NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Lexus ES 350 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 has no recalls on record, a noteworthy achievement. This model year achieved an overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 places it in the Exceptional band. The vehicle includes a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology.
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 4 DR FWD received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Lexus ES 350 ranks 49 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 49 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Lexus ES 350?
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 posts a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, a one-point dip from the 2022 model year's 91/100, yet both years remain firmly in the Exceptional band. That narrow movement is worth examining: the defect record component scores 18.5 out of 20, reflecting zero recall campaigns for this specific model year, which is a meaningful data point on its own. The crash protection component contributes 61 out of a possible 70 points, consistent with the NHTSA star picture, where the overall five-star mark is supported by a perfect five in side protection but tempered by four-star results in frontal and rollover categories. The avoidance technology component reaches a perfect 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment rather than optional add-ons. The nine unverified consumer complaints logged with NHTSA are a low figure for a model year at this stage, and no alleged injuries or deaths appear in those filings. Taken together, the 2023 ES 350's safety picture is defined by its recall-free record and its top-tier overall crash rating, with the one-point Index decline from 2022 traceable to marginal scoring differences rather than any structural safety concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Lexus ES 350 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, the top mark available. This strong performance is underpinned by a five-star rating in side impact protection. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at four stars. The rollover risk for the ES 350 stands at 11 percent, and it exhibited stable behavior in the dynamic tip test, with a result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18553
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Lexus ES 350 have any recalls?
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been subject to a recall action for this model year. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this vehicle. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after any publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Lexus ES 350?
NHTSA has received nine unverified owner complaints for the 2023 ES 350. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System and Service Brakes, each cited twice. Additional unverified allegations involve the Power Train, Lane Departure system, Hydraulic system, and Fuel/Propulsion System. No injuries or fatalities are alleged in these reports.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Lexus ES 350?
For the used-market shopper, the zero-recall record for this model year is a positive starting point, but recall status can change. Always confirm a specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase to ensure no new campaigns have been issued and that any future remedy has been completed.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file with NHTSA for the 2023 model year specifically, a distinction not shared by every prior ES 350 model year.
- The 2023 Safety Index of 90/100 represents a one-point decline from the 2022 model year's 91/100, both within the Exceptional band, with the defect record sub-score of 18.5/20 anchoring the strong result.
- Side crash protection earned a perfect five stars from NHTSA, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at four stars, making side impact the clear strength of this year's tested configuration.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2023 ES 350, contributing a perfect 10/10 avoidance tech sub-score to the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Lexus ES 350 places
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Lexus ES 350 safety questions
Was the 2023 Lexus ES 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Lexus ES 350, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Lexus ES 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Lexus ES 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 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 2023 Lexus ES 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18553), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus ES 350 2023.
- 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 49 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.