MODEL
Lexus ES 350 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Lexus ES 350 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Lexus ES 350 we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 84. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Lexus ES 350 is a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan that has anchored the entry-level end of the Lexus lineup for decades. Aimed at buyers who prioritize a serene cabin experience and premium brand prestige over sport-oriented driving, it competes squarely against the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Genesis G80. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years, a generation defined by a bold exterior redesign and an emphasis on refined, quiet highway travel.
The 2022 Lexus ES 350 achieves an exceptional Safety Index score of 91 out of 100. This places it in the highest tier for crashworthiness among vehicles reviewed from 2019 to 2025. Side protection in crash tests earned 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. These frontal and rollover results indicate room for improvement compared to the perfect side-impact score. Across seven model years, the ES 350 has a record of zero recalls. This indicates consistent manufacturing quality. Owner complaints total 75 across the covered period. Of these, 17 allege crash involvement and 10 report injuries. No fatalities are reported in the dataset. The total number of complaints for a vehicle of this volume is low. The 2022 Lexus ES 350 demonstrates strong safety performance, supported by its high Safety Index and absence of recalls.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the ES 350 for its exceptionally hushed cabin, smooth powertrain delivery, and high-quality interior materials that punch above the model's price point in perceived refinement. Driving dynamics are typically described as comfort-focused rather than engaging, which suits the sedan's intended audience well. Most reviewers consider it a strong value proposition within the entry-level luxury segment.
- The 2022 ES 350 earned a 91 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band - the strongest single-year result across our 2019 to 2025 coverage window.
- Side crash protection scores a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the best tested year, but frontal and rollover protection each come in at 4 out of 5 stars, so the safety profile is strong but not uniformly perfect.
- The ES 350 carries zero recalls across all seven model years covered (2019 to 2025), which is a notably clean record for any vehicle with this level of production volume.
- Owner complaints total 75 across the covered period, including 17 alleged crash incidents and 10 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, but shoppers should review the NHTSA complaint database directly to examine the specific systems involved before purchasing.