NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lexus ES 300h Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lexus ES 300h scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A five-star overall NHTSA crash rating anchors the 2020 Lexus ES 300h's NHTSA Safety Index score of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This robust performance is further supported by a clean recall record. The absence of factory forward collision warning systems, however, represents a notable omission in its safety technology suite, preventing an even higher Safety Index placement.
The 2020 Lexus ES 300h received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Lexus ES 300h ranks 60 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 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 | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 60 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lexus ES 300h?
The 2020 Lexus ES 300h moved the NHTSA Safety Index two points upward from the 2019 model year's 84 to 86, both within the Strong band, but the gain reflects a meaningfully cleaner profile for this specific production year. The perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20, driven by zero recall campaigns, is the clearest differentiator for 2020. Crash protection contributed 61 of a possible 70 points, supported by the five-star overall and side ratings from NHTSA. The four-star frontal result and four-star rollover figure, while solid, are the ceiling on that sub-score. Where the 2020 year notably trails its own potential is the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10. Lane departure warning ships as standard equipment, but forward collision warning is listed as not available, a gap that limits the preventive-safety ceiling for this year specifically. Shoppers weighing this vehicle should understand that the Strong index reflects genuine crash-test performance and an unblemished recall record, not a full suite of active-avoidance hardware.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lexus ES 300h perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lexus ES 300h achieved the highest possible overall rating from NHTSA, earning five out of five stars. Its side protection tests similarly garnered a five-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were each rated at four stars. The measured rollover risk stood at 11 percent, and the ES 300h performed a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14703
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lexus ES 300h have any recalls?
The 2020 Lexus ES 300h 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 recall slate is a direct contributor to the model year's perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lexus ES 300h?
NHTSA has received one owner complaint for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h, filed under the Air Bags component category. This is an unverified consumer allegation reported to NHTSA and has not been confirmed as a defect. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were alleged in that single report.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lexus ES 300h?
Before purchasing this six-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm no new campaigns have been opened since the vehicle left the dealership. Because recall completion is not automatic, verify with service records that any future-issued remedy has been performed.
- The 2020 model year holds a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20, reflecting zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file for this specific year.
- NHTSA's five-star overall and five-star side ratings for the 2020 ES 300h are the headline crash-test results, while the four-star frontal and four-star rollover scores keep the crash-protection sub-score at 61 out of 70.
- Forward collision warning is absent from the 2020 ES 300h's standard equipment, which directly caps the avoidance-tech sub-score at 5 out of 10 and is the primary reason the Safety Index does not reach the top tier.
- Only one unverified owner complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 model year, categorized under Air Bags, with no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths attached to that single report.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lexus ES 300h places
The 2020 Lexus ES 300h qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lexus ES 300h safety questions
Was the 2020 Lexus ES 300h crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lexus ES 300h, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2020 Lexus ES 300h crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lexus ES 300h 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 2020 Lexus ES 300h have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h 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 2020 Lexus ES 300h?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h. 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 300h years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14703), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 300h 2020.
- 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 60 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.