What is the safety rating of Ford?
There isn’t a single overall safety rating for Ford as a brand; safety scores are issued for individual models and model years, and they can vary by market. In the United States, the two primary sources are IIHS and NHTSA, each with its own scoring system. To know the safety rating of a specific Ford vehicle, you should check the latest results for that model and year from these organizations.
How safety ratings work in the United States
Two independent bodies publish ratings for passenger vehicles: IIHS and NHTSA. They evaluate different aspects of crash protection and crash avoidance. The ratings you see—such as Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, or a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA—reflect distinct tests and criteria. Here is how they break down.
- IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): Evaluates crashworthiness across small-overlap frontal, moderate-overlap frontal, side-impact, roof strength, and head restraints. Vehicles earn Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor in each category. Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designations require Good overall performance plus strong front-crash prevention and, for Top Safety Pick+, good headlights.
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): Issues a 5-star overall rating based on crash tests and rollover resistance, with breakdowns by crash type and configuration. An overall rating is published along with sub-scores for frontal, side, and rollover protection.
For the best understanding, review both IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the exact model and year you’re considering. Regional differences and ongoing test updates mean results can change over time.
The takeaway is straightforward: Ford’s safety performance cannot be summarized by a single brand score. Instead, shoppers should verify the specific model-year and trim on the official IIHS and NHTSA pages to learn the precise rating.
Ford’s model-specific ratings: what buyers should know
Because Ford’s brand does not carry one universal score, buyers must verify the exact vehicle they’re eyeing. The following steps help guide research and ensure you’re using the latest results.
- Identify the exact model name and model year you are considering (for example, Ford Escape 2023 or Ford F-150 2024).
- Check IIHS results for that model/year on iihs.org to see whether it earned Good/Acceptable/Marginal/Poor in each category and whether it holds a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation.
- Check NHTSA results on nhtsa.gov for the same model/year to review the overall 5-star rating and the sub-scores by crash type (frontal, side, rollover).
- Consider the available safety and driver-assistance features (such as Ford Co-Pilot360 or BlueCruise) that may enhance real-world safety and influence consumer perception.
- Look for any recalls or safety campaigns related to the specific vehicle configuration, as these can affect safety considerations.
In practice, many recent Ford models perform well in either IIHS or NHTSA assessments, but results vary by model, year, and optional equipment. Always confirm the exact variant you plan to purchase to get an accurate picture of its safety rating.
Regional differences in safety ratings
Outside the United States, Ford vehicles are evaluated by regional authorities such as Euro NCAP. Ratings there follow different criteria and testing protocols, so a Ford model’s performance can differ between markets. If you are buying a Ford outside the U.S., consult the local safety authority results to obtain an apples-to-apples comparison.
What this means for buyers and owners
The absence of a single Ford brand rating means shoppers should approach safety ratings model-by-model. Use IIHS and NHTSA as primary references, verify the exact year and trim, and consider the availability of advanced safety features when evaluating a vehicle’s overall safety profile.
Summary
Ford does not carry one universal safety rating. Safety scores are assigned to individual models and years, and may vary by market. To determine a vehicle’s safety standing, review the latest IIHS and NHTSA results for the specific model and year you’re considering, and supplement with information on available safety features and any recalls. For the most current information, visit IIHS, NHTSA, and Ford’s safety pages.
Which car brand has the lowest safety rating?
On the other end of the spectrum, Dodge is the least safe car brand, with 4.03 fatal crashes per 1,000 drivers over the decade. Mitsubishi and Buick followed closely behind, with 2.78 and 2.71 fatal crashes per 1,000 drivers, respectively.
What car brand is #1 in safety?
What Car Brand Is #1 in Safety? Volvo is our pick for the safest car brand in the United States for 2025. The company continues to intensify its focus on pedestrian safety, driver-assist programming, side-impact protection, and overall structural durability.
What Ford cars have a 5 star safety rating?
The 2025 Ford Escape earned an impressive 5-star rating across frontal crash, side crash, and overall categories, as well as a 4-star rating for rollover. This small SUV is a great choice for drivers looking for a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle that meets all of the recommended safety technology standards.
Does Ford have good safety ratings?
In 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Ford Edge a Top Safety Pick, and the SUV has only gotten better since then.
