NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lexus IS 350 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lexus IS 350 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
For the 2020 model year, the Lexus IS 350 RWD registered zero recalls, an uncommon distinction. This contributed to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, placing the vehicle in the Exceptional band. The IS 350 RWD's crash-test scores were near-perfect across categories, further bolstered by a complete suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. This combination establishes one of the segment's strongest safety profiles for 2020.
The 2020 Lexus IS 350 4-door RWD received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, according to 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 350 ranks 12 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 | 12 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lexus IS 350?
The 2020 Lexus IS 350 RWD achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, reflecting a consistent safety profile across all measured criteria. This score is supported by a crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70, a perfect avoidance-technology score of 10 out of 10, and a perfect defect-record score of 20 out of 20. The single deviation in its crash-test results is a 4-star rating for frontal impact, the only factor preventing a complete sweep of perfect scores in crash protection. This 4-star frontal result accounts for the five-point difference from the maximum crash-protection sub-score. All active-safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment for this model year, meaning they were included on all vehicles without requiring an additional option package. The defect record is notably clear: NHTSA data shows zero recalls and only one unverified owner complaint for the entire 2020 model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lexus IS 350 perform in crash tests?
A 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result define the 2020 Lexus IS 350 RWD's key safety achievement. This model earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side impact protection also received a perfect 5 stars. The frontal crash rating, however, registered 4 out of 5 stars, marking the sole category that did not achieve the highest possible score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14707
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lexus IS 350 have any recalls?
NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2020 Lexus IS 350 RWD. There are no open safety defect actions, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive directives on file for this model year. That clean recall record is a direct contributor to the vehicle's perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lexus IS 350?
NHTSA has received one owner complaint for the 2020 Lexus IS 350 RWD. It is categorized under Unknown Or Other components. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in that report. All complaints filed with NHTSA are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as safety defects.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lexus IS 350?
Shoppers considering a used 2020 Lexus IS 350 RWD should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been issued since the vehicle was produced. Verify that any remedy work is documented before purchase.
- The 2020 Lexus IS 350 RWD earned a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20, supported by zero NHTSA recall campaigns filed for this specific model year.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test produced a 4-out-of-5-star result for this model year, the only rating below 5 stars across all four NCAP categories tested.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control were all standard equipment on the 2020 IS 350 RWD, earning a full avoidance-technology sub-score of 10 out of 10.
- Only one consumer complaint had been filed with NHTSA for this model year, categorized under Unknown Or Other components, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths alleged in that unverified report.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lexus IS 350 places
The 2020 Lexus IS 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lexus IS 350 safety questions
Was the 2020 Lexus IS 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lexus IS 350, 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 2020 Lexus IS 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lexus IS 350 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 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lexus IS 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 2020 Lexus IS 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2020 Lexus IS 350. 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 350 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 14707), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus IS 350 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 12 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.