What is the safety rating on a Ford Focus?
There isn’t a single universal safety rating for the Ford Focus; ratings depend on the model year and market.
The Ford Focus has been produced in multiple generations since 1998, and safety tests have evolved over time. In the United States, the Focus was sold through the 2018 model year; in Europe and other regions it has continued with newer generations. Safety ratings come from different agencies with distinct testing methods, so the exact score or designation is year- and region-specific.
How safety ratings are measured
Two primary U.S. agencies evaluate safety for consumer reference, with European regulators providing parallel assessments in other markets. Each agency reports scores in ways that help consumers compare vehicles, but the tests and designations differ between regions.
NHTSA star ratings (United States)
NHTSA awards an overall 5-star rating based on crash tests in frontal, side, and rollover categories. The overall score and individual test scores are published for each model year and trim. A higher number of stars generally indicates a safer result in those tests, but the specifics depend on the tests the car completed and its configuration.
IIHS ratings (United States)
IIHS evaluates front overlap, side impact, roof strength, head restraints, and pedal/seat structure, producing ratings such as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. In some model years, Focus variants earned Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designations when they also performed well in headlights tests and other categories.
Where to check the current rating for your Ford Focus
To find the exact rating for a specific year and market, consult the official databases below and search by model year and region.
- NHTSA SaferCar.gov: Search by year, make, and model to view the Overall Rating and individual frontal, side, and rollover test results.
- IIHS.org: Look up the Ford Focus for the exact year to see the test results across Front, Side, Roof Strength, Head Restraints, and the overall designation (Good/Acceptable/Marginal/Poor) and any Top Safety Pick status.
- Euro NCAP (Europe): For European Focus models, review the latest test results, which include adult occupant, child occupant, pedestrian protection, and safety assist scores, along with an overall star rating.
In practice, the exact safety rating is year-specific. Always verify the model year, region, and trim level to interpret the rating correctly.
How safety ratings have trended across regions
Historical patterns show that Focus models in the U.S. generally earned competitive if not top-tier scores in the standard tests, while European Focus versions have consistently performed well in Euro NCAP assessments due to advanced design features and European testing standards.
- United States: NHTSA overall star ratings typically ranged around four stars for Focus across many years; IIHS results varied by generation and test, with some years achieving Good ratings in multiple categories.
- Europe/Other Markets: Euro NCAP results for newer Focus generations often reached high marks, reflecting strong occupant protection and active safety equipment.
The above are general observations; refer to official agencies for the specific year you’re evaluating.
Important caveats when evaluating safety for a Ford Focus
Note that the Ford Focus line has changed over time. The U.S. Ford Focus was discontinued after the 2018 model year; European and other markets continue with newer iterations. Safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assists, and airbags vary by trim and options, so even for the same model year, there can be differences between versions in different markets. Recalls and software updates can also affect current safety performance.
Summary
There isn’t a single safety rating for the Ford Focus. For the most accurate assessment, identify the model year and market, then consult NHTSA, IIHS, and Euro NCAP (if applicable) to view the official ratings and test results. Across regions and generations, the Focus has generally been regarded as a solid safety choice within its class, but always verify the exact year and trim to understand the rating you’re dealing with.
