2018 Lexus NX: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Lexus NX?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Lexus NX than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.3× usual
  Lexus NX

  10.7% All 2018 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Wipers2.1× usual
  Lexus NX

  5.2% All 2018 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2018 Lexus NX MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Lexus NX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  14% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  13% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2018 Lexus NX

What Car? reports very few issues and no serious repeated faults. Lexus came first of 32 makers in its survey. Check the body corners and wheels for scuffs.

Source: What Car?: used Lexus NX (2014-2021) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Lexus NX

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2018 Lexus NX as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2018 Lexus NX as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?