Is the Ford F-250 a crash test rating?
The Ford F-250 Super Duty does have official crash-test ratings, but the results vary by model year and cab/bed configuration. Not every year or variant receives the same level of testing from major safety organizations.
This article explains where crash-test ratings come from, how to read them, and how to verify the results for the exact F-250 you’re considering.
Where crash-test ratings come from
Crash-test data for vehicles in the United States are published by the two most prominent organizations: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For heavy-duty pickups like the F-250, ratings can be year- and configuration-specific, and IIHS coverage may be more limited compared with lighter-duty trucks.
Below is an overview of what each organization tests and how to interpret their results for the Ford F-250.
- NHTSA crash-test ratings cover frontal and side crash tests, as well as a rollover resistance assessment. Ratings are expressed as stars (1 to 5) for various tests and an overall safety rating, and results are published for each model year and configuration on the NHTSA Safercar website. Because the F-250’s testing can differ by cab type (Regular, Super Cab, Crew Cab) and bed length, exact numbers must be checked for the specific variant you’re evaluating.
- IIHS crash-test ratings include evaluations such as frontal overlap (moderate and small), side impact, roof strength, and head restraints. IIHS also considers headlights in its ratings. For the F-250, IIHS testing results may not be available for every year or trim, and when available they’re presented on IIHS’s ratings pages with the designation Top Safety Picks or Top Safety Pick+ based on aggregate results.
In short, there are credible crash-test ratings for the Ford F-250, but you must verify the exact year and configuration to understand the precise results.
NHTSA crash-test ratings for the Ford F-250
What follows describes how to locate and interpret NHTSA ratings for the F-250, and what the organization tests.
- Frontal crash tests: NHTSA assigns star ratings that reflect protection for adult occupants in a head-on or offset frontal crash scenario. The rating shown for the F-250 can vary by year and cab configuration.
- Side crash tests: NHTSA also provides star ratings for side-impact protection, which consider occupant protection in a side impact.
- Rollover resistance: This is a separate rating indicating the vehicle’s propensity to roll over in single-vehicle scenarios. It is reported as a separate rating from the frontal/side scores.
- How to check: For the exact year and configuration of the F-250 you’re researching, visit NHTSA’s official ratings page and search for “Ford F-250 Super Duty” along with the model year. The most current and precise numbers appear there.
Reviewing the NHTSA results for the Ford F-250 requires selecting the correct year and cab/bed configuration to see the precise star ratings for each test.
IIHS crash-test ratings for the Ford F-250
IIHS testing for the Ford F-250 is less uniformly available across years than NHTSA testing. When IIHS has evaluated the F-250, the results appear on IIHS’s ratings pages, and they reflect test outcomes such as frontal overlap, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints, along with headlight performance if applicable.
- Frontal and side crash tests: IIHS rates performance in various overlap scenarios, with overall safety implications considered in the final assessment.
- Roof strength and head restraints: IIHS also assesses structural integrity and seating/airbag effectiveness, which contribute to the overall rating.
- Headlights (where applicable): IIHS evaluates headlights as part of the overall safety rating; some variants and years may differ in headlight performance.
- Availability by year: Not every year or trim of the F-250 has a published IIHS rating. If IIHS has rated a specific year, those results will appear on the IIHS ratings pages beside the model/year search.
To see whether IIHS has rated a given F-250 variant, check IIHS’s official ratings site for that year and cab configuration.
How to verify ratings for a specific year and configuration
Follow these steps to confirm the exact crash-test results for the Ford F-250 you’re considering.
- Visit the NHTSA ratings page and search for “Ford F-250 Super Duty” along with the model year and cab configuration to view frontal, side, and rollover star ratings.
- Visit IIHS ratings pages and search for “Ford F-250” for the specific year and configuration to see if there are full results or gaps in testing.
- Note the exact variant (e.g., Crew Cab vs. Super Cab, bed length) because ratings often differ between configurations.
- Compare multiple years if you’re evaluating used options, as safety ratings can change with design updates and new safety features.
- Always review the accompanying test details (test type, speed, and restraint systems) to understand what the rating covers.
In practice, verifying a specific year/configuration requires checking the official pages for that variant to ensure you’re reading the correct results.
Summary
Crash-test ratings for the Ford F-250 exist, but they are not a single, universal figure. For potential buyers or owners, the most reliable approach is to consult the exact model year and cab configuration on both NHTSA’s Safercar site and IIHS’s ratings pages. These sources will provide the precise star ratings (where available), the tests conducted, and any limitations in the testing. Always verify the latest information for the specific F-250 variant you’re evaluating, and consider newer safety features that may influence a vehicle’s overall safety performance.
What is the safety rating of the Ford F250?
