NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus ES 300h Safety Ratings
The 2021 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 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Lexus ES 300h achieved a strong NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, largely on the strength of its federal crash-test performance. This model earned an overall 5 out of 5-star rating from NHTSA. Furthermore, the 2021 ES 300h stands out for its clean recall record, indicating no safety-related defects were identified by the manufacturer or agency. The vehicle's avoidance technology score, at 5 out of 10, represents the primary factor preventing an even higher safety index.
The 2021 Lexus ES 300h received an overall 5-star 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 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Lexus ES 300h ranks 54 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 | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 54 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus ES 300h?
The 2021 Lexus ES 300h holds an 86/100 Safety Index in the Strong band, matching the 2020 model year exactly. That flat year-over-year movement tells a specific story: Lexus carried forward the same structural performance without introducing new recall exposure or avoidance-tech upgrades that would shift the score. The crash-protection component dominates the Index at 61 out of 70 points, driven by the 5-star overall and side ratings from NHTSA testing. The rollover result of 4 stars and an 11 percent risk figure, combined with the confirmed No Tip outcome in dynamic testing, round out a strong but not perfect protection picture. Where the 2021 year specifically loses ground is the avoidance-tech component, which scores only 5 out of 10. Forward collision warning is listed as not present, while lane departure warning and electronic stability control are both standard. For buyers weighing this year against adjacent model years, the zero-recall record is the cleanest possible outcome and anchors the defect score at its maximum. The 2-complaint volume is exceptionally low, though those unverified allegations touching Forward Collision Avoidance are worth noting given the absence of a forward collision warning system.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus ES 300h perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Lexus ES 300h achieved a standout 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's side-crash assessment, contributing to its overall 5-star safety rating. Frontal and rollover protection each garnered 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle demonstrated an 11 percent rollover risk, with a "No Tip" dynamic tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15802
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus ES 300h have any recalls?
The 2021 Lexus ES 300h has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. That clean defect record is directly reflected in the Index, where the defect record component scores a perfect 20 out of 20 points.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus ES 300h?
NHTSA has received 2 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The alleged problem areas are Seat Belts, Electrical System, and Forward Collision Avoidance, each appearing once. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus ES 300h?
No recalls were issued for this model year upon its launch, a rare distinction. Prospective buyers of this 5-year-old vehicle should still verify its current recall status by running the VIN through NHTSA's database. This ensures no subsequent campaigns have been initiated and remain unaddressed.
- The 2021 model year posted zero NHTSA recall campaigns, earning a perfect defect-record component score of 20 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
- NHTSA crash testing gave this specific year a 5-star overall and a 5-star side rating, with frontal and rollover each at 4 stars and a measured rollover risk of 11 percent.
- Forward collision warning is not present on this model year, which contributes to an avoidance-tech score of only 5 out of 10 and is the primary reason the Index does not climb above the Strong band.
- Only 2 unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with alleged concerns touching Seat Belts, Electrical System, and Forward Collision Avoidance, and zero alleged crashes, fires, or injuries.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus ES 300h places
The 2021 Lexus ES 300h qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus ES 300h safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus ES 300h crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Lexus ES 300h crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Lexus ES 300h have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Lexus ES 300h?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 15802), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 300h 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 54 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.