NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus ES 250 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lexus ES 250 scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 27 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD achieves an overall safety rating from NHTSA that anchors its NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100. This places the model in our Strong safety band. The vehicle's near-perfect defect record sub-score contributes significantly to this rating. While solid, its avoidance technology sub-score indicates modest areas for improvement.
The 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Lexus ES 250 ranks 59 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 27 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 59 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus ES 250?
The 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD earns an overall Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band for its model year. This score is significantly bolstered by its crash protection performance, which contributed 61 out of 70 points. The ES 250 AWD achieved NHTSA's highest 5-out-of-5-star overall safety rating, including a perfect 5 stars in side-impact crash tests. Its defect record also stands out as a strength, scoring 18.5 out of 20. This reflects a single recall campaign: the widespread Toyota occupant classification sensor recall affecting several models from 2020 to 2021. This singular recall event indicates a narrow scope of identified manufacturing defects for the 2021 ES 250 AWD. The primary area for improvement lies in avoidance technology, which scored 5 out of 10. This lower sub-score is attributed to the absence of standard forward collision warning on this specific configuration, though lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard features. Owner complaints for this model year are few, totaling 27. Of these, 25 relate to the Air Bags component, aligning with the subject of the single recall. This concentration of complaints suggests that verifying the completion of the recall remedy is a prudent step for owners.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus ES 250 perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD a five-star overall rating and a perfect five stars in the side-impact test. Frontal and rollover protection each earned four stars, with a measured rollover risk of 11 percent and a dynamic tip test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15800
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus ES 250 have any recalls?
One recall affects this model year: an occupant classification sensor campaign covering the airbag system, issued by Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing and encompassing certain 2020 to 2021 Toyota and Lexus models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexu
Reported 2023-12-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus ES 250?
NHTSA has logged 27 unverified owner allegations for this model year, including one reported crash. The dominant component by volume is Air Bags, cited in 25 of those unverified reports. Steering and Service Brakes account for the remaining two and one allegations respectively.
27 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus ES 250?
The 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD merits attention regarding an open recall for its occupant classification sensor. Shoppers of this model are advised to verify, via NHTSA's recall lookup, that this safety item has been addressed, as an unresolved recall on a five-year-old vehicle remains an active concern.
- The 2021 ES 250 AWD carries one open recall campaign targeting the airbag occupant classification sensor, a Toyota-issued action covering select 2020 to 2021 models; VIN-level verification of remedy completion is essential for any used purchase.
- NHTSA's five-star overall and five-star side-impact ratings are the headline crash-test results for this specific model year and configuration, with four-star scores recorded for frontal protection and rollover resistance.
- Twenty-five of the 27 unverified NHTSA complaints on record for this model year cite Air Bags as the affected component, a concentration that aligns directly with the recall subject matter.
- Forward collision warning is absent from this configuration's crash-avoidance profile, which accounts for the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 and is the primary drag on an otherwise strong 85-point Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus ES 250 places
The 2021 Lexus ES 250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus ES 250 safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus ES 250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lexus ES 250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Lexus ES 250 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Lexus ES 250 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus ES 250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Lexus ES 250. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Lexus ES 250?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 27 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Lexus ES 250. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other ES 250 years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15800), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 250 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 59 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.