Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2018 Lexus NX300Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 22 owner complaints for the 2018 Lexus NX300. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (8) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 24–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
24–25mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Nov 2020
Owner complaints
22
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Nov 4, 2020NHTSA 20V682000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2018 – Jul 2026
  1. Fuel/propulsion system8
  2. Engine4
  3. Service brakes3
  4. Fuel system, gasoline2
  5. Steering2
  6. Vehicle speed control2
  7. Visibility/wiper2
  8. Structure2
  9. Carry handle, shell, base1

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 NX300 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201822
201936
202028
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel/propulsion system

8 reports
“My 2018 Lexus NX300 F Sport, stalled while driving, pulled over to safe location turned off vehicle, restarted and proceeded to drive a little. Warning came up on display " Engine power reduced, go to dealer". I was able to drive the car home since it was only 2 miles away. Looked up issue on internet and noticed a recall for said problem. Said do not drive, car is in "limp" mode. Had my car towed to MacIntosh Imports (they only service Lexus & Toyota) they checked diagnostics and code DTC P125D71 Fuel Control Valve stuck. The defect could lead to engine stalling, increasing the risk of crash. Affected vehicles were equipped with a fuel pump that may fail. My vin is not listed on recall, I feel it should be included since the symptoms match and asking Lexus to check for Customer Support Program coverage to fix in "good faith"”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 14, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11731194

Engine

4 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Lexus NX300. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the message "Check Oil" and the Master Warning Light was flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled several times and failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced in April of 2024. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 232,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 28, 2025Fuel system, gasoline, EngineODI 11701875

Service brakes

3 reports1 crash
“After 45 minutes in stop-and-go traffic the brake pedal went to the floor four times, the Brake Override System (BOS) failed, throwing the shifter into Park failed, and we hit the car in front of us. No warning sounds typical for this car sounded and no lights appeared on the dash. Thankfully, we were only moving at 5 mph which I didn't think qualified as a "crash" but there was indeed a collision. No one was hurt. Besides my wife and myself there were two backseat passengers who also saw my efforts to stop the car. We had the car towed to Lexus of Santa Monica. Unsurprisingly, Ronald Inton with Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMNA) indicated in his letter to us that Lexus inspectors seeing our crumpled front license plate and knowing of the failure of the BOS found nothing wrong with the car, but had not driven it under stop-and-go conditions for 45 minutes as we had. The clear failure of the BOS to prevent the collision or even warn of the impending collision was effectively ignored my Mr. Inton. Our full correspondence with him is attached. Both my wife and I loved driving this car but it is a potentially deadly safety hazard and given that TMNA can't fix…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 28, 2023Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11514299
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium 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 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
NX 300
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222825$3,100360
NX 300 AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
222824$3,200363
NX 300 AWD F Sport
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
222724$3,200374
  • NX 300
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 28 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • NX 300 AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 28 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • NX 300 AWD F Sport
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 27 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Lexus NX300 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%
Overall
5 / 5
Lexus NX300 SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 12316Vehicle 12315
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2018 NX300 questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus NX300 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Lexus NX300 problems?

Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (8), engine (4), service brakes (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Lexus NX300 get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Lexus NX300 at 24–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Lexus NX300?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Lexus NX300 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026