NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Lexus NX 250 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Lexus NX 250 scores 91 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 2025 Lexus NX 250 enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This strong showing is anchored by a perfect score in avoidance technology and an absence of recalls to date. Shoppers should note that NHTSA has not published an overall star rating for the NX 250, making review of its individual crash-test categories essential.
The 2025 Lexus NX 250 SUV AWD earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side crash-test rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Lexus NX 250 ranks 54 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 13 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 54 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Lexus NX 250?
The 2025 Lexus NX 250 marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring, climbing from an 88/100 Strong rating on the 2024 model to 91/100 Exceptional this year. That 3-point gain shifts the vehicle into a higher band entirely. The improvement is visible across the index breakdown: crash protection contributes 63 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology earns a perfect 10/10 reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record sub-score reaches 18.25 out of 20, driven directly by the zero-recall outcome for this model year. The NHTSA crash-test picture is partial: a 5-star side result is the headline number, and the 4-star frontal score is solid, but the overall and rollover ratings remain not rated for this configuration. That gap in the federal testing record is worth noting for shoppers who rely on a single composite figure. Still, the combination of a clean defect record, full avoidance-tech credit, and strong tested-category scores gives the 2025 NX 250 its best safety profile in recent years on this index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Lexus NX 250 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Lexus NX 250 earned a 5-star side impact rating from NHTSA, the highest possible score in that category. Its frontal crash rating stands at 4 stars. NHTSA has not published an overall safety rating or a rollover rating for the NX 250. This lack of a rating indicates only that these tests have not been conducted or finalized for this model; it is not an indicator of performance.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20032
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Lexus NX 250 have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2025 Lexus NX 250. There are zero recall campaigns to report, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive notices associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA directly, as campaigns can be added after publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Lexus NX 250?
Thirteen complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 NX 250. The most frequently alleged components are Unknown or Other, Forward Collision Avoidance, Structure, and Wheels. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and three reports allege a crash event while one alleges an injury.
13 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Lexus NX 250?
As a 1-year-old vehicle, the recall landscape for this model could evolve. Before purchase, prospective owners should confirm the VIN against NHTSA's database for any new campaigns. Verification that any issued remedy has been completed by the selling dealer is also advised.
- The 2025 NX 250 carries zero open recall campaigns, the cleanest defect record in recent model years for this vehicle and a key driver of its 91/100 Exceptional Safety Index.
- The NHTSA side crash-test result of 5 stars is the strongest individual rating on file; the overall and rollover ratings are not rated for this specific AWD configuration, so no composite federal star score exists.
- The index jumped 3 points over the 2024 model year, moving from the Strong band to the Exceptional band, a shift tied to the zero-recall outcome and a perfect 10/10 avoidance-technology sub-score.
- Thirteen unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA, with Forward Collision Avoidance appearing as a top alleged component alongside Structure and Wheels; these are consumer allegations only and have not been confirmed as defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Lexus NX 250 places
The 2025 Lexus NX 250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Lexus NX 250 safety questions
Was the 2025 Lexus NX 250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Lexus NX 250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 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 2025 Lexus NX 250 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Lexus NX 250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 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 2025 Lexus NX 250?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 13 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20032), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus NX 250 2025.
- 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 54 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.