MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Lexus Is300 Safety

NHTSA safety across every Lexus Is300 model year we cover.

Across the 1 model year of the Lexus Is300 we cover (2019 to 2019), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2019 at 93 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial ◆ Reviewed against NHTSA data ◆ 2026-10-01

The 2019 Lexus IS 300 is a compact luxury sport sedan aimed at driving enthusiasts who want premium refinement without sacrificing road feel. Slotting into the competitive entry-luxury segment alongside German rivals, the IS 300 carries Lexus's reputation for build quality into a driver-focused package. It appeals to buyers who prioritize a polished, controlled experience in a sleek, rear-wheel-drive-oriented four-door.

The 2019 Lexus IS 300 distinguishes itself with a complete absence of recalls. For a model year now several years removed from production, a recall count of zero is a significant positive indicator of manufacturing integrity. This clean record complements an Exceptional NHTSA Overall Safety Index score of 93 out of 100. Individual crash test results show strength, though not perfection. The IS 300 achieved 5 out of 5 stars in both side-impact and rollover protection. Its frontal crash rating, while solid, registered 4 out of 5 stars. This single star difference in frontal impact prevents a clean sweep of the highest possible ratings but does not diminish the overall strong safety profile. Owner complaints for the 2019 IS 300 are minimal, totaling just 7 across the covered period. These include 1 reported crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries, all unverified by federal investigation. This low complaint volume, paired with a spotless recall history and high crash-test scores, positions the 2019 IS 300 as a genuinely strong safety choice within its segment.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the IS 300 as a polished, engaging compact luxury sedan that rewards drivers who want tactile feedback and a premium cabin experience. Most praise its sharp styling and composed handling while noting the interior technology and rear-seat space lag some rivals. It is typically positioned as a driver's choice rather than a feature-maximizing one.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2019 IS 300 earned an NHTSA Overall Safety Index of 93 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band - one of the stronger results in the compact luxury sedan segment.
  • Frontal crash protection is rated 4 out of 5 stars, one step below the perfect scores achieved in side-impact and rollover testing, so shoppers with frontal-crash concerns should weigh that gap.
  • The 2019 model year carries zero NHTSA recalls - a clean slate that is relatively rare for a vehicle several years into its life cycle and reflects well on its original build quality.
  • Owner complaints for the covered period total just 7, including unverified allegations of 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries - a low complaint volume that adds to the overall favorable safety profile.

BY YEARIs300 by model year

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