NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus RX 350l Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lexus RX 350l scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 69 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Lexus RX 350L achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong safety band. This score, while solid, marks a notable decrease from the 2020 model's 91/100 Exceptional rating. Strong crash protection and a complete suite of avoidance technologies are the primary contributors to this year's assessment.
The 2021 Lexus RX 350L SUV FWD Later Release received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, derived entirely from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Lexus RX 350l ranks 57 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 | 16.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 69 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 57 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus RX 350l?
The 2021 Lexus RX 350L achieves an 85 out of 100 Safety Index score, a downgrade to "Strong" from the 2020 model's "Exceptional" 91. This decline is directly attributable to an elevated volume of owner complaints, rather than any formal recall action. Owners filed 69 unverified complaints with NHTSA. Notably, 47 of these reports concern the air bag system, significantly impacting the vehicle's defect record sub-score, which stands at 14 out of 20. In crash testing, the RX 350L demonstrates strong protective capabilities. It earned a 5-star rating for side impact protection. The vehicle successfully completed the dynamic tip test, with a calculated rollover risk of 17 percent. Its suite of avoidance technology, including standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, received a perfect 10 out of 10. The crash protection sub-score is 61 out of 70. While the 2021 RX 350L excels in structured crash scenarios and offers a complete array of active safety features, the volume of owner complaints, particularly regarding air bag issues, prevents it from matching its predecessor's top-tier safety standing.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus RX 350l perform in crash tests?
NHTSA's assessment of the 2021 Lexus RX 350L reveals a notable 5-star side impact protection rating. The vehicle's overall safety profile, however, settles at 4 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance are rated at 4 stars. The data indicates a 17 percent rollover risk, with dynamic testing confirming no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15961
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus RX 350l have any recalls?
NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2021 Lexus RX 350L. There are no open safety campaigns on file, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive notices associated with this specific model year. Used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus RX 350l?
NHTSA has received 69 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem area is air bags, cited in 47 reports. Additional unverified allegations involve structure, forward collision avoidance, seat belts, and service brakes. Reported incidents include 9 alleged crashes and 9 alleged injuries.
69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus RX 350l?
Because this vehicle is now five years old and in the used market, buyers should run a free NHTSA VIN lookup before purchase to confirm no recall campaigns have been added since this data was compiled and that any future remedy has been completed at a dealership.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 85/100 Strong is a six-point decline from the 2020 model's 91/100 Exceptional score, driven by a defect record sub-score of 14 out of 20 rather than by any recall campaign.
- NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2021 Lexus RX 350L, making this one of the cleaner recall histories in the segment for this model year.
- Air bags account for 47 of the 69 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year, a concentration that is disproportionate relative to other reported component categories and worth monitoring as a used-market buyer.
- The 2021 RX 350L earned a perfect 5-star side crash rating from NHTSA and passed the dynamic tip test with a no-tip result at a 17 percent rollover risk, representing the strongest individual crash-test outcomes for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus RX 350l places
The 2021 Lexus RX 350l qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus RX 350l safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus RX 350l crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lexus RX 350l, 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 350l crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Lexus RX 350l 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 16.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus RX 350l have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Lexus RX 350l 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 350l?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 69 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Lexus RX 350l. 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 350l 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 15961), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 350l 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 57 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.