NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus RX 450h Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lexus RX 450h 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 450h received a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong safety band. This standing is supported by its full crash-avoidance suite and an absence of recalls. However, this model year represents a two-point decrease from the 2020 RX 450h. Furthermore, a concentrated pattern of owner complaints regarding the vehicle's air bag system merits careful consideration.
The 2021 Lexus RX 450h received an overall 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA NCAP crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 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 450h ranks 58 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 | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 69 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 58 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus RX 450h?
The 2021 Lexus RX 450h stands out for its complete absence of recalls. No service campaigns were opened against this model year, a meaningful distinction that separates it from years where even minor service actions can weigh on the defect record. This contributed to its overall NHTSA Safety Index score of 85 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Strong band, though this marks a two-point retreat from the 2020 model's 87. The decline traces to a defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20, reflecting the index's weighting of complaint volume against sales exposure. Crash protection remains robust, with a sub-score of 61 out of 70. This is anchored by a 5-star rating for side impact and consistent 4-star marks in both frontal and rollover categories from NHTSA. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score achieves the full 10 out of 10, as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard equipment. A notable anomaly in the reported data is a cluster of 47 airbag-related complaints out of 69 total unverified owner reports; these unverified consumer allegations warrant attention despite not constituting established defects.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus RX 450h perform in crash tests?
The 2021 RX 450h achieved a maximum 5-star rating in side-crash protection from NHTSA NCAP. Its overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal impact protection also earning 4 stars. The vehicle’s rollover risk is measured at 16 percent, scoring 4 stars in this category, and the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15962
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus RX 450h have any recalls?
The 2021 Lexus RX 450h carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns. No recall is on file for this model year, so there is no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory attached to it. Used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check, because recall status can change after any vehicle leaves the lot.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus RX 450h?
NHTSA has received 69 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 RX 450h. The dominant alleged concern is air bags, accounting for 47 of those reports. Forward collision avoidance, structure, seat belts, and service brakes each drew smaller clusters of unverified allegations. Nine alleged crashes and nine alleged injuries appear in the data.
69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus RX 450h?
No open recalls are currently listed for the 2021 RX 450h. While this suggests a clear record, new campaigns can emerge. Prospective owners should verify a specific vehicle's recall status using its VIN and confirm any necessary remedy work has been completed.
- The 2021 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, distinguishing it from prior or subsequent years that may have open service actions on file.
- The Safety Index dropped two points from the 2020 model year's 87 to 85, driven by the defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20, which reflects the 69 unverified complaints logged against this specific year.
- Air bag allegations dominate the complaint record for this year, representing 47 of 69 total unverified NHTSA reports, a concentration that stands out relative to other components.
- The side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the strongest individual crash-test result for this model year, while frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 stars and rollover risk was measured at 16 percent with a no-tip dynamic result.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus RX 450h places
The 2021 Lexus RX 450h qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus RX 450h safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus RX 450h crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lexus RX 450h, 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 450h crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Lexus RX 450h 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 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus RX 450h have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Lexus RX 450h?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 69 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 15962), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 450h 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 58 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.