NHTSA 5-Star Vehicle Safety Ratings
Compare official federal crash test results, rollover resistance ratings, and driver assistance technology availability.
How Federal 5-Star Safety Crash Tests Are Evaluated
Established in 1978 under the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), NHTSA crash testing simulates real-world highway collisions using instrumented crash test dummies equipped with biofidelic sensors measuring head injury criteria (HIC), chest acceleration, and femur load.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates how vehicles perform in simulated frontal crashes, side barrier collisions, side pole crashes, and rollover resistance. Five stars represents the highest federal safety rating achievable.
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