NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus IS 300 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lexus IS 300 scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD achieved a 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, earning an "Exceptional" rating. This standing is supported by a flawless recall record for the model year and a near-perfect defect score. Its strong performance in federal crash testing by NHTSA further reinforces a compelling safety profile for the used-car market.
The 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100 and an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Lexus IS 300 ranks 17 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 | 95 / 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 | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 17 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus IS 300?
The 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD stands out within the IS lineup's recent history for one particularly telling combination: a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20 points, driven by zero recall campaigns, paired with a one-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index over the 2020 model year, which had scored 94 out of 100. That single-point climb from Exceptional to a higher position within the Exceptional band reflects the clean slate this specific production year achieved. Crash protection contributed 65 of a possible 70 points, consistent with the frontal test landing at 4 stars while side and rollover results hit the 5-star ceiling. The rollover risk figure of 10 percent and a dynamic tip result of No Tip reinforce the rollover score. Avoidance technology earned a full 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment on this variant. The single NHTSA complaint on file, an unverified allegation involving engine and an unknown component, does nothing to disturb what is otherwise an unusually quiet defect record for a vehicle now five years into the used market.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus IS 300 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety evaluations. Frontal impact protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. Both side protection and rollover resistance earned the maximum 5-star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15838
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus IS 300 have any recalls?
The 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD 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 campaigns can be added after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus IS 300?
NHTSA has received one owner complaint for this model year, with unverified allegations touching two components: Unknown Or Other and Engine. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in that single report. The complaint volume is exceptionally low and these remain unverified consumer allegations only.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus IS 300?
Before purchasing this 5-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been filed since production. Verify that any remedy work is documented if a recall does appear. This step costs nothing and is the most direct safety check available to a used-market buyer.
- The 2021 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a result reflected directly in its perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20 within the Safety Index.
- The Safety Index rose one point to 95 out of 100 compared to the 2020 model year's score of 94, both within the Exceptional band, marking a modest but measurable year-over-year improvement.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test produced 4 out of 5 stars for this model year, the only rating below the 5-star ceiling in an otherwise top-scoring crash-test profile.
- Only one unverified owner complaint has been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported in that single submission.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus IS 300 places
The 2021 Lexus IS 300 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus IS 300 safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus IS 300 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lexus IS 300, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 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 2021 Lexus IS 300 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Lexus IS 300 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Lexus IS 300?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2021 Lexus IS 300. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other IS 300 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 15838), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus IS 300 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 17 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.