I've got a 2021 NX300h (1st gen). I bought it used but Lexus Approved (1 previous owner, 34k miles).
Recently, I've noticed a tiny bit of play in the steering wheel—about 1cm left, then 1cm right. It feels slightly loose, but only when changing direction, like making small left/right adjustments to stay straight in the lane on the motorway.
I tested it on my driveway with my head out the window, and while there's this little play, the tires still respond immediately and turn correctly. Now I'm wondering—is this normal for the NX300h's steering, or should I get it checked?

 

Any noise when turning the wheel? How about if you turn the steering wheel quickly back and forth? What's happening doesn't seem normal to me.

 

No noises, just that little play when changing the turn direction, it just feels a bit loose when for example turning left 1cm and then right, that first movement right (in the opposite direction) feels loose before I feel a resistance (the actual constant resistance).
I've got a response from Grok (AI chat) below, but I just wanted to check here if anyone had a similar experience:
"A small amount of steering wheel free play—typically up to about 13mm (roughly 0.5 inches) for modern rack-and-pinion systems like the one in your Lexus NX300h—is considered normal and within acceptable tolerances due to inherent mechanical clearances in the steering components. This can become slightly more noticeable during minor directional changes, such as the lane-keeping adjustments you described, especially at lower speeds or when the vehicle is stationary. Based on your description of about 1cm (10mm) of play, and the fact that the front tires still respond promptly without any delay in turning, it sounds like it's likely on the normal side rather than a defect. Electric power steering systems, like the one in the NX300h hybrid, can sometimes feel a bit looser or more sensitive compared to traditional hydraulic setups, particularly in town driving where you're making frequent small corrections.
That said, if this play has only appeared recently (as opposed to being present since you bought the car), it could potentially point to something developing, such as minor wear in the tie rods, steering rack bushings, or even alignment drift—common in vehicles around 30-40k miles, especially with mostly urban and weekend use where potholes or curbs might contribute. There don't appear to be any specific recalls or widespread reports of steering play issues for the 2021 NX300h model year related to this symptom. However, some Lexus models (like older RX variants) have had known steering column rattles or looseness, often described as a slight knock or play during small movements, which Lexus has addressed via service bulletins or part replacements. Newer NX owners have occasionally reported similar rattles near the steering area on rough roads, but it's not a dominant complaint for your exact model.
Since your NX is a Lexus Approved Used vehicle with only 34k miles and one previous owner, it's probably still covered under the manufacturer's extended warranty or the Approved Used program (which often includes comprehensive checks and coverage for steering components). I'd recommend taking it back to the dealership or another Lexus service center for a free inspection—they can measure the exact play, check for any error codes in the electric power steering system, and verify alignment or component wear. If it's something minor like a bushing or adjustment, it might be covered at no cost to you. In the meantime, monitor for any accompanying symptoms like unusual noises, vibrations, pulling to one side, or uneven tire wear, as those could indicate it's worth addressing sooner."

 

You mentioned 1 cm left and 1 cm right make a total of 2 cms of movement ? Or its the same 1 cm from first to left then the same 1 cm movement back but to the right for a total movement of 1 cm ?
All my vehicles with low mileages , '16 Lexus NX200t ( @ 62K miles ), '21 Tacoma ( @ 36K miles ) have zero side to side play ( looseness) of the steering wheels. Even my '00 Acura RL ( @ 168K miles ) has almost zero STS play of the steering wheel. On the other hand my '05 toyota 4 Rnner with a rack & pinion replacement unit from a wrecking yard ( @ 140K the OEM was leaking fluid from a bursted bushing but otherwise no play ) has a 3/8" STS play. Factory manual ( for 4R ) states that play to a maximum of 1/2" is acceptable ( from wear & tear ). AN OEM rack was mega $$$ so I'm living with the looseness but I'm reminded of this everytime I use this vehicle.
So, my take is since there was no sign of steering play when you first bought the vehicle and only noticed the looseness recently, there is/are wear in one/or more of the mechanical components from steering wheel column to tie rod ends at the wheels. A total play of 1 cm may be within acceptable tolerance of factory specs ( IDK ) but 2 cm ( 3/4" + ) is indicative of worn components IMHO.
Have you check this looseness with engine off ? It'll give a much truer reading of total play in your SW.

 

Many thanks for your reply.

I just checked the steering wheel on the engine off and I didn’t feel any play there.

With the engine on, I set up the iPhone looking at the wheel and I could see live preview on Apple Watch and it seems like the wheels turn exactly with the movement of the steering wheel, but when making that small adjustment in one direction and then making a small adjustment in the opposite direction I can feel kind of no resistance for about 1-2cm (difficult to say), it just feels like there a tiny jump when changing the direction…

 

If its only there with engine running it may well be the assistance starting to work as you turn the wheel then it regulates.

 

Go onto this site and you'll get detail description of the PS, its components and potential problems. https://www.lexunx.com/system_description-1688.html.
If there is no free movment of SW with engine off, just do periodic checks ( measurements ) to ensure no further increase with mileage. The very small amount of 'free play' that you're noting may suggest need for an adjustment for sensors ( torque & angle ) in the steering system. Good luck.

