Have you ever wondered what the total safety rating of your current vehicle is, or that new (or used) car you’ve got your eyes on? Just use our ratings checker below (we use data from the NHTSA’s database) to find out if your car has the highest safety possible – 5 stars. Fill out each field about your vehicle’s, year of manufacture, brand and model, then we’ll check NHTSA website for you. If a safety ratings is available it will be shown followed by link to the testing agencies more detailed information for the car.
What is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a vital agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, tasked with ensuring the safety of America’s roadways. Established in 1970, the NHTSA is responsible for writing and enforcing vehicle performance standards and regulations designed to reduce traffic accidents and save lives.
Through rigorous testing, data collection, and public safety campaigns, the agency evaluates everything from crashworthiness and rollover resistance to the performance of safety features like airbags and seat belts.
You’ve heard of 5-Star Safety Ratings Program
One of its most well-known contributions is the 5-Star Safety Ratings Program, which helps consumers make informed choices by comparing the crash safety of different vehicles. Beyond ratings, the NHTSA also investigates vehicle defects, issues recalls, and promotes advanced driver assistance technologies.
The organization’s work plays a crucial role not just in protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, but in shaping the future of automotive safety through innovation, regulation, and education. Without the NHTSA’s oversight, our roads would be significantly more dangerous and less accountable to public welfare.
What does each rating level mean?
The NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings system is a straightforward and trusted way for consumers to understand how well a vehicle protects its occupants in the event of a crash. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each star rating means:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Stars): Excellent Protection
A vehicle with five stars offers the highest level of crash protection. It significantly outperforms the average car in frontal, side, and rollover tests. Occupants of five-star vehicles face a much lower risk of serious injury in a crash. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars): Above Average Protection
Four-star vehicles provide better-than-average crash protection, though not as exceptional as five-star models. They still perform well in most safety categories, with only minor weaknesses in certain areas. - ⭐⭐⭐ (Three Stars): Average Protection
Vehicles with three stars offer average protection in crash scenarios. They meet minimum safety standards and provide a moderate level of injury prevention, but may show room for improvement in certain crash tests. - ⭐⭐ (Two Stars): Below Average Protection
A two-star rating indicates below-average safety performance. These vehicles are more likely to result in serious injuries during a crash, especially in high-impact or rollover situations. - ⭐ (One Star): Poor Protection
A one-star vehicle provides the lowest level of crash protection. Occupants face a much greater risk of injury or death compared to higher-rated vehicles. These vehicles may have significant weaknesses in structural integrity, restraint systems, or stability.
This rating system helps buyers quickly compare safety across makes and models, making it easier to choose a car that prioritizes their well-being and that of their passengers.
