NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Lexus NX 350 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Lexus NX 350 scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Lexus NX 350 receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, securing its place in the Exceptional band. Notably, this model year has no recalls on file, and its defect record is near perfect. While these factors reinforce a strong safety standing, the NHTSA crash testing for the NX 350 remains incomplete. Consumers should consider the robust side-crash test performance against the outstanding unrated categories.
The 2026 Lexus NX 350 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side crash rating, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Lexus NX 350 ranks 36 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 | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Lexus NX 350?
The 2026 Lexus NX 350 enters the market with a perfect recall record. This absence of reported defects translates to a 19.5 out of 20 in the defect record sub-score, a key factor in its overall Safety Index of 93/100. This score represents a two-point improvement over the 2025 model's 91/100, placing both model years in the Exceptional safety band. Full credit of 10 out of 10 is awarded for avoidance technology, as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard features. In crash protection, the NX 350 scores 63 out of 70. This is supported by a 5-star rating for side impact and a 4-star rating for frontal impact in NHTSA's testing program. However, the overall and rollover ratings remain incomplete. A single owner complaint is on file, referencing speed control, the fuel and propulsion system, and forward collision avoidance; this lone report does not establish a trend. The 2026 NX 350's safety standing is thus primarily shaped by its pristine recall history and comprehensive standard avoidance technology, while the full complement of crash-test results is still pending.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Lexus NX 350 perform in crash tests?
NHTSA's evaluations of the 2026 Lexus NX 350 show a 5-star side impact rating, the highest possible score in that category. The frontal crash rating stands at 4 stars. No overall or rollover safety ratings have been published for this model year; NHTSA has yet to complete those specific evaluations. This absence of data indicates neither a positive nor a negative safety assessment.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21624
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Lexus NX 350 have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Lexus NX 350. There are zero recall campaigns recorded in NHTSA data for this model year, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Lexus NX 350?
NHTSA has received one complaint for the 2026 Lexus NX 350, an unverified allegation touching Vehicle Speed Control, the Fuel/Propulsion System, and Forward Collision Avoidance. One reported crash is associated with that filing. These are consumer allegations only and have not been confirmed by NHTSA.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Lexus NX 350?
Because the 2026 NX 350 is a current model year vehicle, shoppers should run a free NHTSA VIN lookup before purchase to confirm no recall campaigns have been added since this data was compiled. Verify that any remedy work has been completed at a Lexus dealer.
- The 2026 NX 350 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, earning a defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 and directly contributing to the two-point Safety Index gain over the 2025 model year.
- NHTSA awarded a 5-star side rating and a 4-star frontal rating for this model year, but the overall vehicle rating and rollover rating are not rated, leaving the crash-test picture incomplete.
- All three key crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2026 NX 350, earning the full 10-out-of-10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Only one unverified consumer complaint is on file with NHTSA for this model year, alleging issues with Vehicle Speed Control, the Fuel/Propulsion System, and Forward Collision Avoidance, with one reported crash cited in that single filing.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Lexus NX 350 places
The 2026 Lexus NX 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Lexus NX 350 safety questions
Was the 2026 Lexus NX 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Lexus NX 350, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 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 2026 Lexus NX 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Lexus NX 350 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 2026 Lexus NX 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Lexus NX 350 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 2026 Lexus NX 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 Lexus NX 350. 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 350 years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21624), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus NX 350 2026.
- 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 36 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.