MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Lexus Nx300 Safety

NHTSA safety across every Lexus Nx300 model year we cover.

Across the 2 model years of the Lexus Nx300 we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 89 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 1 recall have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial ◆ Reviewed against NHTSA data ◆ 2026-10-01

The Lexus NX 300 is a compact luxury SUV that slots into one of the most competitive segments in the American market. Aimed at buyers who want premium refinement and a smaller footprint than a three-row crossover, the NX 300 competes directly against the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The 2019 and 2020 model years represent a mature, well-established generation of this vehicle.

The 2019 Lexus NX 300 earned a strong 89 out of 100 on our Safety Index, placing it in our "Strong" performance band. This reflects robust crash-test results, notably a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the side-impact test. The vehicle also achieved 4 out of 5 stars in the frontal crash test and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover resistance. For both 2019 and 2020 models combined, the NX 300 shows a low recall count, with only one recall issued. Owner complaints for these two model years total 56, reporting 3 alleged crashes, 1 alleged fire, and 4 alleged injuries, with no alleged fatalities. The NHTSA data indicates a solid safety profile for the NX 300.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Lexus NX 300 as a well-finished, composed compact luxury SUV that delivers a calm and comfortable driving experience. They tend to praise its interior material quality and refined cabin atmosphere, though some note that driving dynamics feel more relaxed than sporty. Overall, professional reviewers consider it a polished and competitive entry in the premium compact crossover segment.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2019 NX 300 earned an NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in MotorCaliber's Strong band, which is among the better scores in the compact luxury SUV class.
  • Side-impact crash protection is a genuine strength, with a perfect 5 out of 5 NHTSA stars in that category for the best covered model year, an important result given how frequently side collisions cause serious injuries.
  • Only one recall was issued across the 2019 to 2020 model years, which is a notably low count and suggests a relatively clean production record during this period.
  • Owner complaints total 56 across both covered years, including 3 alleged crashes and 4 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations per NHTSA protocol, but shoppers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA.gov before purchasing.

Safety Index by year

Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Lexus Nx300 with 1 recalls.

BY YEARNx300 by model year

Other Lexus models