Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2021 Lexus NX 300HRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus NX 300H. Most complaints involve engine (3) and visibility (3). The EPA rates it 31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
31mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
17
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Lexus NX 300H as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2021 – Apr 2026
- Engine3
- Visibility3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Electrical system2
- Service brakes2
- Tires2
- Exterior lighting1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Traction control system1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each NX 300H model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
3 reports1 fire
“1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump and related fuel system sensor failed, resulting in a sudden loss of engine power. The failure was confirmed by diagnostic trouble codes retrieved by an independent mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost power and became inoperable, leaving me unable to accelerate or maintain speed. This created a dangerous situation with surrounding traffic, including a truck traveling behind me, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or crash. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent mechanic retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating failure of the high-pressure fuel pump and related sensor. A dealership acknowledged the issue but was unable to reproduce the problem at the time of inspection because the codes had cleared. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or…”
Visibility
3 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, his father heard the car alarm sounding off. The contact went to inspect the vehicle and saw that sunroof glass had shattered. The contact stated that he reviewed the home security footage and observed that the sunroof glass had not been impacted by an object for the sunroof glass to shatter. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,718.”
Fuel/propulsion system
2 reports
“My vehicle has slowed while driving four times within the last 12 months. I have taken it to the Hendrick Lexus dealership in Charlotte as well as the Scott Clark Toyota dealership in Charlotte. I was told by the Lexus dealership they could not find anything wrong (this was back in July 2025). The Toyota dealership stated (March 2026) that there may be a problem with the fuel pump, but they were unable to confirm this issue and after getting the vehicle back the same thing happened while driving. This has been concerning. It is very dangerous for us to drive the vehicle at this point. I see that there has been a safety recall introduced in the state of Georgia at a Smyrna Lexus dealership, but I have yet to see any other information. I would greatly appreciate an investigation. Thank you.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX 300h AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 33 | 30 | 31 | $2,000 | 285 |
- 31mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lexus NX 300h SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 15813
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 NX 300H questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus NX 300H have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Lexus NX 300H problems?
Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (3), visibility (3), fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Lexus NX 300H get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Lexus NX 300H at 31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2021 Lexus NX 300H?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Lexus NX 300H 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026