NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Lexus IS 500 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 records zero recalls with federal safety regulators, a rare achievement for any new model year. This absence of safety campaigns, coupled with a nearly unblemished defect record, strongly contributes to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Its strong performance in all NHTSA crash-test categories further supports this assessment, indicating a robust safety profile for the segment.
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 4 DR RWD received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 ranks 20 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 | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Lexus IS 500?
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 reports zero recall campaigns, contributing to its sustained NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100. This score places it in the Exceptional band for a second consecutive year, matching the 2022 model. The absence of recalls underpins a perfect defect record score of 20 out of 20. Its crash protection sub-score stands at 65 out of 70, reflecting the NHTSA's 5-star overall rating. This overall rating derives from perfect 5-star scores for side impact and rollover resistance, alongside a 4-star frontal crash rating. The vehicle also achieves a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. Owner complaints remain exceptionally low, with only 3 unverified reports concerning Structure, Visibility, and Power Train. The combination of its pristine recall record and minimal reported issues establishes the 2023 IS 500 as having one of the cleanest safety profiles in its segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Lexus IS 500 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety assessments, a strong showing. Its side impact protection and rollover resistance each earned 5 stars, with the latter category demonstrating a commendably low 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. The single area where the vehicle's performance fell short of perfection was in frontal crash protection, which received 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18559
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Lexus IS 500 have any recalls?
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be added at any time after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Lexus IS 500?
NHTSA has received 3 unverified owner complaints for the 2023 Lexus IS 500. The alleged concerns span three separate components: Structure, Visibility, and Power Train, one report each. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in any of these filings. All remain unverified consumer allegations.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Lexus IS 500?
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 currently reports no open federal safety recalls. This is the model's most notable safety distinction. Vehicle safety is an ongoing concern, and potential buyers should utilize the VIN lookup tool for the most current recall information. Future recall campaigns are always possible for any vehicle, and any outstanding remedies should be completed by a Lexus dealership before purchase.
- The 2023 Lexus IS 500 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, earning a perfect defect record sub-score of 20 out of 20 within the 95-point Safety Index.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned 4 out of 5 stars for this model year, the only star rating below the 5-star marks earned in side, rollover, and overall categories.
- Only 3 unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, spread one each across Structure, Visibility, and Power Train with no alleged crashes, fires, or injuries.
- The 2023 Safety Index of 95 out of 100 holds flat versus the 2022 figure of 95, confirming the Exceptional band was maintained rather than newly achieved, with avoidance technology scoring the full 10 out of 10 both years.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Lexus IS 500 places
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Lexus IS 500 safety questions
Was the 2023 Lexus IS 500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Lexus IS 500, 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 2023 Lexus IS 500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Lexus IS 500 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 2023 Lexus IS 500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Lexus IS 500 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 2023 Lexus IS 500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Lexus IS 500. 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 500 years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18559), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus IS 500 2023.
- 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 20 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.