2015-2025 Lexus NX Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2015-2025 Lexus NX Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

3,000 owners

On the 2015-2021 Lexus NX, the first-generation NX infotainment system with the Remote Touch Interface touchpad suffers from significant lag and poor usability. The touchpad is difficult to control precisely while driving, and the system responds slowly to inputs. Menu navigation and destination entry are frustratingly cumbersome compared to touchscreen competitors.

This issue also affects: Acura RDX, Infiniti Q50, Lexus LC

Common Symptoms

Slow response to touchpad inputs
Cursor overshoots desired menu item
System freezes or reboots
Bluetooth connectivity drops
Navigation takes long to calculate routes

How to Fix

Update the navigation and multimedia software to the latest version at the dealer. The 2018+ models received improved software. If available, use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (added in 2020 update) to bypass the native interface. Voice commands work more reliably than the touchpad for most functions.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 3,000+ owners who fixed this issue

TipThe 2020 software update that adds Apple CarPlay support is a game-changer for first-gen NX owners. The CarPlay interface is dramatically faster and more intuitive than the native system.

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3,000+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence3,000 reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

1,800 owners

On the 2022-2025 Lexus NX, the second-generation NX with the eCVT hybrid and Direct Shift CVT exhibits a droning noise and rubber band sensation during moderate acceleration. The CVT holds the engine at high RPM while vehicle speed increases gradually, creating a disconnected feeling between throttle input and vehicle response that many owners find unpleasant.

This issue also affects: Acura Integra, Acura NSX, Hyundai Kona

Common Symptoms

Engine drones at constant high RPM during acceleration
Disconnected feeling between throttle and speed
Rubber band sensation when pressing accelerator
Noticeable engine noise at highway merging speeds

How to Fix

This is largely a design characteristic of the CVT, though software updates have improved the shift simulation logic. Visit the dealer for the latest ECU calibration. Using Sport mode provides more responsive behavior with simulated shift points that reduce the rubber band feeling.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue

TipUse Sport mode in situations where you want responsive acceleration — it adds simulated gear shifts that make the CVT feel much more like a traditional automatic and largely eliminates the rubber band effect.

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1,800+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence1,800 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

900 owners

On the 2015-2017 Lexus NX, the 2.0L turbo in the NX200t experiences significant power loss after sustained driving or in hot ambient conditions due to heat soak of the intercooler and turbo system. The engine management system pulls timing aggressively to protect against knock, resulting in noticeably sluggish acceleration that can persist until the vehicle cools down.

This issue also affects: Acura Integra

Common Symptoms

Noticeably reduced power in hot weather
Sluggish acceleration after spirited driving
Boost pressure drops under sustained load
Turbo lag increases significantly when engine bay is hot

How to Fix

Ensure the intercooler and radiator are clean and free of debris. Some owners install aftermarket intercooler upgrades for better heat dissipation. Avoid heavy boost demands in stop-and-go traffic during hot weather. The 2018+ NX300 received improved thermal management that partially addresses this.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 900+ owners who fixed this issue

TipLet the car idle for 30-60 seconds before shutting off after a hard drive session to allow the turbo to cool with oil flowing. This extends turbo life and reduces heat soak effects on the next start.

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900+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence900 reportsLast reported by owners Jul 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Lexus RX 350, RX 350h, 2024-2025 NX 250, NX 350, and NX 350h vehicles. The head restraints on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadvertently removed without pressing the lock release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 202, "Head Restraints."

Campaign #24V48200027/06/2024

STEERING:COLUMN

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #25V04000029/01/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V74400030/10/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #26V16200018/03/2026

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:WEBBING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, and RX500 Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Campaign #25V05900006/02/2025

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lexus NX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,700+ owner reports, the 2015-2025 Lexus NX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Infotainment System Lag and Touchpad Issues, CVT Drone and Rubber Band Effect, Turbo Heat Soak Power Loss. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Lexus NX reliable?

The 2015-2025 Lexus NX has 3 known issues documented across 5,700+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What year Lexus NX is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Lexus NX. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2015-2025 Lexus NX with 3 documented issues from 5,700+ owner reports.

What is the 2015-2021 Lexus NX Infotainment System Lag and Touchpad Issues?

The first-generation NX infotainment system with the Remote Touch Interface touchpad suffers from significant lag and poor usability. The touchpad is difficult to control precisely while driving, and the system responds slowly to inputs. Menu navigation and destination entry are… Severity: low.

What is the 2022-2025 Lexus NX CVT Drone and Rubber Band Effect?

The second-generation NX with the eCVT hybrid and Direct Shift CVT exhibits a droning noise and rubber band sensation during moderate acceleration. The CVT holds the engine at high RPM while vehicle speed increases gradually, creating a disconnected feeling between throttle input… Severity: low.

What is the 2015-2017 Lexus NX Turbo Heat Soak Power Loss?

The 2.0L turbo in the NX200t experiences significant power loss after sustained driving or in hot ambient conditions due to heat soak of the intercooler and turbo system. The engine management system pulls timing aggressively to protect against knock, resulting in noticeably slug… Severity: low.

2015-2025 Lexus NX Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2015-2021 Lexus NX: Infotainment System Lag and Touchpad Issues#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2022-2025 Lexus NX: CVT Drone and Rubber Band Effect#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2015-2017 Lexus NX: Turbo Heat Soak Power Loss#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Lexus Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lexus NX problems?

Is the Lexus NX reliable?

What year Lexus NX is the most reliable?

What is the 2015-2021 Lexus NX Infotainment System Lag and Touchpad Issues?

What is the 2022-2025 Lexus NX CVT Drone and Rubber Band Effect?

What is the 2015-2017 Lexus NX Turbo Heat Soak Power Loss?