What is the maintenance schedule for Lexus NX 300?
The NX 300 follows Lexus’ standard maintenance plan with regular oil changes and tire rotations on a long-term schedule, plus periodic inspections and part replacements. Exact intervals vary by model year and market, so consult your owner’s manual or a Lexus dealer for your vehicle’s precise plan.
How the schedule is structured
The Lexus maintenance system typically divides service into routine intervals that are often labeled as A and B, or into normal vs. severe driving categories. These distinctions determine how frequently items like oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections are performed. The NX 300’s maintenance aims to protect the powertrain, brakes, cooling system, and overall reliability through clear, milestone-based checks.
Typical intervals and what gets checked
Below is a representative guide for current NX 300 models in North America as of 2024–2025. Your exact numbers may differ by year and market. The list is organized by maintenance type, with the explanation preceding each list to help you understand the items included.
Oil, filters, and tires
The core items that affect engine health and safety are addressed on a regular cadence. Use the following as a practical baseline, and verify with your manual for the precise figures.
- Engine oil and oil filter: typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months under normal driving; more frequent (about every 5,000 miles or 6 months) for severe driving conditions.
- Tire rotation: generally every 5,000–10,000 miles (often aligned with the oil service intervals); balances wear and extends tire life.
- Brake inspection: brakes are inspected at least at each maintenance visit; pad thickness and rotor wear are checked during these service intervals.
Keeping up with these items helps ensure consistent performance and safe stopping distances, while maximizing tire life and fuel efficiency.
Air filters and cabin filtration
Air intake and cabin air filtration are important for engine efficiency and interior air quality. The typical replacement/inspection plan includes these items at moderate intervals.
- Engine air filter: commonly checked or replaced around 30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.
- Cabin air filter: commonly checked or replaced around 15,000–30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and air quality.
Replacing these filters helps maintain engine efficiency and interior air quality, particularly in dusty environments.
Fluids and other components
Other fluid replacement and component inspections are scheduled to protect the cooling system, the transmission, and the braking system.
- Brake fluid: typically replaced every 2 years (or as specified by the manual) to prevent moisture buildup and brake performance degradation.
- Coolant (antifreeze): typically replaced around 100,000 miles or 10 years (whichever comes first; some markets have different cycles).
- Transmission fluid (for automatic or CVT): commonly checked at intervals, with replacement recommended around 60,000–100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and model.
- Spark plugs: typically replaced around 100,000 miles (check exact specification for your engine); platinum/iridium plugs can last longer between replacements.
- Major service items (valves, belts, etc.): based on inspection results and mileage, performed as needed rather than on a fixed schedule.
Regular maintenance of these systems helps prevent unexpected failures and maintains drivetrain efficiency and reliability.
Looking up the exact schedule for your NX 300
Because the NX 300 has undergone generational changes and market-specific variations (gas NX 300, hybrid NX 300h, and in some markets other powertrains), the precise mileage and service items can vary. The definitive source is your owner’s manual and the Lexus Service Schedule shown in the Lexus multimedia display or in the Lexus Owner Portal. You can also ask a Lexus dealer, who can pull up the exact schedule for your VIN and driving conditions.
Practical tips for staying on track
Adhere to the service reminders on the vehicle’s display, keep a maintenance log, and consider setting up service at a certified Lexus dealership to ensure the correct fluids and parts specific to NX 300 are used.
Summary
The NX 300 maintenance schedule is built around regular oil changes, tire maintenance, filter replacements, and periodic checks of fluids and components, with exact mileages varying by model year and market. For the most accurate plan, refer to the owner’s manual or your local Lexus dealer. Keeping up with the schedule helps protect reliability, performance, and resale value.
What is maintenance required on Lexus NX300?
The Lexus NX 300 requires routine maintenance every 5,000 miles, including an oil change, oil filter replacement, tire rotation, and a multi-point inspection. More extensive services, such as brake fluid replacement and cabin air filter replacement, are due at specific intervals, like every 10,000 or 30,000 miles. The "Maintenance Required" light on the dashboard indicates a 5,000-mile service is due.
