Skip to main content

Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) (2014-2021) reliability

At a glance

Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) built around 2018: fails its MOT less often than average

Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) models built around 2018 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

10% of MOT tests on Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10)
excellent reliability2014-2021SUVHYBRID ELECTRIC / PETROL

Based on 31,265 tests of NX models registered 2014-2021.

About 1 in 12 hybrid electric NX cars registered in 2021 (8.3%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 60 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

About 1 in 100 NX Mk1 (AZ10) MOTs (1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,706 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 40 NX Mk1 (AZ10) MOTs (2.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 4,706 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (AZ10) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
1,6206.4%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
4,7507.6%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
4,5458.7%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
4,7318.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,7069.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,95410.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,02511.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,67113.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2638.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 10 years old.

How the NX Mk1 (AZ10) compares

At each age below, see how the NX Mk1 (AZ10) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 12,401 tests across 8 Lexus models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateLexus average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
1,6206.4%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
4,7507.6%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
4,5458.7%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
4,7318.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,7069.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,95410.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,02511.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,67113.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2638.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the NX Mk1 (AZ10).

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    No clear edge over the Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    No clear edge over the Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) on these figures.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Skoda Karoq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    No clear edge over the Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) on these figures.

    8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Audi Q2

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    No clear edge over the Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) on these figures.

    15,997 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

How many are still registered

88%of all Lexus NX cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

9 recalls in all

8 of the 9 NX Mk1 (AZ10) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 7 more

Top concerns

  • DC-DC converter may have been damaged during production
  • Certain spot welds might be missing.
  • Parking brake may not activate correctly

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on NX Mk1 (AZ10) cars built around 2018

The share of hybrid electric cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 365 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
2%

Wear items

Tyres
13%
Brakes
4%
Lighting
2%
How NX Mk1 (AZ10) cars have aged

How NX Mk1 (AZ10) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 6.2% (3,437 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 7.6% (3,065 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 6.2% (3,250 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 7.7% (2,783 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 7.9% (2,631 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 5.7% (3,571 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 6.3% (3,233 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.5% (3,064 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.0% (2,909 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 5.6% (3,667 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.5% (3,284 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.2% (3,203 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (3,103 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (2,864 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 6.0% (2,646 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.5% (2,545 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (2,498 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (2,428 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (2,344 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 7.6% (2,616 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (2,580 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (2,561 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (2,510 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (2,474 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (2,075 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (2,075 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 10.4% (1,972 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (2,007 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (1,999 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (362 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (344 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (306 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (279 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 8.4% (263 tests, 2025 data)2014
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as Mk1 (AZ10) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (AZ10) cars age

The share of hybrid electric cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension2%1%2%3%
Brakes2%2%4%4%
Tyres10%11%13%12%
Lighting1%No figure2%2%

Based on hybrid electric cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 292 to 376 cars at each age.

Mk1 (AZ10) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Lexus NXes of this age

This list covers every Lexus NX built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (AZ10) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    16.2%
    Advisory: 1,210Fail: 62 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.8%
    Advisory: 880Fail: 83 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.3%
    Advisory: 675Fail: 49 (7% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.3%
    Advisory: 423Fail: 54 (11% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    6.9%
    Advisory: 439Fail: 4 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,706 tests

Looking at a Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Lexus NX Mk1 (AZ10) (2014-2021) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 4,706 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 31,265 MOT tests on Lexus NXes first registered between 2014-2021. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.