IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 Lexus NX

A mid-life facelift softened the styling slightly, improved interior materials, and revised the suspension to enhance ride comfort, maintaining the NX's strong market position.

What changed for 2018

  • •Subtle exterior facelift with revised grille and LED headlights.
  • •Suspension retuned for improved ride quality and handling.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Tyre wear on the inner edges.
  • !Minor sensor faults relating to the Lexus Safety System+.
3
Known Issues
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Serious
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Moderate
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Minor

All Known Issues

Drivetrain Vibration Between 1,200 and 1,400rpm

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

Some NX 300h models exhibit a drivetrain vibration that sets in between 1,200 and 1,400rpm. The vibration is noticeable on light throttle and can be felt through the steering wheel and seat. It is linked to the hybrid powertrain's transition between electric and petrol operation.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£800
Warning Signs:

Vibration felt through the steering wheel at 1,200–1,400rpm, Drivetrain shudder on light throttle, Noticeable shake through the driver's seat

What to Inspect:
  • Drive through the 1,200–1,400rpm band and feel for vibration
  • Check if the vibration changes in EV versus hybrid mode
  • Ask the seller if any drivetrain mounts have been replaced
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Mirror Folding Motor Failure

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The electric folding wing mirror motors on early NX Mk1 models can strip their gears or fail electrically, leaving a mirror stuck in the folded or unfolded position, or producing a grinding noise when the car is locked or unlocked.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£500
Warning Signs:

Mirrors not folding or unfolding when locking the car, Grinding noise from the mirror housing, One mirror wobbling at speed

What to Inspect:
  • Lock and unlock the car to trigger the mirror fold mechanism
  • Check if both mirrors move at the same speed
  • Listen for straining sounds from the mirror housings
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Infotainment System Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Early NX Mk1 infotainment systems can suffer from occasional resets, Bluetooth pairing drops with modern smartphones, and slow satellite navigation map loading. The touchpad controller on pre-2018 cars is widely criticised as fiddly and unintuitive while driving.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£400
Warning Signs:

System reboots while driving, Bluetooth connection drops, Sat-nav map loading slowly

What to Inspect:
  • Pair your phone and make a test call
  • Navigate through several menus quickly to check for lag
  • Check if the map SD card is the most recent version
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2018 Lexus NX

  • Ensure the vehicle has a full Lexus service history to maintain the extended 15-year hybrid battery warranty.
  • Check the operation of the power tailgate, which can occasionally stick or fail to open fully.
2015–20172019–2020
Check a 2018 Lexus NX by Registration