NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus NX 300 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 presents a compelling safety profile, earning a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating. No recalls are on file for this model year. Its standard suite of crash-avoidance technology further contributes to a strong showing, reflected in its NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100.
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 AWD SUV holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of five out of five stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Lexus NX 300 ranks 30 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 | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 30 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus NX 300?
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 achieved an 89/100 Strong Index without any recall campaigns impacting its defect record. This clean recall history for the model year resulted in a near-ceiling defect-record sub-score of 18 out of 20. Crash protection contributed 61 out of 70 points, with its side-impact rating anchoring this result. Its frontal crash and rollover scores prevented a higher overall crash-protection assessment. A perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology reflects standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. There is no prior-year Safety Index available for comparison. The 17 unverified owner complaints on file are a contained volume and do not affect the current Index score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus NX 300 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 AWD SUV earned a perfect five out of five stars in its side-impact test, the strongest result in its crash-test suite. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. Frontal crash and rollover protection each rated four out of five stars. Rollover risk for the NX 300 AWD was measured at 16 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15844
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus NX 300 have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Lexus NX 300. NHTSA shows zero recalls for this model year, meaning there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with it. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus NX 300?
NHTSA has received 17 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus NX 300, including alleged reports of 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine and Visibility systems, each cited 3 times, followed by the Fuel/Propulsion System, Electrical System, and Service Brakes.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus NX 300?
The 2021 Lexus NX 300, now transitioning into the used vehicle market, shows a clean record with zero recalls on file. However, prospective buyers should still verify the VIN using NHTSA's recall lookup tool. This practice is essential to confirm that no new campaigns have been initiated since the last check, and that any applicable remedies have been completed before purchase.
- Zero recalls are on file for the 2021 Lexus NX 300 specifically, contributing to a near-ceiling defect-record sub-score of 18 out of 20 within the 89/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA's side-impact test returned a perfect five stars for this model year, while the frontal and rollover categories each scored four stars, with rollover risk quantified at 16 percent.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are listed as standard on the 2021 NX 300, earning a full 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Seventeen unverified NHTSA complaints are on file, with Engine and Visibility components each drawing three alleged reports; one alleged fire and one alleged crash are included in that total, and all remain unverified consumer allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus NX 300 places
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus NX 300 safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus NX 300 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lexus NX 300, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Lexus NX 300 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Lexus NX 300 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus NX 300 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Lexus NX 300 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 2021 Lexus NX 300?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Lexus NX 300. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15844), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus NX 300 2021.
- 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 30 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.