NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Lexus RX 350 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Lexus RX 350 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Lexus RX 350 has earned a full 10/10 for its crash-avoidance technology, a significant factor in its federal safety metrics. This is further bolstered by a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating. The vehicle achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, positioning it firmly within the Strong band for its model year.
The 2026 Lexus RX 350 SUV received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Lexus RX 350 ranks 63 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 | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 63 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Lexus RX 350?
The 2026 Lexus RX 350 maintains a Safety Index of 89/100, mirroring its 2025 predecessor and remaining in the Strong band. This consistency reflects a steady performance, with a 61/70 score in crash protection and a perfect 10/10 for avoidance technology. The defect record subscore of 18/20 confirms the limited impact of the two active recall campaigns. Both recalls address back-over prevention systems, one a software correction, the other a display function fix. These targeted adjustments focus on camera and alert technology, components integral to the vehicle's credited safety package, rather than structural or propulsion issues. Individual crash-test results show the 5-star side-crash rating and a "No Tip" dynamic outcome as the strongest figures for this model year. Frontal crash and rollover tests both yielded 4-star ratings. With only one unverified structural complaint registered, the 2026 RX 350 shows an extremely limited complaint footprint.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Lexus RX 350 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Lexus RX 350 achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-crash protection proved exceptional, earning a perfect 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming a No Tip outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21620
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Lexus RX 350 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2026 RX 350. The first addresses a back-over prevention software issue affecting certain 2023-2026 RX 350 vehicles. The second targets a back-over prevention display function across a broad range of Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra models. Neither campaign is designated a do-not-drive or park-outside order, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V162000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB02 and 26LA02.
Reported 2026-03-18
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION25V744000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Reported 2025-10-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Lexus RX 350?
NHTSA has recorded one owner complaint for the 2026 RX 350. That single unverified allegation involves the vehicle's Structure component. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the report. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations submitted to NHTSA.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Lexus RX 350?
Two recall campaigns are active for this model year, and remedies may be pending. Both address significant safety concerns. One recall corrects back-over prevention software; the other addresses display function. Prospective buyers should always check the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all repairs have been completed by a dealership.
- Two active recall campaigns for the 2026 RX 350 both target back-over prevention systems, one correcting a software fault and one addressing a display function, making VIN-specific remedy verification a priority for this model year.
- The 2026 Safety Index of 89/100 is unchanged from the 2025 figure, reflecting consistent federal safety performance rather than any improvement or decline between the two years.
- The side-crash test produced a 5-star result for this model year, while frontal and rollover protection each returned 4 stars and a 16 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic outcome.
- Owner complaint volume for the 2026 model year stands at one unverified allegation involving the Structure component, an unusually low footprint for a current-year vehicle, though early-year complaint totals are inherently limited.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Lexus RX 350 places
The 2026 Lexus RX 350 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Lexus RX 350 safety questions
Was the 2026 Lexus RX 350 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Lexus RX 350, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2026 Lexus RX 350 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Lexus RX 350 earned 5 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Lexus RX 350 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Lexus RX 350. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Lexus RX 350?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 Lexus RX 350. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RX 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 21620), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 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 63 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.