 

I would do an alignment first. It sounds like to me your alignment is off, specifically the toe, it's toeing out. OEM spec calls for the front to be slightly toe in.

 

I have the same vehicle but no issues!!!

 

What if you're reversing and correcting slightly left and right? I think that's how I first noticed it, every time I'm reversing into my driveway and then adjust slightly left and right, I can feel that tiny play, it's like there's no resistance for the first 1cm turn when changing direction...

 

I mind mind its normal. My 2014/15 300H feels the same. Its the system adding assistance that is variable as you turn.

 

Yes, looks like it is normal, although I don’t like it, it just feels like I don’t have control for that tiny movement as I there is no resistance and only then it kicks in, it’s misleading for me.
I went to Lexus yesterday, the salesman sat with me with two other NX, 2021 and 2020 and they felt the same.

That’s how grok explains it:
Based on your experience testing two other Lexus NX models (a 2020 and a 2021) at the dealer and finding the steering feel identical to yours—including that subtle “jump” or lack of resistance (about 1-2cm) during small direction changes like lane adjustments, stationary oscillations, or transitioning from a bend to straight on the motorway—this is almost certainly a normal characteristic of the first-generation Lexus NX (2015-2021 models), rather than a fault or wear issue specific to your 2021 NX300h.

The consistency across multiple low-mileage examples strongly suggests it’s by design, not something that developed recently in your car.



Why They All Feel the Same: EPS System Design

All first-gen NX models, including the 2020 and 2021 hybrids like yours, use an electric power steering (EPS) system that’s tuned for a balance of comfort, efficiency, and stability—prioritizing a relaxed feel over ultra-sharp responsiveness (which is more common in sportier Lexus sedans like the GS).



Here’s a breakdown of why this manifests as that noticeable “over-correction” or looseness during tiny inputs:

• On-Center Damping and Assist Tuning: EPS systems incorporate intentional software damping around the straight-ahead (center) position to enhance high-speed stability and reduce driver fatigue from constant micro-corrections. This creates a small “dead zone” or threshold where the electric motor doesn’t provide immediate torque, leading to a brief sensation of no resistance or a “jump” when reversing direction (e.g., from right on a bend to left for straightening, then a quick right tweak). It’s more pronounced in comfort-oriented crossovers like the NX, especially hybrids, where the system is calibrated for smooth, efficient operation rather than pinpoint precision. Traditional hydraulic steering (in older models) often feels tighter, but EPS allows for this variable assist—firmer at speed, softer in town.
• Model-Specific Traits: Owner forums and reviews for 2020-2021 NX models frequently describe this exact feel as “vague” or “notchy” on-center, but normal and not indicative of problems like wear or misalignment—especially since your unassisted (engine-off) test showed no mechanical play, and tires respond immediately. It’s consistent across the lineup because the EPS hardware and software are shared (no major changes between 2020 and 2021). If it were wear-related (e.g., bushings or tie rods), it wouldn’t be uniform in dealer demo cars with varying mileages.
• Driving Context Amplifies It: This feel is most noticeable during the scenarios you mentioned—stationary tests, reversing, or motorway transitions—because that’s when you’re making frequent small inputs at lower efforts. At constant speeds or larger turns, the EPS ramps up assist smoothly, masking it. Urban/weekend driving (like yours) highlights it more than highway-focused use.

No recalls or widespread defects exist for steering play in these model years, and many owners adapt to it as a quirk of the NX’s comfortable tuning. If it still bothers you, ask the dealer about any EPS software updates (rare, but free under warranty) or test a newer (2022+) NX facelift, which has refined EPS for a slightly tighter feel. Otherwise, it’s safe and normal—enjoy the drive!

 

OK. You might need to sell it then.

 

We have NOT noticed any play at all in our 2020 NX Lux.

We also bought used last year with almost 27k miles on the clock. We are now at just over 35k miles.

I’m going to pay specific attention now during the scenarios mentioned along with normal driving to see if I notice any play or looseness.

I’m pretty sure my OCD would’ve picked up on anything out of the ordinary or peculiar, especially with steering.

If I do find something I hadn’t notice before I’ll be sure to update this thread, but if it stands as I mentioned, I’ll leave as is.

 

@iMike
From your earlier post, you had observed zero STS movement of SW with engine off. Also there were corresponding wheel movement ( from Apple Watch ) with SW movement with engine running but you noticed a " flat spot" of approx 1 cm where there was no resistance felt from the SW. Resistance only became noticeable with further increase turning of the SW. If all that were factual, it'll mean that the whole steering system ( all mechanical components ) in your vehicle is in great shape and w/o any signs of wear. So, the question that begs to be asked " what/where is the origin(s) of the " flat spot" ?
We have posters here, myself included reporting zero play with our vehicle's SS. We also know that the Lexus's SS has electric assisst ( elect motor and gear set ) features and that the system has torque and angle sensors that can/are calibrated ( using Techstream) to optimise the system. IMHO its not too far a stretch that a competent Lexus tech can calibrate this SS to a tighter set of parameters i.e. tune out the "flat spot".