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, a 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 2026-08-17. 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 2026-08-17. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15844), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Lexus Nx 300 2021. Class rank 30 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure