NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lexus RX 450hl Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hl scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 44 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This model year carries no open recalls, a notable achievement for a vehicle entering the used market. It received full marks for its crash avoidance technology, complementing its robust NHTSA crash-test scores.
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL received an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall 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 450hl ranks 35 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 | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 44 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 35 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl?
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL enters the MotorCaliber dataset with a perfect avoidance-technology score. The 10 out of 10 for this category reflects standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, establishing a strong safety baseline for the model year. The vehicle earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This score is supported by a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a defect-record sub-score of 16 out of 20. The RX 450hL also presents a clean recall record, with zero recalls issued by NHTSA. However, the model year has accumulated 44 unverified owner complaints. Air Bags are the subject of 21 of these filings, accounting for nearly half of all reports. Six complaints allege a crash connection, and four reports describe injuries, though NHTSA has not confirmed these allegations through investigation. While the absence of recalls means no current remedy is due to owners, the concentration of airbag-related complaints warrants continued monitoring.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL earned an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with side protection receiving a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars. The vehicle registered a 17 percent risk of rollover, though the dynamic tip test indicated "No Tip," also contributing to its 4-star rollover protection score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14713
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl have any recalls?
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as manufacturer campaigns can be added after a vehicle leaves the lot.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl?
Owners have submitted 44 unverified allegations to NHTSA for this model year. The most reported component is Air Bags, cited in 21 separate filings. Engine, Electrical System, Tires, and Forward Collision Avoidance each appear in additional unverified reports. These are consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
44 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl?
Three owner complaints specifically cite the Forward Collision Avoidance system in the 2020 RX 450hL, a notable point of concern for this model year. Owners should verify full functionality of both the forward collision and lane departure systems. Before purchase, the vehicle's VIN should be run through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm no outstanding safety campaigns.
- Zero recalls are on file for the 2020 RX 450hL specifically, a distinction that directly lifts its defect-record sub-score to 16 out of 20 within the Safety Index.
- The side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the single highest score this model year earned across all NHTSA test categories, outperforming its 4-star frontal and rollover results.
- Air Bags is the top complaint component for this model year, with 21 of 44 total unverified owner allegations naming it, and six of those filings report an associated crash event.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as standard on this model year, contributing to a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-technology sub-score in the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl places
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hl qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lexus RX 450hl safety questions
Was the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl, 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 450hl crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl 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 2020 Lexus RX 450hl have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl 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 450hl?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 44 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lexus RX 450hl. 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 450hl 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 14713), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 450hl 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 35 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.