NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Lexus ES 250 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Lexus ES 250 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD enters the Exceptional band of MotorCaliber's Safety Index with a score of 90/100, placing it among the stronger safety performers in its segment for the model year. The ES 250 AWD currently shows zero recalls on file, reinforcing its strong safety standing.
The 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA NCAP and federal recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Lexus ES 250 ranks 48 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 | 90 / 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 | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 48 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Lexus ES 250?
The 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD distinguishes itself with a clean recall record, showing no federal safety campaigns initiated for any components. This factor contributes to its overall Safety Index of 90 out of 100. While this score places it in the Exceptional band, it represents a one-point decrease from the 2022 model year's 91. This slight reduction stems from its defect record component, which scored 18.5 out of 20, reflecting nine unverified consumer complaints. Crash protection for the ES 250 AWD aligns with a five-star overall NHTSA rating, translating to a crash-protection score of 61 out of 70. Its avoidance technology component achieved a perfect 10 out of 10, a direct result of standard-equipped forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. In specific crash tests, the vehicle earned five stars for side-impact protection, its highest individual rating. Both frontal crash and rollover tests yielded four-star results. The 11 percent rollover risk and "No Tip" dynamic result further underscore the sedan's inherent stability.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Lexus ES 250 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD earned an overall rating of five out of five stars from NHTSA. Its side protection registered a five-star performance. Both frontal impact and rollover resistance were rated at four out of five stars. The rollover risk for the ES 250 AWD is 11 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18552
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Lexus ES 250 have any recalls?
The 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD has 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. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall filings can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Lexus ES 250?
NHTSA has received nine owner complaints for this model year, all unverified allegations. The most frequently cited components are the Electrical System and Service Brakes, each with two reports. Power Train, Lane Departure, Hydraulic, and Fuel/Propulsion System each carry one reported allegation. No fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Lexus ES 250?
The 2023 ES 250 AWD has not been subject to any recalls to date. Owners are advised to consult the NHTSA recall database periodically, particularly before purchase of a used model, to ensure no new filings have been issued and that any necessary remedies have been completed by a franchised dealer.
- Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for the 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD, making this the cleanest aspect of its defect record for this specific model year.
- The 2023 Safety Index of 90 out of 100 represents a one-point decline from the 2022 model year's 91, with the difference traceable to nine unverified owner complaints now logged in the NHTSA system.
- The side-crash rating of five out of five stars is the peak individual score for this model year, while frontal and rollover each come in at four out of five stars with an 11 percent rollover risk.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, contributing a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Lexus ES 250 places
The 2023 Lexus ES 250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Lexus ES 250 safety questions
Was the 2023 Lexus ES 250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Lexus ES 250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 2023 Lexus ES 250 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Lexus ES 250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 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 2023 Lexus ES 250?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18552), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 250 2023.
- 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 48 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.