Model year guide

2021 Lexus nx 300

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Lexus nx 300 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 107 on record.

2021 Lexus nx 300 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Lexus nx 300 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints17
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined25 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Lexus nx 300 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2021 Lexus nx 300.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Lexus nx 300 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2021 Lexus nx 300 safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 16.0% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2021 Lexus NX 300 SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2021 Lexus nx 300 MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,300
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Forced inductionTurbocharged
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Lexus nx 300 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,500
Fuel only$16,500
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 90

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 90.

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 2, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0004-26.

Bulletin L-SB-0057-22 Rev2 · Electrical System · Feb 2026

Some 2018 – 2025 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform™ 2.0 Navigation System, require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.

Bulletin L-SB-0004-26 · Electrical System · Jan 2026

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2025

Some customers may experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot resolve on their own. These resources, in conjunction with the Repair Manual, are for dealership personnel to assist those customers with user issues, user e…

Bulletin L-TT-0326-23 Rev2 · Electrical System · Aug 2025

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

Bulletin L-SB-0043-23 Rev1 · Electrical System · Jun 2025

To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requested b…

Bulletin L-TT-0341-25 · Electrical System · Apr 2025

To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requested b…

Bulletin L-TT-0341-25 · Electrical System · Apr 2025

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain f…

Bulletin L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 · Structure · Feb 2025

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain f…

Bulletin L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 · Structure · Feb 2025

Some 2021 model year Lexus vehicles are equipped with an eOwner’s Manual (eOM), which is installed into the head unit while the vehicle is in transit. During Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), follow the instructions contained within the Software Confirmation section…

Bulletin L-SB-0010-20 Rev2 · Jan 2025

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the NX 300 FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2021 Lexus nx 300 trims & engines on record

Trims
300 Comfort
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 235 hp

2021 Lexus nx 300 vehicles on record

Other Lexus nx 300 model years

2021 Lexus nx 300 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Lexus nx 300 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2021 Lexus nx 300. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus nx 300?

Across all 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, visibility, fuel/propulsion system.

What is the 2021 Lexus nx 300 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2021 Lexus nx 300 an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Lexus nx 300 get?

The 2021 Lexus nx 300 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (22 city / 28 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.