MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2026 Lexus IS 350 Safety Ratings

The 2026 Lexus IS 350 scores 100 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
0Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2026 Lexus IS 350 AWD achieves an exceptional safety profile, scoring 100 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. This perfect score reflects the strongest possible performance within our NHTSA-based framework. There are zero recalls on file for this model year. Furthermore, the Lexus IS 350 AWD has generated zero owner complaints, a notable absence that underscores its performance in safety metrics. The model year received a perfect score across all three index components, indicating a comprehensive and robust safety standing.

The 2026 Lexus IS 350 AWD earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 100/100 based solely on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 ranks 4 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2026 Lexus IS 350 safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index100 / 100 (Exceptional)
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 stars
Rollover risk9.5%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints0 (unverified allegations)
Class rank4 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Lexus IS 350?

For the 2026 model year, the Lexus IS 350 AWD achieves a perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100. This represents a five-point gain over the 2025 model's 95 out of 100, placing both model years in the Exceptional band. The 2026 model's perfect score stems from 70 out of 70 points in crash protection, 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, and 20 out of 20 for its defect record. Notably, this defect record reflects zero active recall campaigns and zero owner complaints on file with NHTSA, a rare occurrence for a newly launched model year. The vehicle's full score in avoidance technology is supported by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. While overall and frontal crash ratings remain unissued, the IS 350 AWD has secured 5 out of 5 stars in both side impact and rollover tests. These strong initial crash-test results, combined with a clean defect record and comprehensive avoidance technology, mean every measurable data point currently available from NHTSA for the 2026 Lexus IS 350 AWD returns a best-possible result.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Lexus IS 350 perform in crash tests?

Side-impact and rollover protection for the 2026 Lexus IS 350 both achieved 5 out of 5 stars, with dynamic tip testing showing no tip and a 10 percent rollover risk. However, NHTSA has not released an overall or frontal crash rating for this model year, precluding a comprehensive evaluation of those critical safety dimensions.

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21618

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record20/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Lexus IS 350 have any recalls?

No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Lexus IS 350. NHTSA records show zero recalls for this model year, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued. Shoppers should verify their specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool, as campaigns can be added after a model year launches.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Lexus IS 350 at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Lexus IS 350?

NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2026 Lexus IS 350. No component categories have been flagged, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle with limited time in service, the absence of complaints should be understood in that context.

0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Lexus IS 350?

Prospective buyers of this current-model-year vehicle are advised to check the VIN against NHTSA's official recall lookup before purchase. While no recalls are presently on file, campaigns can be initiated at any point. Confirmation that no remedy is pending is essential prior to taking delivery.

  • The 2026 model year scores 100/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a five-point improvement over the 2025 model year's 95/100, with the gain driven by a perfect defect-record component score of 20/20.
  • NHTSA has assigned 5-out-of-5 stars in both the side-protection and rollover categories for this model year, with rollover risk quantified at 10 percent and a no-tip result in dynamic testing.
  • Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Lexus IS 350, and zero owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, making this one of the cleanest defect-record profiles in the current model year.
  • The overall and frontal NHTSA star ratings are not yet issued for the 2026 Lexus IS 350, meaning those crash-test dimensions remain unrated rather than scored low.

RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Lexus IS 350 places

FAQ2026 Lexus IS 350 safety questions

Was the 2026 Lexus IS 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Lexus IS 350, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 100 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 2026 Lexus IS 350 crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2026 Lexus IS 350 earned 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 2026 Lexus IS 350 have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 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 2026 Lexus IS 350?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Lexus IS 350. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other IS 350 years

Rivals in Sedan (2026)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2026 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2026 Acura Integra100/1005 of 50
2026 Acura Integra Type-S100/100not rated0
2026 Honda Accord100/1005 of 50
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness100/100not rated0
2026 Subaru Impreza100/100not rated0
2026 Subaru WRX100/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21618), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus IS 350 2026.
  • 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 4 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
  • 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.