MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Lexus NX 300

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Lexus NX 300

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
17Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE LEXUS NX 300

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 is a compact luxury SUV aimed squarely at buyers who want premium refinement and brand prestige in a right-sized package. Competing in one of the most contested segments in the market, the NX 300 targets urban professionals and small families who prioritize a polished interior experience alongside respectable utility. It carries Lexus's reputation for careful build quality into a footprint that works equally well in city parking and weekend getaways.

VERDICT

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the 2021 NX 300 for its well-crafted interior, hushed cabin refinement, and composed, confidence-inspiring driving character. The elevated materials quality and attention to finish detail draw consistent approval, and most reviewers find the ride comfort well-suited to daily commuting. Some note that the infotainment interface feels less intuitive than rivals, and cargo space is considered modest for the segment.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15844

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record18/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Lexus NX 300 at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

1reported crash
1reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 3Visibility 3Fuel/Propulsion System 2Electrical System 2Unknown Or Other 2Service Brakes 2

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15844), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Lexus Nx 300 2021. Class rank 30 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure