MODEL
Lexus IS 350
NHTSA safety across every Lexus IS 350 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Lexus IS 350 we cover (2020 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2025 at 95. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Lexus IS 350 is a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan competing in the entry-to-mid luxury segment, aimed at driving enthusiasts who want a premium cabin experience without sacrificing athleticism. Now in its third generation, the IS 350 targets buyers stepping up from mainstream sedans or cross-shopping German rivals, offering a distinctly driver-focused character wrapped in Lexus's signature build quality and refinement.
From a pure safety standpoint, the Lexus IS 350 presents one of the cleaner records MotorCaliber has tracked in the compact luxury sedan segment across the 2020 to 2025 model years. The headline number is a 95 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index for the 2020 model year, placing it firmly in the Exceptional band. Crash-test geometry tells a nuanced story: the side and rollover ratings each reach a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, demonstrating strong structural performance in lateral impacts and a low center of gravity consistent with its sport sedan proportions. The frontal rating of 4 out of 5 stars is solid but worth noting for shoppers who prioritize that specific metric. What stands out even more is the recall count across all covered years: zero. That is a remarkable figure over a six-year span and reflects well on Lexus's manufacturing consistency. Owner complaints are equally minimal at just 12 total across the entire covered window, with one reported crash and one reported injury among them. These are unverified allegations, and the volume itself is low for any vehicle with meaningful sales numbers. The bottom line is straightforward: the IS 350 is one of the safest choices in its segment by the numbers, with a near-spotless regulatory and complaint record to back it up.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the IS 350 for its sharp, engaging driving dynamics and high-quality interior, positioning it as one of the more driver-rewarding options in the compact luxury sedan class. Most note that rear-seat space and cargo room trail some rivals, but overall refinement and the model's distinctive character earn consistent appreciation from the professional automotive press.
- The IS 350 earned a 95 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index for 2020, landing in the Exceptional band, which is among the strongest scores MotorCaliber has recorded for vehicles in this segment.
- Side and rollover crash-test ratings both reach 5 out of 5 stars, while the frontal rating comes in at 4 out of 5 stars. Shoppers who weight frontal-impact performance heavily should factor that distinction into their evaluation.
- Across all model years from 2020 through 2025, the IS 350 carries zero federal recalls, an unusually clean regulatory record for any vehicle spanning six model years.
- Owner complaints total just 12 across the entire covered period, with one reported crash and one reported injury. These are unverified allegations, and the low complaint volume suggests real-world safety concerns from owners have been minimal.