VehicleVerdict

2016 Lexus NX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2016 Lexus NX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

22

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other NX years?

NX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted56 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 22 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 42 complaints2020: 20 complaints2021: 26 complaints2022: 34 complaints2023: 16 complaints2024: 56 complaints2025: 18 complaints2026: 3 complaints
NX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all NX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Lexus NX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine523%
Fuel System418%
Brakes314%
Transmission314%
Airbags29%
Other29%
Body & Structure15%
Speed Control15%
Visibility & Wipers15%

Does the 2016 Lexus NX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V085000AirbagsJanuary 31, 2018 · 48,672 units

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.

Consequence

If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE FREEWAY 170 WHEN A VEHICLE HIT ME ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WITCH THE IT PUSH ME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY MAKING ME GO OF THE ROAD AND HITTING A TREE , I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING AT THE MOMENT OF THE IMPACT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 12, 2020 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 10, 2026

“Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 14, 2021 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE FREEWAY 170 WHEN A VEHICLE HIT ME ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WITCH THE IT PUSH ME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY MAKING ME GO OF THE ROAD AND HITTING A TREE , I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING AT THE MOMENT OF THE IMPACT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 12, 2020 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 72.5 MPH THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID 60 TO 70 FEET, CRASH INTO A CONCRETE CENTER DIVIDER AND AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED. MODERATE INJURIES. LEXUS DID AN INSPECTION 32 DAYS LATER AND THEY HAVE NO EXPLANATION. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 9, 2019 · crash

2016 Lexus NX — common questions

Is the 2016 Lexus NX reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 NX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2016 Lexus NX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Lexus NX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus NX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the NX years to avoid are 2024, 2019, 2022. The cleanest record among NX years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.