What is the safest Ford to drive?
There isn’t a single safest Ford to drive; safety depends on model year, trim, and the safety technology package chosen. Generally, newer Ford vehicles equipped with Co-Pilot360/Co-Pilot360 Assist and other advanced driver-assistance features tend to rank highly in official safety tests. In practice, the F-150, Escape, Explorer, and Mustang Mach-E are among the models most often cited for strong safety performance in recent years, but always verify the latest ratings for the exact year and configuration you’re considering.
How safety ratings work for Ford vehicles
Two major safety programs—IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)—form the backbone of public safety ratings. IIHS uses crashworthiness tests and evaluations of crash-avoidance features to award Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ distinctions, while NHTSA assigns a 5-star overall rating based on crash tests and overall performance. Ford’s safety technology packages, such as Co-Pilot360 or Co-Pilot360 Assist, include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot information, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, and these features contribute to the ratings and real-world protection during driving.
The following overview reflects the latest available data and general trends across recent model years, but ratings can vary by year, trim, and option packages. Always consult the current IIHS and NHTSA results for the exact vehicle you are evaluating.
Below are Ford models that have historically earned strong safety marks in recent model years, reflecting a combination of crash-test performance and standard or available driver-assist features.
- Ford F-150 (model years around 2021–2024): widely praised for structural safety and broad driver-assist options, including Co-Pilot360 with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control.
- Ford Escape (2020–2024): compact SUV with strong crash-test results, particularly when equipped with Co-Pilot360 Assist+, featuring emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.
- Ford Explorer (2020–2023/2024): three-row SUV with solid crash-test scores and a robust suite of safety features available on higher trims or as standard in some configurations.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021–2024): electric crossover with strong crashworthiness and standard or available safety tech like automatic emergency braking, lane-centering, and adaptive cruise control.
Note: ratings can vary by exact model year, trim, and optional safety packages. Always confirm the current year’s IIHS/NHTSA results and the safety features included on the trim you’re considering.
In practice, selection should be guided by the latest official safety ratings for your chosen year and trim, as well as your personal driving needs (family trips, towing, city driving). The examples above represent models that have performed well in recent years.
Key safety features to look for in a Ford
To maximize safety, focus on vehicles that include comprehensive crash-prevention and protection tech. The following features are commonly linked with higher safety ratings in Ford models.
Before the list, here’s what to look for:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane-Keeping Assist and Lane-Centering Assist
- Blind-Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go capability
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Advanced Parking Assist and Evading Steering Assist (availability varies by model)
These features, when installed as part of a comprehensive safety package, are commonly associated with higher safety ratings and better real-world crash avoidance.
Equipped with these features, a Ford is more likely to achieve strong safety ratings across different testing programs; check the exact trim and options for the model you’re interested in.
How to choose the safest Ford for your needs
Follow these steps to identify the safest Ford for your situation:
- Check the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the specific year and trim you’re considering.
- Compare safety feature sets across trims and optional packages (e.g., Co-Pilot360, Co-Pilot360 Assist+).
- Consider your driving environment and needs (family use, commuting, towing, city vs. highway) to prioritize features like rear-seat protection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
- Test-drive with an emphasis on braking performance, steering feel, and how the driver-assistance features operate in real-world traffic.
Concluding paragraph:
Ultimately, the safest Ford for you is the newest model year you can realistically obtain with the top-tier safety package that fits your budget and lifestyle, supported by current official safety ratings.
Summary
There isn’t a single “safest Ford.” The safest options tend to be newer Ford models—such as the F-150, Escape, Explorer, and Mach-E—that offer strong crash protection and robust driver-assistance technology. Always verify the latest IIHS and NHTSA results for the exact year and trim you’re considering, and prioritize configurations with comprehensive safety features. A careful comparison and a focused test drive will help identify the best, safest Ford for you.
What year to stay away from Ford?
Ford years to avoid include the 2004-2006, 2010, and 2013-2017 F-150s due to issues like engine and transmission problems, while some model years of the Escape, like 2013, 2016, and 2021, are also flagged for various defects. Other years like 2011-2012 for the EcoBoost F-150 and 2011 F-250 are also listed for specific, though sometimes separate, concerns.
Ford F-150
- 2004-2006: Prone to engine problems with the 5.4L Triton V8, such as spark plug breakage and cam phaser failures, as well as transmission issues and electrical problems.
