MODEL
Lexus NX 350
NHTSA safety across every Lexus NX 350 model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Lexus NX 350 we cover (2022 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 93 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 88. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Lexus NX 350 is a compact luxury SUV that competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. Aimed at buyers who want premium refinement, a composed driving experience, and a smaller footprint than a three-row hauler, the NX 350 slots in as the volume-leading gasoline-powered member of Lexus's second-generation NX family, covering model years 2022 through 2025 in our review window.
The Lexus NX 350 earns a respectable safety profile across the 2022 to 2025 model years we track, highlighted by a peak NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100 in the 2023 model year, a score that lands in the Exceptional band. Crash-test geometry tells a nuanced story: the NX 350 posts a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact testing, which is the result you want most in real-world collisions. Frontal protection comes in at a solid but not perfect 4 out of 5 stars, and rollover resistance was not rated in the best-year data we have, leaving a small gap in the full picture. The recall record across all covered years is genuinely outstanding: zero recalls issued. That is a rare and meaningful result for any nameplate spanning four model years. Owner complaints total 72 across the coverage window, a moderate count for a vehicle at this sales volume. Within those unverified allegations, 13 involve reported crashes and 7 involve reported injuries, figures that are worth monitoring but not alarming at this scale. Two fire-related complaints deserve attention from prospective owners, as they always do regardless of verification status. The bottom line: the NX 350 is a strong safety performer anchored by an exceptional NHTSA index score, a clean recall slate, and best-in-class side protection. The 4-star frontal result and unrated rollover score are the only meaningful caveats.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Lexus NX 350 as a polished and well-rounded compact luxury SUV that delivers a calm, composed driving experience with a high-quality interior. Most praise the significant generational improvements in technology and refinement, while some note that the driving dynamics lean more toward comfort than driver engagement. Overall sentiment across the professional press is consistently positive.
- The NX 350 earned a peak NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100 in its 2023 model year, placing it in the Exceptional performance band, which is one of the stronger results in the compact luxury SUV segment.
- Side-impact crash protection is a genuine strength, with a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in that discipline, while the 4 out of 5 frontal rating is solid but leaves a small margin below the best available scores.
- Across all four model years covered (2022 to 2025), Lexus has issued zero recalls on the NX 350, an unusually clean record that reflects well on manufacturing consistency and post-launch quality monitoring.
- Owner complaints include 2 unverified fire-related allegations and 13 unverified crash-related allegations across the coverage window. These remain unverified, but shoppers should check the NHTSA complaints database for any updates before purchasing.