NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lexus ES 350 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lexus ES 350 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lexus ES 350 earns an overall five-star crash test rating from NHTSA, a strong result. This is supported by its NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the "Strong" safety band. No recalls are on file for this model year. However, the absence of specific avoidance technology evaluations from NHTSA data prevented a higher Safety Index score.
The 2020 Lexus ES 350 received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, based on federal 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 350 ranks 66 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 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 | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 66 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lexus ES 350?
The 2020 Lexus ES 350 achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, establishing a strong baseline for its protection systems. The model earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, mirroring the 2019 model year's score. This stagnation in the index directly correlates with its active avoidance technology, which contributed only 5 out of a possible 10 points. While lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard, the critical omission of forward collision warning on this configuration prevented a higher score in this category. Crash protection for the ES 350 scored 61 out of a possible 70 points, indicating robust passive safety measures. Furthermore, the vehicle's defect record is notably clean: a zero-recall history for this model year earned it 17.5 out of 20 points in that category, a near-perfect assessment for manufacturing integrity. Five owner complaints are on file with NHTSA; these include specific allegations regarding airbags and, notably, forward collision avoidance systems. This last point aligns with the identified gap in the vehicle's active safety suite.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lexus ES 350 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lexus ES 350 achieves a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Side protection is a standout, earning a full five stars. Frontal and rollover protection each received four stars. The measured rollover risk stands at 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14702
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lexus ES 350 have any recalls?
The 2020 Lexus ES 350 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 records can be updated at any time after publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lexus ES 350?
NHTSA has logged five unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Air Bags, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Electrical System, each cited twice. These are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and have not been confirmed as defects.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lexus ES 350?
For the six-year-old vehicle, prospective owners should confirm its zero-recall status by checking the VIN against NHTSA's database for any new campaigns. Additionally, verify that all original safety systems remain intact and unmodified.
- The 2020 ES 350 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, the cleanest possible defect record and the primary reason its defect-record sub-score reached 17.5 out of 20.
- Forward collision warning is absent on this configuration, which directly limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 5 out of 10 and prevents the Safety Index from rising above the Strong band into a higher tier.
- NHTSA's five unverified complaints include two allegations each against Air Bags and Forward Collision Avoidance systems, making those two areas the ones to scrutinize during any pre-purchase inspection.
- The Safety Index of 84/100 held flat versus the 2019 model year at 84/100, meaning no meaningful safety regression or improvement occurred between those two model years in the NHTSA data.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lexus ES 350 places
The 2020 Lexus ES 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lexus ES 350 safety questions
Was the 2020 Lexus ES 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lexus ES 350, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lexus ES 350 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 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lexus ES 350 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 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lexus ES 350. 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 350 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 14702), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 350 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 66 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.