light, in one case traced to a cylinder head needing replacement.
- Ignition coil failure reported after the vehicle stopped accelerating properly at 65 MPH.
- Fuel system faults trigger limp mode or repeated stalling, with one case tied to a faulty fuel pump and another to an 'Electronic Fuel System Failure' message with the check engine light on.
- Steering became difficult to turn at 35 MPH in one report, accompanied by unintended acceleration despite the brake pedal being depressed.
- An engine compartment fire occurred overnight while the vehicle was parked and unattended, with the fire department listing the cause as failure of equipment or heat source.
- A driver side door opened unexpectedly while driving 60 to 65 mph on the interstate, though Lexus could not replicate the issue afterward.
2020 Lexus NX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2020 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.
2020 compared with other NX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Lexus NX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 NX a Complaint Index of 50, placing it 6th worst among 11 model years with a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints than 2019, 2022, 2024, and 2025, but more than the 2016 through 2018 model years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lexus NX?
- Engine complaints make up 43% of reports, followed by Fuel System issues at 38%. Engine-related median mileage at failure is 55,581.5 miles, and Fuel System issues show a median of 88,000 miles.
- Does the 2020 Lexus NX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2020 Lexus NX, including zero do-not-drive recalls.
- Should I avoid the 2020 Lexus NX?
- The 2020 NX carries a Caution verdict, not an Avoid verdict. Model years like 2022, 2024, and 2025 have higher Complaint Index scores of 80, 100, and 90 respectively, making them worse choices within this model.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Lexus NX?
- EPA rates the 2020 NX at 24.5 MPG combined, 22 MPG city, and 28 MPG highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.