Ford F-250 safety ratings vary by model year and test, but recent models often show strong performance. For example, the 2019 model received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, and a 2017 model achieved 5 stars in crash tests, though its rollover ratings were lower for the 4x4 version. Heavy-duty trucks like the F-250 are not typically rated by the IIHS, but some sources rank the F-250 as a safer heavy-duty option based on available data, notes this iSeeCars.com article.
- NHTSA: Heavy-duty trucks are tested by the NHTSA, which provides crash test ratings. For example, the 2019 F-250 received an overall 5-star rating, and some 2017 models earned 5 stars in crash tests.
- IIHS: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) typically does not test heavy-duty trucks like the F-250, so there are no official IIHS ratings for them, notes The Car Connection.
- Other ratings: Sources like iSeeCars.com have created their own rankings based on NHTSA data, placing the F-250 among the safest heavy-duty trucks.
- Safety features: Modern F-250 models offer advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, which can help prevent accidents, according to this Boswell Elliff Ford blog.
What year did the F-250 have the death wobble?
The "death wobble" has affected many Ford F-250 years, most notably the 2008 and 2017-2019 models, with issues also reported in models from 2005-2019. Some reports also mention issues in newer model years (2020-2022) as they accumulate mileage, as well as in 2011 models. The problem is often linked to worn steering components, and an extended warranty exists for the steering damper on 2017-2019 models.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford "death wobble" and its potential causes: 1mWSOCTV9YouTube · Feb 6, 2020
- 2005-2019: A class-action lawsuit alleges problems with the suspension system in F-250 and F-350 models from this range, with complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- 2008: This model year is specifically mentioned as being plagued by the death wobble, along with other issues like brake problems.
- 2011: Owners have reported experiencing the death wobble in this model year, which is also known for transmission issues.
- 2017-2019: This range is frequently cited for having the death wobble, and a warranty extension exists for the stock steering damper in these models.
- 2020-2022: Some reports suggest that newer models may start showing signs of the issue as they age and accumulate mileage.
Which truck is safest in a crash?
The safest trucks in a crash, based on safety ratings and crash tests, include the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, 2025 Ford F-150, 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The 2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty and 2025 Ram 2500 are also highlighted for heavy-duty models. Safety features like advanced airbags, reinforced frames, and driver-assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are key factors in their high safety scores.
Top-rated trucks
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma: Earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, rebuilt on the new TNGA-F platform for 2024, and received perfect scores in all side-impact categories from the NHTSA.
- 2025 Ford F-150: Has top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, featuring a reinforced frame, military-grade aluminum construction, and advanced airbags.
- 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Received a perfect five-star overall score from the NHTSA, indicating top performance in crash tests.
- 2021 Honda Ridgeline: Received top ratings in crashworthiness, including high marks for side and roof strength, and scored "superior" in front crash prevention.
- 2025 Toyota Tundra: Achieves "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests, supported by strong and sturdy construction and effective airbags.
- 2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty and 2025 Ram 2500: Named the best heavy-duty trucks for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.
Key safety features
- Structural integrity: Reinforced frames and crumple zones are designed to absorb impact energy.
- Driver assistance: Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring help prevent collisions.
- Airbag systems: Advanced airbag systems provide comprehensive protection for occupants in various crash scenarios.
- Electronic stability: Systems like electronic stability control, traction control, and rollover prevention help maintain stability.
Which F-250 to stay away from?
You should generally avoid the 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2017 Ford F-250 models due to common issues like the "death wobble," transmission problems, and other electrical and brake failures. Other models to approach with caution include the 2003-2007 F-250 with the 6.0L Power Stroke engine due to potential engine problems, and the 2008-2010 F-250 with the 6.4L engine, which has known EGR cooler issues.
Model years to avoid
- 2006: Known for stalling, power steering loss, and brake issues, along with the death wobble.
- 2008: Has serious brake problems and the death wobble.
- 2011: Often experiences transmission issues, rough shifting, and the death wobble.
- 2017: Plagued by the "death wobble" and other suspension/steering problems.
- 2017-2019: Specifically mentioned as being susceptible to the "death wobble".
- 2003-2007 (with 6.0L Power Stroke engine): Prone to head gasket and oil cooler failures in stock form.
- 2008-2010 (with 6.4L Power Stroke engine): Has common EGR cooler failures that can lead to coolant loss and overheating.
General issues to be aware of
- Death Wobble: This is a recurring problem in several model years, especially 2008, 2011, and 2017, and is related to suspension and steering components.
- Transmission Problems: Rough shifting and unexpected gear changes have been reported in certain years, notably 2011.
- Engine Issues: Specific diesel engines have known problems. The 6.0L and 6.4L engines are especially notorious for requiring significant maintenance or bulletproofing to be reliable.
- Brake Failures: Some models have reported brake problems, including sudden failure and issues with the brake booster.
