NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Lexus NX 250 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Lexus NX 250 scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 13 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Lexus NX 250 achieves an Exceptional band rating, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100. This score reflects a compelling safety profile, notably distinguished by zero recalls on file with federal authorities. Further strengthening its assessment, the vehicle secured a perfect avoidance technology score and demonstrated strong crash-protection numbers across all evaluated categories.
The 2023 Lexus NX 250 AWD SUV holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Lexus NX 250 ranks 25 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 13 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 25 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Lexus NX 250?
The 2023 Lexus NX 250 marks a one-point climb in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 91/100 in 2022 to 92/100, both within the Exceptional band. That incremental gain is anchored by a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.25 out of 20, which reflects the zero recall campaigns on file for this specific model year. The crash-protection component contributes 63 of a possible 70 points, supported by the 5-star NHTSA side rating and a solid 4-star frontal result. The avoidance-technology sub-score reaches the maximum 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment. The 13 unverified owner complaints logged with NHTSA are a relatively modest figure for a three-year-old vehicle, and no single component dominates the complaint picture in a way that signals a systemic concern. Taken together, the data portrait for this specific model year is one of strong institutional safety performance, with the zero-recall status being the single most distinctive feature separating 2023 from years that carry active campaigns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Lexus NX 250 perform in crash tests?
For the 2023 Lexus NX 250, NHTSA's evaluations show a 5-star side-crash rating, the highest score awarded. The frontal crash test resulted in a 4-star rating. No overall safety rating was issued for this model year and configuration, nor was a rollover rating. These categories remain untested by NHTSA for the NX 250.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18570
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Lexus NX 250 have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2023 Lexus NX 250. NHTSA shows zero recall actions for this model year, meaning no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Lexus NX 250?
NHTSA has received 13 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (3 reports), Electrical System (2), and Structure (2), followed by single unverified allegations involving Latches/Locks/Linkages, Exterior Lighting, and Power Train. One crash and one injury are alleged among those reports.
13 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Lexus NX 250?
No campaigns are currently on file for this vehicle; however, shoppers should still run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. New recalls can be opened retroactively, and verifying any future remedy has been completed is the most important safety step a buyer can take.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2023 Lexus NX 250, making this one of the cleanest defect-record years in the NX lineup and the primary driver of its 19.25/20 defect sub-score.
- The 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating is the standout individual test result for this model year; the frontal rating of 4 stars is strong, while overall and rollover ratings were not completed by NHTSA for this configuration.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, earning a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- The 13 unverified NHTSA complaints include one alleged crash and one alleged injury; the top reported component categories are Unknown or Other, Electrical System, and Structure, none of which has generated a recall action for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Lexus NX 250 places
The 2023 Lexus NX 250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Lexus NX 250 safety questions
Was the 2023 Lexus NX 250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Lexus NX 250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 NX 250 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Lexus NX 250 earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Lexus NX 250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Lexus NX 250 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 NX 250?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 13 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Lexus NX 250. 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 NX 250 years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18570), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus NX 250 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 25 of 139 in the SUV 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.