NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lexus RX 450hl Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lexus RX 450hl 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 450hL earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong band. This rating is anchored by a perfect avoidance-tech score and a record of zero recalls. The 2021 model year did, however, show a two-point drop from the 2020 version's overall index. A cluster of owner complaints specifically regarding air bags also merits attention.
The 2021 Lexus RX 450hL SUV AWD received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, derived entirely from NHTSA 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 450hl ranks 59 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 | 59 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl?
The 2021 Lexus RX 450hL registers no federal safety recalls, a significant factor for a vehicle now available on the used market. This year's model scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a two-point decrease from the 2020 model year's 87. Despite this, the RX 450hL maintains its position in the Strong safety band. The decline traces to the defect-record component, which contributed 14 out of a possible 20 points, while crash protection scored 61 of 70. Avoidance technology earned a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. In crash testing, the 5-star side-crash result is this year's strongest single figure. The 4-star frontal crash score and 17 percent rollover risk are areas that do not reach the highest possible ratings. The vehicle's owner complaint data highlights an air-bag complaint cluster, accounting for 47 of 69 total unverified reports. Nine of these 69 reports allege crash involvement, and nine allege injury. No reports allege fire or death.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl perform in crash tests?
The 2021 RX 450hL earned a 4 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA, with a perfect 5-star side-crash score proving a notable strength in its evaluation. Frontal impact protection was rated at 4 stars, matching its rollover assessment. The rollover risk was measured at 17 percent, with the dynamic tip-test result recorded as No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15963
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl have any recalls?
NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2021 Lexus RX 450hL. No park-outside or do-not-drive order appears on file. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as federal records can be updated at any time after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl?
NHTSA has received 69 unverified consumer complaints for this model year. The dominant alleged problem area is air bags, cited in 47 reports. Other alleged concerns include Unknown or Other issues (7), Structure (4), Forward Collision Avoidance (4), Seat Belts (4), and Service Brakes (3). These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl?
Before purchasing this 5-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been opened since the vehicle left the new-car market. Verify that all prior owner service records reflect any remedy completions tied to the vehicle's history.
- The 2021 RX 450hL carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a clean defect-record standing that distinguishes this specific model year in the used market.
- NHTSA received 47 unverified air-bag complaints for this model year alone, making air-bag system behavior the single largest alleged concern reported by owners of this specific year.
- The Safety Index dropped two points versus the 2020 RX 450hL (87 to 85), driven by the defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20, even as crash protection and avoidance-tech scores held strong.
- The 2021 RX 450hL achieved a perfect 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, the highest single-category result across all four tested dimensions for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl places
The 2021 Lexus RX 450hl qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lexus RX 450hl safety questions
Was the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl, 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 450hl crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Lexus RX 450hl have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Lexus RX 450hl?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 69 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 15963), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 450hl 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 59 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.