2018 Lexus NX300

The 2018 Lexus NX300 is a compact luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and reliability. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version, the NX300h, is also available, featuring a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with an electric motor. Owners often praise the NX300 for its fuel efficiency, quiet cabin, and Lexus’s reputation for dependability. However, some criticisms include the somewhat small cargo area, the infotainment system’s trackpad interface, and the less-than-thrilling driving dynamics compared to some competitors.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing engine misfires, particularly at higher mileage. This can manifest as rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and a check engine light. The misfires can stem from faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the specific cylinder experiencing the misfire. Replacement of the faulty ignition coil(s), spark plug(s), or fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the extent of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines like the one in the NX300 are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves. This can lead to reduced engine performance, rough idling, and decreased fuel economy over time.
  • Solution: Cleaning the intake valves via walnut blasting or chemical treatment. Installation of an oil catch can to help mitigate future buildup.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between certain gears. This can be more noticeable at lower speeds. It’s often linked to software glitches or degradation of the transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Performing a transmission fluid flush with the correct Lexus-specified fluid. Software update to the transmission control module (TCM), if available.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Lower Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported issues with premature wear of the lower control arm bushings. Symptoms can include clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps, as well as vague steering.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn lower control arm bushings. In some cases, the entire control arm may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation/Infotainment System Freezing or Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system is known to freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can include the navigation system, audio system, and other features.
  • Solution: Performing a system reset. Software update to the infotainment system. In severe cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset) - $1500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining quickly, especially if the vehicle is not driven for an extended period. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the parasitic draw. Repair or replacement of the faulty module or accessory. Replacement of the battery if it has been damaged by repeated draining.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported that the tailgate randomly stops working. The issue is more prevalent in cold temperatures.
  • Solution: Replacement of the tailgate struts or replacement of the tailgate ECU
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners, particularly in hotter climates, have reported cracking or splitting of the dashboard material, especially around the airbag seams.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (expensive). Repair or patching of the cracks. Covering the dashboard with a protective dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (cover) - $2000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Lexus NX300 is generally a reliable vehicle, but like all cars, it’s not without its potential issues. The most commonly reported problems involve the infotainment system, engine misfires, and premature wear of suspension components. The severity and cost of these issues vary, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be more substantial. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchasing. While there is no widespread recall, its important to note that the automatic tailgate strut and ECU modules may fail.