- 2010: Experienced transmission issues, including harsh shifting, along with widespread problems like frame rust and door handle failures.
- 2013: This year had issues with the transmission downshifting and requires a specific recall to be completed.
- 2015-2017: These years saw problems with the introduction of aluminum bodies and the 10-speed transmission, along with turbocharger and timing chain issues in some models.
- 2018 with 5.0L V8: Suffered from a major oil consumption problem.
- 2021: As the first year of the new generation, this model has had electrical issues, infotainment glitches, and problems with the PowerBoost hybrid system.
Ford Escape
- 2013: Had various electronic and mechanical issues, including problems with the GPS, radio, and backup camera/sensors.
- 2016: Prone to transmission issues, engine failures, power steering problems, and noisy brakes.
- 2020-2021: Experienced oil leaks, electrical problems, and engine oil separator leaks.
Other Ford models
- 2011 F-250: This year is known for the "death wobble" and other transmission woes.
- 2017 F-250: Also has a high number of complaints and recalls, largely due to the "death wobble" suspension issue.
- 2008 and 2013-2014 Ford Escape: These model years are also flagged for engine and transmission concerns.
What is the #1 safest vehicle?
There is no single "number one" safety-rated vehicle; safety ratings are categorized by vehicle type and a vehicle's overall safety score depends on its performance in crash tests and its standard safety features. However, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mazda3, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius all received top "Top Safety Pick+" ratings from the IIHS and 5-Star ratings from the NHTSA. Many other models also earned high marks in their respective categories.
Top-rated vehicles for 2025
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA.
- 2025 Mazda3 (Sedan and Hatchback): Also received both a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA.
- 2025 Toyota Camry: Both the standard and hybrid models are rated as 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-Star from the NHTSA.
- 2025 Toyota Prius: Achieved a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: This electric SUV earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
- Honda Accord: The hybrid model is highlighted by U.S. News & World Report as one of the safest cars with a 9.8/10 safety score, along with standard safety features like traffic-jam assist and forward-collision warning.
How to choose
- Check the official ratings: Consult the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for the latest ratings on the specific models you are interested in.
- Consider vehicle type: Safety ratings are often broken down by vehicle type, such as small cars, midsize cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles.
- Prioritize specific safety features: Some ratings, like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, require specific optional equipment to achieve the highest ratings.
What car is most likely to survive a crash?
SUVs are the most likely type of vehicle to survive a crash due to their larger size and weight, which can absorb more impact energy. Top models that perform well in crash tests include the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model Y, and Subaru Forester, which often have high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS. When choosing a car, look for high safety ratings and features like electronic stability control and modern driver-assistance systems.
Factors that make a car safer
- Size and weight: Heavier vehicles, like SUVs, have more momentum and can better absorb and transfer energy in a collision with a smaller car.
- Safety ratings: Check for top safety picks from organizations like the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as these vehicles are engineered to be safer.
- Electronic stability control (ESC): This system helps prevent rollovers by detecting and reducing skidding, which was a major concern for older SUVs.
- Modern safety features: Newer cars often have more advanced safety technology, including stronger frames, better airbag systems, and driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
Examples of safe vehicles
- SUVs: Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model Y, Subaru Forester, and Subaru Ascent are frequently mentioned for their high safety scores.
- Sedans: The Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and Honda Accord also receive high safety ratings, especially in their newer models.
- Luxury: Some luxury models, like the Mercedes E-Class and Volvo XC90, are recognized for their performance in crash tests and advanced safety features.
Which Ford vehicle is the safest?
The safest Ford model is the 2024 Ford Explorer, which earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Other models like the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2024 Ford F-150 are also recognized for their high safety ratings.
Top-rated safe Ford models
- Ford Explorer: The 2024 model received the highest safety award from the IIHS, demonstrating exceptional performance in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: This electric SUV has been praised for its safety, with past models scoring the highest in frontal crash tests compared to other midsize SUVs.
- Ford F-150: The 2025 model earned top marks for safety and high reliability ratings from US News, according to this YouTube video.
- Ford Edge: A previous model of the Ford Edge won the IIHS Top Safety Pick award in 2020, and the model continues to be a strong contender for safety.
- Ford Ranger: The 2025 Ranger also received a five-star safety rating, making it a reliable and capable choice.
