Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2020 Lexus NX300Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints for the 2020 Lexus NX300. Most complaints involve engine (9) and fuel/propulsion system (8). 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
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
28
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Lexus NX300 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
28 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2020 – Oct 2026
- Engine9
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Visibility/wiper3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Structure2
- Power train2
- Wheels1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Electrical system1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
9 reports2 fires
“My 2020 Lexus NX 300 caught fire overnight while parked and unattended outside my residence. I discovered the fire the next morning. The Seattle Fire Department responded (incident #SFD-26-0112715) and their report states the fire originated in the engine compartment, with the cause of ignition listed as 'failure of equipment or heat source.' There was no collision, no theft, and no visible external damage prior to the fire. I am the original and only owner of this vehicle, with approximately 48,000 miles, and 100% of scheduled maintenance was performed at an authorized Lexus dealership (Lexus of Bellevue), with no aftermarket modifications. The fire also caused heat damage to a neighboring parked vehicle. I have reported this incident to Lexus Corporate Customer Experience and am seeking further investigation into the cause.”
Fuel/propulsion system
8 reports
“Low pressure fuel pump defective, which caused vehicle to stall while driving. Barely made it off of the highway when this happened, which left me in traffic with children in the car and my hazard lights until able to pull over safely and call a tow. Problem has been confirmed by independent service center and called dealership and they confirmed my vehicle was not apart of the recall. There were no warnings prior to the car malfunctioning.”
Visibility/wiper
3 reports
“Rear window spontaneously exploded while pulling into my garage.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX 300 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $3,100 | 358 |
| NX 300 AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $3,200 | 362 |
| NX 300 AWD F Sport Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $3,200 | 374 |
- 25mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lexus 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%
Overall
5 / 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%
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.
2020 NX300 questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus NX300 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Lexus NX300 problems?
Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (9), fuel/propulsion system (8), visibility/wiper (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Lexus NX300 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Lexus NX300 at 24–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
How safe is the 2020 Lexus NX300?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Lexus NX300 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026