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Lexus · Compact SUV · 2015–2021

Lexus NX AZ10

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations


Engine Overview

The Lexus NX AZ10 is available with 2 engine variants — from 197 to 245 hp.

NX 200t · Petrol· 238 PS
2015 2021
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
NX 300h · Petrol Hybrid· 197 PS
2015 2021
Be Careful 2 weaknesses

The Lexus NX 200t (Petrol, 238 PS) has the 8AR-FTS (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Lexus NX 300h (Petrol Hybrid, 197 PS) has the 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 2 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Infotainment Touchpad — Universally Hated

The Remote Touch touchpad is the NX's worst feature. Cursor control is imprecise while driving. Every review mentions it. Design limitation with no factory fix. Aftermarket CarPlay adapters are the most popular modification.

Symptoms: Difficult menu navigation, distraction while driving, cursor overshooting
Low
Blind Spot Monitor Malfunction

Blind spot indicator activates randomly or fails to detect vehicles. Sensor calibration or replacement required. Intermittent failures are difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms: BSM warning light without vehicles present, failure to detect cars in blind spot, intermittent BSM operation
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
15 complaints · 2015–2021
Visibility
3
Electrical
2
Other
2
Brakes
2 ⚠ 1
Engine
2

Top Reported Issues

Visibility (3 complaints)
Electrical (2 complaints)
Other (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the Lexus NX AZ10 (2015–2021) — 6 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, HVAC, Body.

NX (8AR-FTS, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Premature Water Pump Failure, Timing Chain Jump / Failure, Turbo Wastegate Valve Malfunction. Power: 238 PS.

NX (2AR-FXE, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Brake Actuator Failure (Hybrid System), Inverter Coolant Pump Failure. Power: 197 PS.

What to watch out for with the Lexus NX? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Lexus NX AZ10 have? +
The Lexus NX AZ10 has 6 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Lexus NX AZ10? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 8AR-FTS (2.0L Turbo), 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 8AR-FTS (2.0L Turbo).
Which Lexus NX AZ10 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Lexus NX AZ10 — rated: "Decent". {description} The NX 200t introduced the 8AR-FTS turbo to Lexus. 235 hp is adequate for the compact SUV. Water pump failures as early as 20,000 miles mar the ownership experience. Post-2017 production (renamed NX 300) improved turbo and water pump reliability. The touchpad infotainment is universally hated. A 2018+ NX 300 with documented service is the safer choice.
Is the Lexus NX AZ10 worth buying used? +
The Lexus NX AZ10 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Lexus NX AZ10? +
The Lexus NX AZ10 is available with engine variants from 197 to 245 hp. Petrol: 8AR-FTS (2.0L Turbo), 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee