We all know the feelings that come with a new vehicle purchase. You worry about insurance rates, fuel economy, etc, – but how safe is it? We’ll try to help you with quickly checking the vehicle’s NHTSA ratings quickly by providing a checker. Just enter the the year, Brand and model below and you’ll be presented with it’s star ratings from the NHTSA’s database.
Use our 5-star ratings car checker
Understanding the NHTSA 5-Star Car Safety Rating System
When shopping for a new or used vehicle, safety is one of the most important factors to consider. That’s where the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings come in. Developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this system provides consumers with clear, standardized information about a vehicle’s crashworthiness and rollover safety—helping buyers make informed decisions with confidence.
What Is the NHTSA?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a U.S. government agency under the Department of Transportation. Its mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce vehicle-related crashes. As part of this effort, NHTSA administers the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which was established in 1979 to encourage manufacturers to build safer vehicles and provide consumers with valuable safety data.
The Basics of the 5-Star Safety Rating
NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings system evaluates how well a vehicle protects its occupants in the event of a crash. It does this through a series of standardized crash tests and evaluations. The system rates vehicles on a scale from 1 star (lowest) to 5 stars (highest). More stars mean better safety performance.
Star Ratings Breakdown:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Much less than average injury risk
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Less than average to average injury risk
- ⭐⭐⭐ – Average to somewhat higher injury risk
- ⭐⭐ – Higher than average injury risk
- ⭐ – Much higher than average injury risk
What Tests Are Performed?
To produce the ratings, NHTSA conducts several crash tests that simulate real-world scenarios:
1. Frontal Crash Test
Simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph. It evaluates how well the driver and front-seat passenger are protected.
2. Side Barrier Crash Test
Simulates a crash where another vehicle hits the side of the tested vehicle at 38.5 mph. This test looks at the protection provided to the driver and rear passenger.
3. Side Pole Crash Test
Simulates the vehicle sliding sideways into a fixed object (like a tree or utility pole) at 20 mph, hitting the driver’s side. This is especially critical for assessing head and chest protection.
4. Rollover Resistance Test
Estimates the vehicle’s risk of rolling over during a sharp turn, which is especially relevant for SUVs and trucks.
The Overall Vehicle Score
To make comparisons easier, NHTSA combines the results of the frontal, side, and rollover tests into an Overall Vehicle Score. This score reflects the vehicle’s comprehensive safety performance and helps consumers quickly evaluate multiple models.
Why It Matters
NHTSA’s ratings are independent, scientifically driven, and based on real crash data and laboratory testing. Vehicles that receive higher star ratings are statistically less likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities during collisions.
How to Check a Vehicle’s Rating
You can look up the safety rating of any tested vehicle on NHTSA’s website:
🔗 www.nhtsa.gov/ratings
Search by make, model, and year to view full crash test results, safety features, and any recalls.
