Lexus

Lexus Nx (2021)

4,277 real MOT outcomes analysed • 95.3% first-time pass rate

2021 Lexus Nx

CarHunch analysed 4,277 real MOT records for the 2021 Lexus Nx. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2021 Lexus NX is a standout performer on the MOT test, with a 95.3% first-time pass rate that significantly outpaces the UK average of 80%—this is a genuinely reliable car. Only 3.2% of vehicles in this cohort have ever recorded a dangerous defect, which is well below concern threshold and reflects the quality you'd expect from a premium Japanese brand.

At a median mileage of just 25,381 miles for vehicles now three years old, these cars are running light, and the average of only 0.15 failures per vehicle confirms owners aren't encountering systemic issues. When you do see advisories (averaging 1.3 per car), they're typically minor wear items rather than structural problems—so if you're shopping for a used NX from this year, focus your pre-purchase inspection on the usual maintenance records rather than worrying about hidden mechanical gremlins.

The 2021 Lexus Nx passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (95.3% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

First-time pass
95.3%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
3.2%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.15
Over 2.2 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
25k
Middle half: 19k–33k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 95.3% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

These stats describe 4,277 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

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What tends to go wrong

Across 4,277 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 25.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 6.6%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 5.4%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2021.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 4,277 Lexus Nx cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2021 Lexus Nx

Based on MOT data from 4,277 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 3.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Hybrid Electric (Clean) (100%) 4,273 95.3% 0.15

Colour Breakdown

Based on 29,429 Lexus Nx vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 26.8%
7,901
Black 23.8%
6,995
White 15.6%
4,605
Grey 14.5%
4,254
Red 10.9%
3,200
Blue 7.5%
2,204
Brown 0.4%
106
Orange 0.3%
88
Green 0.2%
71
Gold 0%
5

Mileage Distribution

Most 2021 Lexus Nx vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

25,381
typical
18,737
low mileage
33,348
high mileage

Half of all 2021 Lexus Nx vehicles fall between 18,737 and 33,348 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 18,737 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
18,737–33,348 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2021 Lexus Nxs sit.
Over 45,019 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

2.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.15
Avg failures per vehicle
1.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Lexus Nx: All Nx years → Which year to buy? →
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Or browse all models: Lexus →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2021 Lexus Nx stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?