NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus RX 350 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 70 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Lexus RX 350's zero-recall record stands out, a notable achievement that contributes to its Strong band placement in our Safety Index, at 85 out of 100. This model also scores perfectly on avoidance technology. However, prospective owners should note the two-point reduction from the 2020 model year's Safety Index and a discernible pattern of airbag-related complaints among owners.
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 SUV FWD Later Release received a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Lexus RX 350 ranks 56 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 | 85 / 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 | 70 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 56 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus RX 350?
A notable concentration of owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Lexus RX 350 centers on its airbags. Of the 70 total complaints submitted, 47 specifically cite airbag concerns. This factor contributes significantly to the vehicle's "defect record" sub-score of 14 out of 20, despite the absence of any formal recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 RX 350 achieved a "Strong" band Safety Index score of 85 out of 100. This represents a two-point decrease from the 2020 model year's 87 out of 100. In crash protection, the vehicle earned 61 out of 70 points, aligning with NHTSA's published 4-star overall safety rating and a 5-star rating for side-impact protection. Its avoidance technology score is perfect at 10 out of 10, reflecting standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The specific pattern of airbag complaints for the 2021 RX 350 warrants attention from potential buyers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus RX 350 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is a clear strength, earning a full 5-star rating. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 stars. The risk of rollover stands at 18 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding with No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15959
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus RX 350 have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Lexus RX 350. NHTSA shows zero recall actions for this specific model year. There is no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory associated with this vehicle. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recalls can be added after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus RX 350?
Owners have submitted 70 unverified complaints to NHTSA for this model year. The dominant category is Air Bags, which accounts for 47 of those alleged reports. Forward Collision Avoidance, Seat Belts, Structure, and Service Brakes round out the top components. Nine crashes and nine injuries are alleged across all submissions.
70 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus RX 350?
Before purchasing this 5-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no campaigns have been added since production. Verify that any remedy work is documented, and note that the air bag complaint cluster warrants a specific inspection conversation with a qualified technician.
- The 2021 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a cleaner defect record than many competitors in this segment, though the defect sub-score of 14/20 reflects the complaint volume rather than any formal action.
- Air bag complaints dominate the owner-reported data for this specific year, accounting for 47 of 70 unverified NHTSA submissions, a concentration that is disproportionate relative to the other component categories.
- The Safety Index fell two points from the 2020 model year's 87/100 to 85/100, a modest but real movement that is driven by the complaint pattern rather than by any change in crash-test performance.
- The side-impact star rating of 5 out of 5 is the strongest individual crash-test result for this model year, while frontal and rollover protection each hold at 4 stars with an 18 percent rollover risk.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus RX 350 places
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus RX 350 safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus RX 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lexus RX 350, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2021 Lexus RX 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Lexus RX 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Lexus RX 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 70 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15959), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 350 2021.
- 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 56 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.