Is a Ford a safe car?
Ford's safety approach
Ford emphasizes a combination of crashworthiness, active safety tech, and driver-assistance systems. Across its lineup, the company bundles safety features into standard packages on many trims and has expanded hands-free highway driving capabilities on select models.
- Active safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot information systems.
- Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control to help manage attention and speed on varied roads.
- Rear-view cameras and 360-degree camera options to improve awareness in parking and tight maneuvers.
- Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assistance features that can be standard or optional depending on model and trim.
- Ford BlueCruise (hands-free highway driving) available on several recent models, expanding on traditional cruise control and assist features.
In short, Ford's safety strategy blends protective vehicle design with a broad set of driver-aid technologies intended to prevent crashes and mitigate injuries when collisions occur.
Independent safety ratings
Independent bodies such as IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) test Ford vehicles and publish ratings. Results vary by model and year, and some Ford models have earned Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ honors when equipped with the right headlights and safety options. NHTSA ratings also vary by model and configuration, with many recent Ford models earning strong overall scores, though not every version is rated the same.
IIHS and NHTSA benchmarks
Below are the kinds of ratings and what they indicate for Ford vehicles.
- IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ honors indicate strong performance in crash tests, good crash-prevention capabilities, and often acceptable or better headlights on the tested variant.
- NHTSA's five-star overall rating covers frontal, side, rollover tests, and overall crash protection; higher ratings reflect stronger safety performance.
Note: These are general guidelines; the exact rating depends on the model year and the specific trim and options chosen.
Examples by Ford model line
Ford SUVs and trucks such as the F-Series family, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Edge, and Mustang Mach-E have all been tested by IIHS and NHTSA in various years. Availability of high safety scores often correlates with packages like Co-Pilot360 and optional headlights or lighting systems.
- F-Series pickups: typically tested with strong crash-prevention features when equipped with the appropriate options.
- Escape, Explorer, Expedition: frequently assessed for both crashworthiness and routine driver-assistance performance; outcomes depend on trim and equipment.
- Mustang Mach-E and other crossovers/SUVs: rated for crash protection and driver aids, with scores varying by configuration.
As with any brand, verify the exact model-year data with IIHS and NHTSA to get an accurate picture of safety performance.
Tips for verifying safety before purchase
To ensure you’re buying a safe Ford, check these steps before committing to a purchase.
- Look up the specific model/year on IIHS and NHTSA websites for crashworthiness ratings, including any headlight and crash-prevention notes.
- Review which safety features are standard versus optional in the trim you’re considering (e.g., automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and hands-free highway assist).
- Check recall history and active campaigns on the NHTSA recall database or Ford’s official recall pages for the exact vehicle.
- Test drive to assess how the safety features behave in real traffic, including braking performance and the responsiveness of driver-assist systems.
With due diligence, you can gauge a Ford's safety profile for your needs and avoid surprises after purchase.
Summary
Ford emphasizes a robust safety approach that combines strong crash protection with a wide array of driver-assistance features. Independent ratings from IIHS and NHTSA vary by model and year, so it’s essential to verify the exact ratings and available safety equipment for the specific vehicle you’re considering. Overall, Ford remains a solid option for buyers prioritizing safety, particularly when selecting newer models and trims that include the latest safety tech.
