NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lexus RX 350 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 51 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 enters the used SUV market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, a strong showing built on a robust federal safety profile. Notably, this model year has no recalls on file with NHTSA. Its crash-test performance is solid, and its suite of avoidance technologies received a perfect score. This combination provides a well-rounded safety assessment for potential buyers.
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 SUV FWD received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Lexus RX 350 ranks 33 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 51 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 33 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lexus RX 350?
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 enters the NHTSA Safety Index with a notable absence of recalls. This clean ledger contributes to a strong defect-record sub-score of 16 out of 20, a specific and meaningful data point for this model year. Overall, the vehicle achieves a Strong classification on the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 87 out of 100. Crash protection is solid, with a sub-score of 61 out of 70. This is supported by 5-star side-impact results and a "No Tip" dynamic rollover outcome, addressing key safety concerns for SUV occupants. The RX 350 also achieves the maximum 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, featuring standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all trims. While the recall record is clear, owner-submitted complaints to NHTSA warrant attention. Among the 51 unverified complaints, 21 allege Air Bag concerns, a concentration that should be monitored. Additionally, there are 6 alleged crash-related incidents and 4 alleged injuries reported. These figures are unverified allegations and do not represent confirmed safety failures.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lexus RX 350 perform in crash tests?
Side-impact protection for the 2020 Lexus RX 350 earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This strong performance anchors an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars for the vehicle. Frontal crash protection also rated 4 stars, matching the 4-star rollover protection score. Rollover risk was assessed at 18 percent, with the dynamic tip test yielding a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14710
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lexus RX 350 have any recalls?
NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2020 Lexus RX 350. No recall components are on file, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lexus RX 350?
Owners have filed 51 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2020 RX 350. The most frequently alleged problem area is Air Bags, cited in 21 reports. Engine and Electrical System each appear in 5 reports. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lexus RX 350?
Before purchasing a used 2020 Lexus RX 350, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no new campaigns have been issued and that any future remedy has been completed. Recall status can change after a vehicle leaves the original owner.
- The 2020 RX 350 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a clean defect record that contributes directly to its 16-out-of-20 defect-record sub-score within the 87-point Safety Index.
- NHTSA's side-impact test produced a perfect 5-star result for this model year, the highest rating in the crash-test suite and a standout figure compared to the 4-star frontal and rollover scores.
- All 2020 RX 350 units came standard with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, earning the full 10-out-of-10 avoidance-tech sub-score with no trim-level exceptions noted in the federal data.
- Of the 51 unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 21 allege Air Bag system concerns, making it the single largest complaint category for this model year and a component area worth verifying during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lexus RX 350 places
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lexus RX 350 safety questions
Was the 2020 Lexus RX 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lexus RX 350, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2020 Lexus RX 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lexus RX 350 earned 4 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 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus RX 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lexus RX 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 2020 Lexus RX 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lexus RX 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 RX 350 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14710), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 350 2020.
- 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 33 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.