Are Fords safe in crashes?
In general, contemporary Ford vehicles perform well in independent crash tests, with many recent models earning strong ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. However, ratings vary by model year and trim; always check the specific vehicle’s results.
This article explains how crash ratings work, what Ford’s latest models have shown in tests, and how consumers can verify safety before buying.
How crash ratings work
Crash-testing in the United States is conducted by two major safety agencies, IIHS and NHTSA, using multiple crash scenarios and safety-system evaluations. Their results help consumers compare how well vehicles protect occupants and prevent crashes.
Before you review any model, note the main tests and rating scales used by these agencies:
- IIHS tests cover frontal overlap (small and moderate), side impacts, roof strength, and head restraints, plus evaluations of headlights and automatic emergency braking. Ratings run from Good to Poor, with Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ designations when criteria are met.
- NHTSA conducts overall crash protection ratings and category scores for frontal, side, and rollover performance, using a 1–5 star system. A higher star rating generally indicates stronger protection.
- Safety-technology assessments consider features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection, which can influence ratings and real-world protection.
These ratings provide a framework for comparing models, but they should be read in the context of year, trim, and equipment, since safety features and test results can vary within a brand’s lineup.
Ford safety performance across recent years
Ford’s current lineup benefits from a comprehensive safety suite—often marketed as Co-Pilot 360 or a later iteration—that includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot information, lane-keeping assist, and other driver-assistance technologies. These features are widely available across many trims and are designed to help prevent crashes as well as mitigate injuries when collisions occur. Independent crash-test results for specific model years and trims generally show strong performance, though outcomes can vary depending on design and equipment. When evaluating a Ford, buyers should look at year- and trim-specific data rather than relying on brand-wide assumptions.
What to check when shopping:
- Look up the exact model year and trim on IIHS and NHTSA websites to see the vehicle’s test results, including any conditional or optional ratings tied to safety packages.
- Note whether the model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation for that year, and review any notes about headlights or roof strength that might affect the rating.
- Confirm which safety tech features are standard versus optional for that trim, since features like automatic emergency braking or blind-spot monitoring can influence both real-world protection and IIHS assessments.
In practice, a Ford with up-to-date safety technology and solid crash-test results offers strong protection in crashes, but buyers should verify the exact year, trim, and equipment to get a precise picture of safety performance.
Summary
Overall, modern Ford vehicles are among the safer choices in crash tests, reflecting a strong emphasis on safety across the lineup. Ratings vary by model year, trim, and equipment, so prospective buyers should check IIHS and NHTSA results for the exact vehicle and configuration they’re considering. With widely available advanced safety features, Fords today can provide robust protection both in preventing crashes and in cushioning occupants when a crash occurs.
