Research · Compact Cars

2021 Lexus UX 250HRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus UX 250H. Most complaints involve engine (1). The EPA rates it 39–42 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
39–42mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Lexus UX 250H as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2021 – Sep 2021
  1. Engine1
  2. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each UX 250H model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20193
20202
20212
20221
20231
20241
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

1 report1 fire
“The contact owned a 2021 Lexus UX 250 Hybrid. The contact stated that while their father was driving approximately at 65 mph when the warning for tire low pressure had illuminated. The driver pulled over to check the tires to the side of the road. After pulling over the driver noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood between the tire on the driver's side. Both parties exited the vehicle when suddenly the vehicle burst in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer was informed about the incident. After investigating they were unable to determine the cause due to the state of the vehicle from the fire. The contact stated that they were no injuries or medical attention needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 250.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2021EngineFire reportedODI 11431984
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
UX 250h
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
434142$1,550209
UX 250h AWD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive
413839$1,650225
  • UX 250h
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    43 city · 41 hwy · $1,550/yr
    42
    mpg comb.
  • UX 250h AWD
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    41 city · 38 hwy · $1,650/yr
    39
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Lexus UX 250h 5 HB AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 15817
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 UX 250H questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus UX 250H have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2021 Lexus UX 250H problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Lexus UX 250H get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Lexus UX 250H at 39–42 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2021 Lexus UX 250H?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Lexus UX 250H 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026