Is the Ford F-150 a safe car?
Yes. In broad terms, modern Ford F-150 pickups offer strong safety performance, with solid crash-test results and a wide suite of driver-assist features. However, safety ratings can vary by model year and trim, so it's important to verify the exact configuration you’re considering.
The question invites a closer look at official crash-test results, the safety technology available across recent generations, and practical considerations like recalls and maintenance that can influence real-world safety. This article examines the latest official ratings, typical equipment, and buying guidance for the F-150.
Official crash ratings and safety equipment
What the independent tests cover
Independent safety ratings come from agencies such as NHTSA and IIHS. They assess crashworthiness, passenger protection, and the effectiveness of safety systems to inform how well a vehicle protects occupants in various scenarios.
- NHTSA crash tests: The latest F-150 models have generally earned strong overall ratings, with many configurations scoring four or five stars across frontal, side, and rollover categories. Ratings vary by drivetrain and model year.
- IIHS crashworthiness and headlights: Recent F-150s often achieve Good ratings in major crash tests; however, trim-level differences and certain headlight configurations can affect overall designations like Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+.
- Safety technology and driver assistance: Ford's Co-Pilot360 (and successors) bundles features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Availability and standard-ness depend on trim and package, with higher trims offering moreAdvanced aids like 360-degree cameras and enhanced park assist.
Conclusion: The F-150 generally performs well in official safety tests and offers a strong suite of driver-assistance technologies, though the exact rating and features depend on model year and trim. Prospective buyers should verify the current ratings and equipment for their preferred configuration.
What buyers should check by model year
Why the year matters
Model-year changes can shift safety ratings and the availability of advanced driver aids. Verifying the exact year and trim helps ensure you’re getting the intended level of protection and technology.
- Consult NHTSA’s SaferCar.gov for the specific year’s overall and subcomponent star ratings, noting any rollover warnings or issues highlighted in the report.
- Check IIHS ratings for the model year on IIHS.org, paying attention to crashworthiness results and whether headlights meet acceptable/good standards for Top Safety Pick+ eligibility.
- Review the safety equipment list for the trim you want: automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and 360-degree cameras or enhanced park assist where offered.
Conclusion: To obtain a precise safety picture, identify your target year and trim, then compare official NHTSA and IIHS results with the listed safety features for that configuration.
Recalls and ongoing safety considerations
How recalls affect safety
Recalls are a normal part of vehicle ownership and can affect safety. The F-150 has had recalls across multiple generations for a range of issues, from airbags to software and component behavior. Staying informed about current campaigns for your specific VIN is essential to maintain safety.
- Verify active recalls and campaigns using SaferCar.gov and Ford’s official owner portal, entering your VIN to see current statuses and required service actions.
- Keep up with routine maintenance and service advisories, especially when towing or operating in challenging conditions, which can stress safety systems and sensors.
Conclusion: Recalls do not automatically imply a vehicle is unsafe, but timely action on recalls is critical for maintaining safety and performance.
Bottom line for readers
The Ford F-150 remains a strong safety performer in the pickup segment, pairing solid crash-test results with a broad suite of driver-assist technologies. The exact safety outcome depends on year, trim, and options, so buyers should review official ratings for their chosen configuration and stay current on recalls and service campaigns.
Summary: In modern configurations, the F-150 offers robust safety ratings and extensive safety technology, making it a competitive choice for safety-conscious buyers. Always confirm the specific year/trim’s official test results and recall status before purchase.
