NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Lexus RX 350h Safety Ratings
The 2026 Lexus RX 350h 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 350h achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating and a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. These results contribute to its NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing the vehicle in the Strong safety band. This score represents a two-point decrease from the 2025 model's 91, which had been rated Exceptional.
The 2026 Lexus RX 350h SUV HEV AWD received a 5-star overall crash protection rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 Strong, based on NHTSA crash test and recall 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 350h ranks 64 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 | 64 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Lexus RX 350h?
The 2026 Lexus RX 350h sees its Safety Index score drop to 89 out of 100, moving from an "Exceptional" to a "Strong" rating. This two-point decline from the 2025 model's 91 score is primarily due to its defect record, which earned 18 out of 20 points. Two active recall campaigns for this model year focus on back-over prevention systems. These recalls address camera or display software issues related to reverse visibility, indicating a specific, rather than systemic, safety concern. Crash protection scores 61 out of a possible 70, a robust if not class-leading figure. Avoidance technology remains perfect, achieving 10 out of 10 points, confirming standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The 2026 RX 350h achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's crash tests, and the dynamic rollover test yielded a "No Tip" result. While its overall safety profile remains strong, the 2026 RX 350h's recall activity is the defining factor in its year-over-year index dip.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Lexus RX 350h perform in crash tests?
The 2026 RX 350h achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Side impact protection was a standout, earning a full 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance test each received 4 stars. The rollover risk was assessed at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" result. All NHTSA safety categories received a published rating for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21621
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Lexus RX 350h have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2026 RX 350h. The first addresses back-over prevention software, affecting certain 2023-2026 RX 350 vehicles. The second targets back-over prevention display function, covering a broad range of 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles with a specific display system. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available NHTSA data.
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 350h?
One unverified consumer complaint has been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 RX 350h. The allegation involves the vehicle's Structure component. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are reported in that single filing. These are unverified allegations and have not been confirmed as defects.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Lexus RX 350h?
The 2026 RX 350h faces two federal recalls related to back-over prevention. Prospective owners should verify that remedies for these issues have been applied, as parts availability at dealerships may still be a factor for this current model year vehicle.
- The 2026 RX 350h's Safety Index dropped two points to 89/100 Strong compared to the 2025 model's 91/100 Exceptional, a shift driven by two active recall campaigns recorded against this specific model year.
- Both 2026 recalls target back-over prevention systems, one addressing software and one addressing display function, meaning reverse camera or display operation is the concentrated safety concern for this model year.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for the 2026 RX 350h, and the overall crash rating reached 5 stars, though frontal and rollover categories each scored 4 stars rather than the maximum.
- Only one unverified consumer complaint involving the Structure component has been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in that filing.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Lexus RX 350h places
The 2026 Lexus RX 350h qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Lexus RX 350h safety questions
Was the 2026 Lexus RX 350h crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Lexus RX 350h, 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 350h crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Lexus RX 350h 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 350h have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Lexus RX 350h. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Lexus RX 350h?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 Lexus RX 350h. 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 350h 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 21621), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 350h 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 64 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.