This video demonstrates how to reset the maintenance light on a Lexus NX 300: 1mThe Bravo ConnectionYouTube · Nov 2, 2023
Routine maintenance (every 5,000 miles)
- Engine oil and oil filter change
- Tire rotation
- Fluid level inspection and adjustment
- Multi-point inspection
- Wiper blade inspection
- Visual brake inspection
Other scheduled services
- Every 15,000 miles: All 5,000-mile services, plus body/chassis inspection, intercooler and engine coolant checks, and smart key battery replacement.
- Every 30,000 miles: All previous services, plus brake rotor inspection, transmission leak inspection, and engine air and cabin air filter replacements.
- Every 3 years/30,000 miles: Brake fluid replacement.
How to reset the "Maintenance Required" light
- Turn the ignition on (press the start button twice without your foot on the brake).
- Navigate through the multi-function display on your steering wheel to the vehicle settings or gear icon.
- Find the "Maintenance" or "Oil Maintenance" section.
- Select the option to reset the maintenance light and confirm.
You can watch this video for a step-by-step guide on resetting the maintenance light on a Lexus NX 300: 57sThe G Automotive And MoreYouTube · May 6, 2022
How often should I change the oil on my Lexus NX 300?
every 10,000 miles
If you drive a Lexus NX300h, maintenance guidelines slightly differ from general standards. Manufacturer's suggestion: Synthetic Oil Only: Change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
When should I change the transmission fluid in my Lexus NX300?
The general interval for changing the Lexus NX300's transmission fluid is every 60,000 miles or 72 months, as specified in the maintenance schedule for severe driving conditions like towing or heavy loads. For normal driving, it is recommended to check the owner's manual for the exact interval, but for many models, a change around 30,000 to 40,000 miles is common. Signs like delayed shifting, strange noises, or fluid leaks indicate the need for a change sooner.
Regular service schedule
- Check the owner's manual: Consult your specific owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation, as intervals can vary by model year and driving conditions.
- General guideline: Many sources suggest changing the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for regular service. Some models may be serviced at 60,000 miles.
Severe driving conditions
- Frequent intervals: If you frequently drive under severe conditions, such as towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy loading, you should change the fluid every 30,000 miles.
Signs that indicate a need for a change
- Warning lights: The transmission warning light on the dashboard is on.
- Strange noises: Grinding or odd noises when shifting gears.
- Delayed shifting: The transmission feels sluggish when changing gears.
- Leaks: You see transmission fluid leaks under the vehicle.
- Burnt smell: The transmission fluid has a burnt odor.
- Dirty fluid: The fluid on the dipstick looks dark or contaminated.
What is the maintenance schedule for a Lexus NX 300?
The Lexus NX 300 maintenance schedule includes essential services at regular intervals, such as engine oil and filter changes every 10,000 miles, tire rotations at 5,000-mile intervals, and more extensive services at milestones like 15,000, 30,000, and 60,000 miles. Key items include replacing the cabin and engine air filters at 15,000-30,000 miles, replacing the brake fluid at 30,000 miles, and checking or replacing spark plugs around 40,000 miles.
Regular maintenance (every 5,000 or 10,000 miles)
- Every 5,000 miles: Rotate tires, check fluid levels, inspect brake components, and inspect wiper blades.
- Every 10,000 miles (or annually): Replace engine oil and oil filter, rotate tires, and reset the maintenance reminder light.
Milestone maintenance
- 15,000 miles: In addition to the 10,000-mile services, inspect the car's body, dust covers, ball joints, hoses, and brake lines, and check the engine coolant. Replace the SmartKey battery and inspect the exhaust system, steering linkage, and boot.
- 30,000 miles: Perform all 15,000-mile services plus:
- Replace engine air filter and cabin air filter.
- Inspect and measure brake pad thickness and rotor runout.
- Replace brake fluid.
- Inspect the fuel system and fuel lines.
- 40,000 miles: Replace the spark plugs.
- 60,000 miles: Perform all 30,000-mile services plus:
- Replace transmission fluid.
- Inspect the battery and replace it if needed.
- Thoroughly inspect the body for rust and corrosion.
- 90,000 miles: Perform all 30,000-mile services. The timing belt will need to be replaced at this mileage.
Important notes
- Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations based on your model year and driving conditions.
- This schedule is a general guideline. It's always best to follow the maintenance schedule provided by Lexus in your owner's manual.
- Some services, like the 5,000-mile checks, may be included with Lexus Luxury Care prepaid maintenance plans.
- For services like brake inspections, a mechanic will visually inspect the pads, calipers, and rotors.
