NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lexus RX 450h Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 46 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance is reflected in its NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it within the Strong band. This model year registered zero recalls, and the volume of owner complaints was modest, indicating a well-supported safety profile.
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h SUV AWD received an overall five-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 based on NHTSA 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 450h ranks 34 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 | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 46 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 34 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lexus RX 450h?
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h stands out in this model year for one defining safety characteristic: a clean recall slate. With zero recall campaigns on file, the defect-record component of the Safety Index contributes 15.5 out of a possible 20 points, a meaningful portion of the overall 87/100 Strong score. Crash protection adds 61 out of 70 points, grounded in the five-star overall NHTSA rating, though the four-star frontal and four-star rollover results prevent a perfect crash-protection score. The avoidance-tech sub-score reaches the maximum 10 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment on this year's configuration. No prior-year Safety Index is on file for comparison, so a year-over-year movement cannot be calculated. The 46 owner complaints, led heavily by air bag allegations at 21 reports, are worth monitoring but remain unverified. The combination of zero recalls and a five-star overall NHTSA result makes this model year a structurally strong entry in the used SUV segment from a safety-data standpoint.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lexus RX 450h perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h SUV AWD achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its side protection testing earned a perfect five stars, the frontal and rollover protection each received four out of five stars. The measured rollover risk for this model stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14712
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lexus RX 450h have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2020 Lexus RX 450h. NHTSA shows zero recall actions against this specific model year. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with it. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as campaigns can be added after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lexus RX 450h?
Owners have filed 46 unverified complaints with NHTSA. Air Bags is the most-reported component at 21 alleged reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at 9, and Engine, Electrical System, and Tires at 4 each. Forward Collision Avoidance accounts for 3 alleged reports. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
46 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lexus RX 450h?
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h has no recalls on file with NHTSA. Prospective owners of this model should continue to check the NHTSA recall database by VIN, as new actions can be filed at any time. Any remedy work should be completed and documented before taking ownership.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2020 model year specifically, contributing to a defect-record sub-score of 15.5 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
- NHTSA's NCAP testing gave this year's AWD configuration an overall five-star rating, with a four-star frontal result and a four-star rollover result alongside a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are listed as standard on this 2020 configuration, earning the maximum avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10.
- Of the 46 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 21 allege air bag issues, making that component the single largest complaint category for this model year and worth investigating during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lexus RX 450h places
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lexus RX 450h safety questions
Was the 2020 Lexus RX 450h crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lexus RX 450h, 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 450h crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lexus RX 450h 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 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus RX 450h have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lexus RX 450h 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 450h?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 46 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lexus RX 450h. 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 450h 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 14712), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 450h 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 34 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.