NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus IS 350 Safety Ratings
The 2021 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 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2021 model year, the Lexus IS 350 AWD achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100. This is supported by its pristine record of zero recalls. Furthermore, the vehicle demonstrated robust performance in all rated NHTSA crash-test categories.
The 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA 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 350 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 | 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 | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 18 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus IS 350?
The 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD carries a zero-recall status and an exceptionally clean complaint file, achieving one of the best defect profiles in its segment for the vintage. This record contributes to its Safety Index of 95 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The vehicle maintains the score of the 2020 model year, reflecting consistency in its safety performance and equipment. Crash protection is rated at 65 out of a possible 70 points. NHTSA crash tests show a 5-star overall rating, with 5-star scores for side impact and rollover. Frontal crash protection received a 4-star rating. Its avoidance technology score is a perfect 10 out of 10, attributed to standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. The defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 reflects the absence of recalls and only 2 unverified owner complaints on file.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus IS 350 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover protection each earned 5 out of 5 stars, with a rollover risk of 10 percent and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. The single area not achieving a perfect score was frontal crash protection, which rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15839
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus IS 350 have any recalls?
The 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this model year. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this vehicle. Used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check to confirm no campaigns have been added since production.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus IS 350?
NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD. Both fall under the broad category of Unknown Or Other, with 1 alleged crash reported and no alleged fires, injuries, or deaths. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus IS 350?
The 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD has no listed recalls for this model year. However, prospective buyers should always independently verify recall remedy completion by VIN, even when no campaigns are apparent for the vehicle in question. This diligence is particularly critical for used-market transactions.
- Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD, giving this model year a perfect defect-record contribution of 19.5 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
- NHTSA awarded the 2021 IS 350 AWD a 5-star overall rating, with the frontal category at 4 stars representing the only score below the maximum across all tested dimensions.
- The 2021 Safety Index of 95 out of 100 is unchanged from the 2020 model year, confirming that no new safety liabilities emerged with this generation update.
- Only 2 unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, both categorized as Unknown Or Other, with 1 alleged crash and no alleged injuries or deaths reported.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus IS 350 places
The 2021 Lexus IS 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus IS 350 safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus IS 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Lexus IS 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Lexus IS 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Lexus IS 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Lexus IS 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 IS 350 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 15839), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus IS 350 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 18 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.