NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Lexus ES 250 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 AWD enters the market with a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating. This sedan has no recalls on file, a strong indicator for its model year. The ES 250 AWD achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong category, though this score represents a two-point decrease from the previous year's assessment.
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 AWD received an overall five-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Lexus ES 250 ranks 55 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 | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 55 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Lexus ES 250?
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 AWD holds an 89/100 Safety Index in the Strong band, but that number deserves context: the 2024 model year scored 91/100 in the Exceptional band, meaning this specific model year stepped back two points and dropped one full band tier. The movement is driven by the crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, which leaves modest room below a perfect mark despite the headline five-star overall NHTSA rating. Avoidance technology contributes a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting standard-equipment forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The defect record sub-score of 18 out of 20 is supported by the cleanest possible recall outcome: zero campaigns on file. The four owner complaints on record are a low raw figure for a vehicle in active service, though the alleged involvement of forward collision avoidance and back-over prevention systems in two reports each is worth monitoring, given those are the same technologies driving the perfect avoidance sub-score. Taken together, this is a year defined by strong fundamentals, a slight retreat from the prior year's peak, and no recall exposure.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Lexus ES 250 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 AWD achieved the highest possible overall rating from NHTSA, earning five stars. This strong performance extends to side protection, which also secured a five-star rating. Frontal and rollover protection were each rated at four stars. The rollover risk for this model is 11 percent, and it registered no tip in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20220
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Lexus ES 250 have any recalls?
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall data is updated continuously and new campaigns can be filed at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Lexus ES 250?
NHTSA has received four owner complaints for this model year. The top components flagged in unverified allegations are Back Over Prevention, Forward Collision Avoidance, and the Fuel/Propulsion System, each cited twice. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Lexus ES 250?
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 has no open recalls on file. Prospective owners should verify that this status remains unchanged by running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool, ensuring any new campaigns that may have emerged are addressed and documented.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index of 89/100 represents a two-point decline from the 2024 model year score of 91/100, dropping the vehicle from the Exceptional band into the Strong band.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for this specific model year, the cleanest possible defect record outcome and a direct contributor to the 18/20 defect record sub-score.
- Four unverified owner complaints name Back Over Prevention and Forward Collision Avoidance as the most frequently alleged problem components, each appearing in two separate reports.
- The five-star overall NHTSA crash rating is anchored by a perfect five-star side protection score, while frontal and rollover protection each earned four stars with an 11 percent rollover risk figure.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Lexus ES 250 places
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Lexus ES 250 safety questions
Was the 2025 Lexus ES 250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Lexus ES 250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2025 Lexus ES 250 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Lexus ES 250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 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 2025 Lexus ES 250?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Lexus ES 250. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other ES 250 years
Rivals in Sedan (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20220), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 250 2025.
- 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 55 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- 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.