2018 Lexus NX300 Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 2018 Lexus NX300 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Tire Leaking Air
0%
30% chance it's the
Wheel Leaking Air
0%
15% chance it's the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
0%
15% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2018 Lexus NX300 tire pressure warning light stays on are a leaking tire, a wheel that no longer holds air, or a faulty tire pressure monitoring system.
  • Tire Leaking Air: A puncture, valve stem issue, or rim damage can cause a tire to leak air, leading to loss of tire pressure.
  • Wheel Leaking Air: A puncture or damage to the tire or rim can cause air to leak, resulting in a loss of tire pressure.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System: A malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system can be caused by faulty sensors or a dead battery in the sensor units.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2018 Lexus NX300 tire pressure warning light stays on?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

When a tire pressure monitoring sensor fails, the tire pressure monitoring system control module will recognize a loss in communication and turn on the warning lamp which indicates the failure. This is most often the case. However, the tire pressure monitoring sensor may also fail by reporting incorrect tire pressures. This could cause a flat tire to go unrecognized, or a properly inflated tire to signal a low or high tire pressure warning.

When a relearn is needed, for any reason, the TPMS warning light will illuminate, and many vehicles will display a message relating to the TPMS system being inoperative or loosing communication. It is important to keep a watchful eye on tire pressures when this system is having issues because there is no warning available for underinflation or overinflation of the tires.

Wheels offer very few symptoms, but these symptoms should never be ignored. Visible cracks on the wheels may appear, especially after hitting a large bump, Most often, this will also be accompanied by loss of air from the tire on that wheel. Also, vibration in the steering wheel is very common when the tire is out of balance, and improper wheel nuts or bolts can cause creaking and popping noises to develop. Again, there are very few symptoms, but they should not be ignored.

The only symptoms requiring diagnosis for the tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp is if the warning lamp has illuminated while the tires have correct air pressure, or if the air pressure for the tires is out of specification and the warning lamp is off. This is because the overwhelming majority of cases where the TPMS lamp illuminates is due to the change in ambient temperature.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2018 Lexus NX300?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in your 2018 Lexus NX300, it’s essential to identify the underlying issues to ensure your safety on the road. One common cause is low tire pressure, which can result from temperature changes or a slow leak in one or more tires. Additionally, the tire pressure sensors may malfunction, leading to incorrect readings and keeping the warning light illuminated even when the tires are properly inflated. Problems within the tire pressure monitoring system itself, such as sensor failures or system errors, can also contribute to this issue. Moreover, physical damage to the tires, like punctures or sidewall deformities, can cause pressure loss, triggering the warning light. Lastly, improper tire inflation, whether due to under-inflation or over-inflation, can activate the warning. By understanding these potential problems, you can take the necessary steps to diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring safe driving and preventing further tire damage.

What steps should I take to diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on my 2018 Lexus NX300?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on your 2018 Lexus NX300, begin with the simplest solution: manually check the tire pressure of all four tires using a reliable pressure gauge. This initial step can often resolve the issue if the tires are simply under-inflated. Next, determine whether your vehicle is equipped with a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If it is, you may need to reset the tire pressure sensors, which can typically be done by pressing a reset button on the dashboard or following the instructions in your owner's manual. After addressing these basic checks, inspect the TPMS sensors for any signs of damage or malfunction. Faulty sensors can stem from various issues, including depleted batteries or electrical problems. If the warning light appeared after a recent tire change, consider that the sensors may have been inadvertently damaged during the process. Utilizing an OBD reader, such as Carista, can provide further insights into the sensor readings and help confirm their functionality. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically identify and resolve the tire pressure warning light issue, ensuring your Lexus NX300 remains safe and roadworthy.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2018 Lexus NX300?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in a 2018 Lexus NX300 is of utmost urgency due to the significant safety risks it poses. This warning light is an integral part of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), alerting you to potential issues with tire inflation. If the light stays on, it may indicate that one or more tires are under-inflated by 25 percent or more, which can severely affect your vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency, and overall safety. Ignoring this warning can lead to dangerous situations, such as reduced traction and an increased risk of tire blowouts, which could compromise your ability to brake effectively. For DIY enthusiasts, it is crucial to first check the tire pressures using a reliable gauge and inflate them to the recommended levels. If the light persists after correcting the tire pressures, it may indicate a malfunctioning sensor or a slow leak, necessitating further inspection. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to this warning not only enhance your driving experience but also ensure your safety on the road.

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