NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Lexus ES 250 Safety Ratings
The 2022 Lexus ES 250 scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Lexus ES 250 AWD earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100. This model year achieved a perfect score for its avoidance technology and a strong overall crash protection rating from NHTSA. Its clean recall record further supports the ES 250 AWD's safety profile.
The 2022 Lexus ES 250 4DR AWD received a five-out-of-five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Lexus ES 250 ranks 36 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Lexus ES 250?
What separates the 2022 Lexus ES 250 AWD from its immediate predecessor is a meaningful six-point jump in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 85/100 in the Strong band for the 2021 model year to 91/100 in the Exceptional band for 2022. That gain is anchored by a perfect 20/20 defect-record score, reflecting zero recall campaigns, and a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech score driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment. The crash-protection component adds 61 out of a possible 70 points, consistent with the NHTSA overall five-star result. The four-star frontal and four-star rollover ratings are the only figures that keep crash protection from a maximum score, but an 11 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result reinforce that the AWD sedan performs well on that axis. The eight unverified consumer complaints on file are notable primarily for their low count relative to fleet exposure, and none allege a crash, fire, injury, or death. Taken together, the 2022 model year represents a measurable step forward in this vehicle's federal safety record compared with 2021.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Lexus ES 250 perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Lexus ES 250 AWD secured an overall rating of five out of five stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly strong, achieving a full five-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both registered four out of five stars, with the latter indicating an 11 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16614
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Lexus ES 250 have any recalls?
The 2022 Lexus ES 250 AWD carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. That clean record contributes directly to its perfect 20/20 defect-record component in the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Lexus ES 250?
NHTSA has logged eight unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged components are Tires, with two reports, followed by single unverified allegations touching Lane Departure, Engine, Service Brakes, Wheels, and Seat Belts. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Lexus ES 250?
No recalls are currently on file for the 2022 Lexus ES 250 AWD. However, recall campaigns can be added after a vehicle's production year. Shoppers considering this model should run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase; confirming remedy completion by VIN is the only way to verify status.
- The 2022 model year improved six points over the 2021 Safety Index, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, a year-over-year gain driven entirely by a zero-recall record and fully standard crash-avoidance technology.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for this specific model year, giving the 2022 ES 250 AWD a perfect 20/20 defect-record score, the maximum available in the MotorCaliber Index.
- The side-impact rating of five out of five stars is the peak result in the NHTSA test suite for this vehicle, while the four-star frontal and four-star rollover ratings, combined with an 11 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic test outcome, round out the crash-test picture.
- Eight unverified NHTSA complaints are on file, with Tires the most frequently alleged component at two reports; none of the eight allege a crash, fire, injury, or death, making this one of the lower complaint-volume profiles in the used-sedan segment for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Lexus ES 250 places
The 2022 Lexus ES 250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Lexus ES 250 safety questions
Was the 2022 Lexus ES 250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Lexus ES 250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Lexus ES 250 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Lexus ES 250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Lexus ES 250 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Lexus ES 250?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Lexus ES 250. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other ES 250 years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16614), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 250 2022.
- 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 36 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.