MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Lexus RC 350

NHTSA safety across every Lexus RC 350 model year we cover.

Across the 7 model years of the Lexus RC 350 we cover (2019 to 2025), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-02

The Lexus RC 350 is a rear-wheel-drive luxury sport coupe that slots into the premium two-door segment, competing against European rivals for buyers who want a polished, driver-focused grand tourer with Lexus refinement. Aimed at enthusiasts who prioritize style and brand prestige, the RC 350 has remained a niche but committed offering in Lexus's lineup from 2019 through 2025.

From a pure safety-data standpoint, the Lexus RC 350 presents a notably thin picture for shoppers who rely on federal crash-test results to guide their decisions. NHTSA has not crash-tested the RC 350 in any of the model years we cover, 2019 through 2025, which means there are no star ratings or Safety Index scores to reference. That is a meaningful gap for a vehicle that has been on sale for several years in this window. Without independent federal validation, buyers are left to rely on Lexus's own engineering reputation and whatever active-safety technology the vehicle ships with rather than verified crash-performance data. On the recall front, the RC 350 has accumulated just 2 recalls across the covered model years, which is a relatively modest count for a six-year span. That said, recalls of any number warrant attention, and shoppers should verify their specific VIN is clear at NHTSA.gov before purchase. Owner complaints are sparse at 5 total, including 1 reported crash and 1 reported injury. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings, but they are worth noting. The low complaint volume could reflect the model's limited sales volume as much as any safety virtue. Bottom line: the RC 350 carries real uncertainty in its safety profile simply because the federal government has not tested it. That absence of data is not a clean bill of health. Shoppers who prioritize verified crash protection should weigh that gap seriously.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the RC 350 for its distinctive styling, composed ride quality, and well-appointed cabin materials that feel consistent with Lexus's reputation for refinement. Driving dynamics are described as smooth and confidence-inspiring rather than sharply sporty. Some reviewers note the interior layout and infotainment controls feel dated compared to newer rivals, though overall comfort and build quality draw consistent approval.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The RC 350 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA in any model year from 2019 to 2025, meaning there are no federal star ratings or Safety Index scores available to evaluate occupant protection.
  • Two recalls have been issued across the covered model years. Prospective buyers should run their specific VIN through NHTSA.gov to confirm all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
  • Owner complaints are very low at 5 total across six model years, but the dataset includes 1 reported crash and 1 reported injury. Because these are unverified allegations and the model has modest sales volume, the low complaint count should be interpreted cautiously rather than as a definitive safety endorsement.
  • Without NHTSA crash-test data, shoppers who want verified occupant-protection numbers have no federal benchmark to reference for this model. Confirming what active-safety features are equipped on a specific trim year is especially important given this data gap.

Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Lexus RC 350 with 2 recalls.

BY YEARRC 350 by model year