NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus ES 350 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lexus ES 350 scores 86 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
With no recalls on file and a near-perfect defect record, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 establishes a strong safety foundation. The model received a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, placing it squarely in the Strong band. This assessment is further supported by competitive performance in NHTSA crash-test evaluations across all categories.
The 2021 Lexus ES 350 4 DR FWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 350 ranks 55 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 | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 55 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus ES 350?
The 2021 Lexus ES 350 represents a measurable step forward from the 2020 edition, with the NHTSA Safety Index rising 2 points to 86/100 within the same Strong band. The defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 is the single strongest driver of that gain, reflecting the clean recall slate that distinguishes this model year specifically. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, grounded in NHTSA's 5-star overall and side ratings alongside solid 4-star frontal and rollover results. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the one area that tempers the total. Forward collision warning is listed as not present, while lane departure warning and electronic stability control are both standard. That gap in active warning technology is a real and year-specific limitation worth weighing. The complaint volume of 5 unverified allegations is low for a vehicle of this age, though the single alleged Forward Collision Avoidance complaint is worth noting given the absence of a factory forward collision warning system.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus ES 350 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Lexus ES 350 achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching that peak for side protection. Both frontal and rollover crash tests returned 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle registered an 11 percent rollover risk, with dynamic tip testing concluding with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15801
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus ES 350 have any recalls?
The 2021 Lexus ES 350 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No components have been flagged, no park-outside advisory exists, and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check directly through NHTSA, as recall status can change after publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus ES 350?
NHTSA has received 5 owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus ES 350, all unverified allegations. The top reported components are Wheels with 2 allegations, followed by single allegations each for Forward Collision Avoidance, Tires, Exterior Lighting, and Structure. One alleged crash is included in that total.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus ES 350?
Buyers considering a used 2021 Lexus ES 350 should check its VIN for open recalls. While no recalls are currently on file for this model year, verifying recall remedy completion by prior owners remains a prudent step. Additionally, confirming any safety-system software updates through dealer records is advised.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 model year specifically, contributing directly to a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 and distinguishing this year from many competitors.
- The 2-point Safety Index gain over the 2020 model year, moving from 84 to 86, is driven by the clean defect record rather than any change in crash-test outcomes, which remained consistent.
- Forward collision warning is listed as not present on this model year, a gap that holds the avoidance-tech sub-score to 5 out of 10 and is a concrete, year-specific safety consideration for buyers.
- The 5 unverified NHTSA complaints on file include 2 alleged Wheel-related issues and 1 alleged Forward Collision Avoidance concern, a low volume for a 5-year-old vehicle but specific components worth inspecting during a pre-purchase review.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus ES 350 places
The 2021 Lexus ES 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus ES 350 safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus ES 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lexus ES 350, 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 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Lexus ES 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Lexus ES 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 15801), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 350 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 55 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.