NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lexus IS 300 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lexus IS 300 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lexus IS 300 rear-wheel drive sedan presents one of the more compelling safety profiles in its segment. With zero recalls on file, this model year demonstrates a robust initial build quality according to federal data. It achieves an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Exceptional band. This high rating is supported by strong NHTSA crash-test results across every rated category.
The 2020 Lexus IS 300 4-door RWD sedan received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, sourced from 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 IS 300 ranks 18 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 18 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lexus IS 300?
The 2020 Lexus IS 300 RWD sedan enters the safety record with a strong debut: its initial Safety Index score is 94 out of 100. This figure is particularly notable as it establishes a baseline rather than following a trend, there being no prior-year data for this model. The robust score is largely underpinned by its crash protection, which accounted for 65 of a possible 70 points. Avoidance technology further bolstered this, contributing a full 10 out of 10 points due to the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The vehicle's defect record also proved strong, earning 19.25 out of 20 points, a direct result of zero recall campaigns. NHTSA crash-test results show a near-perfect profile, with 5 out of 5 stars awarded for both side impact and rollover protection. The one differentiating data point is the 4 out of 5 stars received for frontal protection. While not a failure, this result stands out against the model's otherwise top-tier crash-test performance. Owner complaints remain exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age, with only 2 unverified filings recorded. These few complaints span four distinct component categories: Suspension, Power Train, Wheels, and Air Bags.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lexus IS 300 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lexus IS 300 achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Rollover protection registered a perfect 5 stars, with a low 10 percent risk of rollover and a dynamic tip test result of No Tip. Side protection also earned 5 stars. The only category not reaching the top mark was frontal protection, which scored 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14706
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lexus IS 300 have any recalls?
The 2020 Lexus IS 300 carries 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 databases are updated continuously.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lexus IS 300?
NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints for this model year, both unverified allegations. Reported components span Suspension, Power Train, Wheels, and Air Bags, with 1 alleged crash and 1 alleged injury cited across those filings. No fire or fatality allegations appear in the record.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lexus IS 300?
Because this IS 300 is now six years old and circulating on the used market, run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Although zero campaigns are currently on file, new recalls can be issued at any time, and confirming that any future remedy has been completed at a dealership is the most direct safety step a buyer can take.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2020 Lexus IS 300 RWD, giving it a near-perfect defect record score of 19.25 out of 20 within the Safety Index.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test produced 4 out of 5 stars for this model year, the only category below a perfect score, while side and rollover both achieved 5 out of 5 stars.
- All three major crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, earning a full 10 out of 10 avoidance tech sub-score.
- Only 2 unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, alleging issues across Suspension, Power Train, Wheels, and Air Bags, with 1 alleged crash and 1 alleged injury in the record.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lexus IS 300 places
The 2020 Lexus IS 300 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lexus IS 300 safety questions
Was the 2020 Lexus IS 300 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lexus IS 300, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2020 Lexus IS 300 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lexus IS 300 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus IS 300 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lexus IS 300 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 IS 300?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lexus IS 300. 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 IS 300 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 14706), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus IS 300 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 18 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.