Thinking about buying a used Lexus NX (2014–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 24 known faults for this model spanning electrical, engine, transmission, and cooling. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
24
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$1,800
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Lexus NX faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01NX300h hybrid inverter coolant pump failure
CriticalCommonElectrical $800–$2,200 to fix
The NX300h shares the 2AR-FXE hybrid drivetrain with the RAV4 Hybrid and ES300h. The electric inverter coolant pump (WICP) is a known failure point across Toyota/Lexus hybrid platforms of this era — the pump impeller degrades or the motor windings fail, causing inverter overheating. If the pump fails completely the hybrid system shuts down and the vehicle may be stranded. This is a recurring pattern flagged by NZ hybrid specialists servicing Toyota-platform vehicles.
Symptoms to notice
Red triangle master warning light and hybrid system warning on dashboard
Reduced power or EV mode unavailable
Inverter overheating indicated by diagnostic codes P0A93 or P0A94
Absence of electric pump hum from under the bonnet when hybrid system is active
What to check
With the vehicle in Ready mode (not full ICE running), listen near the inverter coolant reservoir for the electric pump hum. Check for any hybrid warning light history in the instrument cluster. Scan for hybrid-related fault codes before purchase.
Where to look: Hybrid inverter coolant circuit — electric pump mounted near the inverter under the bonnet
Ask the seller
“Has the hybrid warning triangle ever illuminated?”
“Has the hybrid inverter coolant pump ever been replaced?”
“Are there any stored fault codes from a recent OBD scan?”
The NX uses Lexus's Remote Touch Interface — a haptic trackpad in the centre console — to control the infotainment, navigation, and climate menus. The trackpad unit is a known weak point: the internal sensor degrades over time causing erratic cursor movement, complete unresponsiveness, or a permanently stuck input that makes the screen unusable. The failure appears hardware-driven (not software-flashable) and requires replacement of the RTI unit, which is dealer-only sourced and often expensive.
Symptoms to notice
Cursor on infotainment screen drifts or moves erratically without touching the trackpad
Trackpad completely unresponsive — screen cursor does not move at all
Screen input becomes sluggish or registers incorrect menu selections
Trackpad click has no tactile response or registers phantom clicks
Infotainment screen frozen on a menu because stuck trackpad input holds a selection
What to check
On the test drive, navigate through several infotainment menus using only the centre console RTI trackpad. Test cursor accuracy, click-to-select response, and the scroll function. Check whether the cursor moves without being touched (stuck input) and confirm the tactile feedback click functions correctly. Verify audio volume knob and shortcut buttons adjacent to the trackpad work independently.
Where to look: Centre console between front seats — Remote Touch Interface trackpad unit
Ask the seller
“Does the centre console trackpad work accurately and consistently to control the infotainment system?”
“Has the Remote Touch Interface or any part of the infotainment system been replaced or repaired?”
“Is the cursor ever moving on screen without you touching the pad, or does it ever refuse to move at all?”
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22 more documented faults on the Lexus NX
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 24 documented faults for the Lexus NX, the recurring problem areas are electrical, engine, and transmission. A Lexus NX with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Lexus NX?
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We've catalogued 24 known faults for the Lexus NX, covering electrical, engine, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Lexus NX?
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Most single repairs on the Lexus NX fall between $600–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 24 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Lexus NX?
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Yes. A Lexus NX inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.