NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Lexus RX 500h Safety Ratings
The 2026 Lexus RX 500h scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Lexus RX 500h achieves a 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA and a perfect score in avoidance technology, contributing to its Strong band placement with a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100. This score, however, represents a two-point decrease from the 2025 model year. The decline is directly attributable to the vehicle's record of two recalls.
The 2026 Lexus RX 500h received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Lexus RX 500h ranks 65 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 | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 65 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Lexus RX 500h?
The 2026 Lexus RX 500h presents a nuanced safety picture that separates it clearly from its predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index landed at 89/100, a two-point retreat from the 2025 model's 91/100 Exceptional rating, dropping the vehicle from Exceptional into the Strong band. That movement traces almost entirely to the defect record component, which accounts for 18 of a possible 20 points, reflecting the two active recall campaigns centered on back-over prevention, one a software issue and one a display function concern. Crash protection held firm at 61/70, consistent with the 5-star overall NHTSA result, and the avoidance-tech component scored a full 10/10, confirming that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this hybrid AWD SUV. The side-impact result at 5 stars is the standout single-category figure, while the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores, paired with a 16 percent rollover risk and a no-tip dynamic result, represent areas where the vehicle performs well but leaves marginal room for improvement. The index decline is modest and the overall profile remains strong, but the back-over prevention recalls are the defining safety story for this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Lexus RX 500h perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Lexus RX 500h earns a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with its perfect 5-star side impact score standing out as a key protective attribute. Both frontal crash and rollover protection received 4-star ratings. The rollover risk is assessed at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no-tip. All crash categories were rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21622
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Lexus RX 500h have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns affect the 2026 RX 500h. The first targets back-over prevention software, covering certain 2023-2026 RX 350 and related Lexus models. The second addresses a back-over prevention display function across a broad range of Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V162000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB02 and 26LA02.
Reported 2026-03-18
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION25V744000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Reported 2025-10-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Lexus RX 500h?
NHTSA records one unverified consumer complaint for the 2026 RX 500h. That single allegation targets the vehicle's Structure. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the report. These are unverified owner allegations, not established findings.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Lexus RX 500h?
Both back-over prevention recall campaigns for the 2026 RX 500h remain active, making confirmation of the remedy at a dealership the most critical safety precaution for this model year. Shoppers should verify completion via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool prior to purchase.
- The 2026 RX 500h's Safety Index fell two points to 89/100 compared to the 2025 model's 91/100, a drop attributable to two open recall campaigns rather than any change in crash-test performance.
- Both recalls for this model year involve back-over prevention systems, one a software remedy and one a display function fix, making VIN-specific recall verification a critical step for any buyer.
- The side-impact crash test returned a perfect 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent and a no-tip outcome in the dynamic test.
- Only one unverified consumer complaint has been filed with NHTSA for this model year, alleging a structural concern, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported in that submission.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Lexus RX 500h places
The 2026 Lexus RX 500h qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Lexus RX 500h safety questions
Was the 2026 Lexus RX 500h crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Lexus RX 500h, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2026 Lexus RX 500h crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Lexus RX 500h 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Lexus RX 500h have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Lexus RX 500h. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Lexus RX 500h?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 Lexus RX 500h. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RX 500h years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21622), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lexus RX 500h 2026.
- 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 65 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.