Toyota is recalling certain 2022 Lexus NX SUVs because the front shock absorbers may be missing certain welds.

The recall only affects 4,000 Lexus NX SUVs and does not include the electric hybrid HEV or the plug-in hybrid PHEV. Toyota is the parent company of Lexus. Dealers will inspect the welds near the shock mounting areas, the company said. Although there is no cure yet, Toyota is developing one now.

Incorrect welding, Toyota said in a press releasecan lead to “loss of driving stability and increase the risk of an accident”.

Is the 2022 Lexus NX SUV safe?

The 2022 Lexus NX and NX Plug-in Hybrid both won Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Top Safety Pick is good, but the plus means these two SUVs earned “good” ratings in six or more categories to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status.

The only other small SUVs to earn Top Safety Pick+ status are the Volvo C40 and XC40, Chevy Trailblazer, Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Rogue.

The cars are brand new for the 2022 model year and share a platform with the popular Toyota RAV4. However, the NX has a more traditional SUV look.

Is the Lexus NX worth considering?

You can think of a 2022 Lexus NX as the premium version of the Toyota RAV4. That’s not a bad thing. The NX is known for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and nearly every safety feature Lexus can squeeze into an SUV.

The Lexus NX starts at $39,025 and is rated as a reliable SUV.

Its base engine, however, doesn’t get the same high marks as the interior. It only has 203 horsepower which, for a mid-size SUV, is running out of steam. It is not as fast as some of its rivals. However, upgrading to the NX350 means you get the 275 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes it much more powerful.

Lexus offers its improved F Sport version on the NX. The F Sport line of Lexus cars is the highest performance trim level, and in the NX the F Sport trim adds adaptive suspension trim.

Is there a Lexus NX plug-in hybrid version?

For 2022, Lexus has added two new versions of the NX that are electrified. The 2022 NX 250h features a 189-hp four-cylinder engine mated to a 179-kilowatt hybrid system that brings the total to 239 hp. Lexus estimates it should earn 29 mpg combined. The new NX450h+ is the plug-in hybrid version, and it’s fast. The 450h+ starts with a 181 horsepower four-cylinder augmented by a 227 kW electric motor for a total of 302 hp.