2021 Lexus NX: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Lexus NX first registered in 2021: we looked at the 4,342 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Lexus NX?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Lexus NX than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usualLexus NX2% All 2021 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Brake pads: 2.4% here, against 6.8% of all 2021 cars.
Common 2021 Lexus NX MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Lexus NX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Brakes5% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension3% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults on the 2021 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Lexus NX
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2021 Lexus NX as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Lexus NX?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Lexus NX compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 148 | Tyres 9% |
| 2022 | 3,219 | Tyres 15% |
| 2020 | 3,985 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 4,395 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 4,279 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 3,789 | Tyres 25% |
| 2016 | 3,701 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 3,093 | Tyres 25% |
| 2014 | 834 | Tyres 25% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of Lexus NX cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score