MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Lexus ES 350

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Lexus ES 350

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
5Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE LEXUS ES 350

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.

VERDICT

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15801

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record19.5/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Lexus ES 350 at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsWheels 2Forward Collision Avoidance 1Tires 1Exterior Lighting 1Structure 1

Other ES 350 years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15801), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Lexus Es 350 2021. Class rank 55 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure