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Lexus NX check engine light comes on

20 of the 256 owner complaints about the Lexus NX describe check engine light, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
88,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    4
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    3
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    4
  • 2015
    5

Often reported together

Stalling 10Fuel pump 10Loss of power 6Misfire 3Won't shift 2Steering noise 1Knocking 1Adaptive cruise 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0087 3P11EF 1P107B 1P106D 1P0300 1P00CF 1

What owners say

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Fuel system · UT

While I was driving on the highway in cruise control, my car suddenly broke the cruise setting, slowed down, and the check engine light turned on. I pulled over and the car would not accelerate to over about 15-20 mph. I made it to an auto center, where they informed me that the reader said there was an issue with one of the fuel pumps. I am aware that there is a recall on fuel pumps in this model of vehicle and I believe that I experienced this defect.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2015 Lexus NX 200t. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, ticking sound was emitted from the fuel tank. As the failure persisted, the vehicle entered "Reduced Engine Power Mode" and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic shop where a diagnostic check was performed, and it was discovered that the fuel pump was defective and needed to be replaced. A local dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle serviced. The contact arrived for the appointment but was informed that the fuel pump was on backorder and the appointment needed to be rescheduled. The contact informed the dealer that driving the vehicle felt unsafe because the commute exceeded one hour. The dealer assured the contact that the vehicle was safe; however, while driving the vehicle back to the residence, the same failure returned. After restarting the vehicle, the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. A second appointment was scheduled with the dealer, and a service advisor arrived at the residence of the contact in a rental vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the dealer for service. The vehicle was returned to the contact; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the failure resulted from a loose panel that technicians had difficulty bolting down. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer for diagnostic testing and repair. The contact test drove the vehicle with a mechanic inside the vehicle and informed the mechanic that the same failure remained noticeable. The failure returned a few days after the repair. The contact stated that both the dealer and the manufacturer avoided phone calls to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Engine · WA

While driving, my vehicle's check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode without warning. It would not exceed 25 MPH and was stuck in 2WD, displaying the message "reduced engine power – take vehicle to nearest dealer." This created a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle could not maintain safe speed in traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The Lexus dealer diagnosed trouble codes P219C00, P160500, P030027, and P0301300 — cylinder #1 air/fuel ratio imbalance, rough idling, random misfire, and cylinder #1 misfire. Through active injector testing, the technician confirmed the cylinder #1 direct (high-pressure) fuel injector has failed, and recommended replacing all four direct injectors at a quoted cost of approximately $6,600. The dealer's inspection report also cited Lexus service bulletin L-SB-0007-21 for possible worn exhaust valve guides, a separate documented defect in this engine that produces these same misfire codes and limp mode, with a repair (cylinder head and valve replacement) that can exceed $10,000. Lexus has known about these failures in the 8AR-FTS engine since at least March 2021, when it issued L-SB-0007-21 covering 2018–2021 NX 300 vehicles. The bulletin acknowledges affected vehicles enter limp mode. Despite this, Lexus has not issued a recall, and owners whose vehicles fail shortly after the warranty period expires are left paying thousands of dollars for a known defect. My warranty coverage lapsed shortly before this failure occurred, and Lexus corporate declined meaningful assistance. A vehicle that suddenly cannot exceed 25 MPH on public roads is a crash risk to its occupants and surrounding traffic. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate this defect for a potential recall.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 88,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The message “Electronic Fuel System Failure” was displayed, and the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone, and the contact was informed about the fuel system failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in an extended warranty coverage associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

My 2016 Lexus NX200t with approximately 157,000 miles experienced sudden engine stalling, loss of acceleration, and the check engine light illuminated while driving. The loss of power created a dangerous situation because the vehicle was unable to accelerate normally in traffic. These symptoms are consistent with the defective low-pressure fuel pump recall affecting certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles that can cause engine stall and loss of power. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall even though my vehicle is experiencing the same safety defect. I am requesting that this issue be investigated to determine whether additional vehicles, including my model year, should be included in the recall due to the risk of sudden engine stall while driving.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Fuel system · TX

