MODEL
Lexus ES 250 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Lexus ES 250 model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Lexus ES 250 we cover (2021 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 85. 1 recall have been issued across those years.
The Lexus ES 250 is a front-wheel-drive entry-level luxury sedan competing in one of the most contested segments in the market. Aimed at buyers who prioritize a refined, composed driving experience with premium brand cachet, the ES 250 serves as the gateway trim in the ES lineup. It draws shoppers who want a polished alternative to mainstream midsize sedans without stepping into the full cost of performance-oriented luxury.
The Lexus ES 250 presents a genuinely strong safety picture across the 2021 to 2025 model years. A perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the side-impact crash test stands out in its NHTSA results. The vehicle also achieved 4 out of 5 stars in both frontal crash and rollover assessments, creating a balanced overall profile without any single weak point. Its 2022 model year earned an Exceptional Safety Index score of 91 out of 100. Its recall record is notably clean: just one recall has been issued across five model years, suggesting strong engineering oversight. Owner-reported complaints are also modest, with 48 issues filed across the covered years. Of these, 6 complaints allege crashes and 1 alleges a fire; NHTSA notes these are unverified. No injuries or deaths are associated with any of these complaints. The ES 250 shows a clean safety record in the entry luxury sedan class, marked by top-tier side protection and a minimal recall history.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Lexus ES as a comfort-first luxury sedan that delivers a smooth, quiet ride and an upscale interior experience well-suited to daily driving. Most praise its refinement and ease of use, though some note the driving dynamics lean more toward relaxed cruising than spirited engagement. It is broadly seen as a sensible, polished choice in the entry luxury segment.
- The 2022 ES 250 earned a 91 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score, placing it in the Exceptional band, which is among the stronger results you will find in the entry luxury sedan class.
- Side-impact crash protection is the standout result, with a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, while frontal and rollover ratings both sit at a solid 4 out of 5 across the best-tested model years.
- Only one recall has been issued across the 2021 to 2025 model years covered here, which is a notably clean record and reflects well on the consistency of Lexus production quality over this period.
- Forty-eight owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA across these model years, including 6 reported crashes and 1 reported fire. These are unverified allegations, and importantly, zero injuries and zero deaths have been reported in connection with those complaints.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Lexus ES 250 with 1 recalls.