I own a 2018 Lexus NX F Sport and have had repeated fuel pump failures since purchasing the vehicle in October 2022. We have replaced the fuel pump twice — once at the dealership where we bought it and again less than a year ago. Despite these repairs, the same issue continues to occur. There were no warning lights before the failure, but once it happens, the check engine light turns on, the traction control light comes on, and the vehicle goes into limp mode. When this happens, the car will not accelerate when pressing the gas pedal. It slows down rapidly and eventually stalls completely. This has happened multiple times, including once in the middle of Dallas traffic and another time while driving to Midland, TX. Each time, my children were in the car with me, putting all of us at serious risk. I have read about the Lexus fuel pump recall affecting similar models and years, and my vehicle is showing the exact same symptoms, yet my VIN is not included in that recall. I believe my vehicle should be reviewed for inclusion in the existing Lexus fuel pump recall, as this ongoing defect poses a major safety hazard to me and others on the road. Recall number: 20LA01 for Lexus (low-pressure fuel pump) — for certain 2018–2019 Nexuses and other Lexus models. Description: “Low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. If it fails, warning lights and messages may display and the engine may stall while driving.” Additional support: 23LE01 (a Customer Support Program, not a direct recall) covers certain model years with low-pressure fuel pump defects, repairing under this program until July 15 2036 or 150 k miles. I believe my vehicle may fall under recall 20LA01 (Lexus low-pressure fuel pump) or the subsequent support program 23LE01, because the symptoms and repeated fuel pump failures match exactly, yet my VIN returns no open recall. My car currently has 144,400 miles on it. I’d like to get it fixed as swiftly as possible. Diagnostic tests are too costly.

Filed Oct 7, 2025 · Fuel system · 144,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Lexus NX 300. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the RPM started to fluctuate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the mechanic retrieved DTC: P0300 and P11EF. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel injector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V028000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Acceleration, Fuel system · CA

In June 2022, the vehicle exhibited abnormal engine behavior, specifically fluctuating revolutions per minute (RPM), while at a complete stop, creating a risk of engine stall. Newport Beach Lexus dealership opted to replace the fuel injectors and gaskets as a corrective measure. Previous invoices also show that there were concerns related to fuel equipment prior to this incident. Subsequently, in December 2024, while traveling with my child on [XXX] near Barstow, California, the vehicle experienced severe shaking during an ascent, leading to a temporary loss of power while driving. I continued to drive after a brief respite due to the unsafe, remote location in the desert. Upon arrival in Las Vegas, the vehicle was inspected by a Lexus dealership, and they were unable to identify the issue at that time. In January 2025, the vehicle’s check engine light came on and further inspections at Lexus South County revealed that the vehicle was unsafe to operate without replacing the fuel pump. The dealership indicated that the vehicle would not be released unless this repair was completed and the fuel pump was replaced. the federal safety agency identified a safety recall (the federal safety agency Campaign ID 20V682000) for these vehicles due to a defect in the low-pressure fuel pump. The defect could lead to engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Affected vehicles were equipped with a fuel pump that may fail, causing the engine to stall while driving. Toyota and Lexus dealers were instructed to replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one at no cost to the vehicle owner. These events suggest a potential failure to adequately address a known safety defect, leading to compromised vehicle performance and increased risk to occupants. Failure to add this vehicle to the recall list created an ongoing unsafe situation for my family and also compromised the health of the vehicles’ engine and other parts that rely on the fuel pump. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Filed Jun 4, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 35,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Lexus NX300. The contact stated there was a misfire in the engine and the engine was idling rough. The contact heard a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel while driving at speeds of approximately 10 MPH or slower and when turning the steering wheel. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: L-SB-007-21; the federal safety agency ID Number: 11003637 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire. The dealer also diagnosed the vehicle with the front axle failure. The contact was informed that the front axle needed to be replaced. The front axle was replaced; however, the sound persisted. The vehicle engine was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding ongoing issues with my vehicle following repairs performed at Crown Lexus in Ontario. In December 2024, I experienced rough idling, slow acceleration with vibration, fluctuating RPMs, and stalling. The check engine light turned on, and an error message instructed me to pull over and contact a local dealer due to engine/transmission trouble. I promptly brought the vehicle to Crown Lexus, where it was diagnosed with a faulty cylinder head requiring full replacement. The repairs were completed at that time. However, over the past four months, the same issues have reappeared. I returned the vehicle to Crown Lexus, where I was told no problems were found and the car was safe to drive. Unfortunately, just two days later, the issues persisted, and I am now bringing the vehicle back in for a third time with the same engine/transmission symptoms. Given the recurrence of these serious issues and the prior repairs conducted, I kindly request a thorough diagnostic review and a resolution to ensure the vehicle is safe and functioning properly. I would also appreciate documentation of all findings and repairs. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt and effective resolutio

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Lexus NX check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Lexus NX?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, fuel pump failure and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are P0087, P11EF and P107B.

Which Lexus NX years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (5 complaints), 2016 (4 complaints) and 2020 (4 complaints).

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