How to Look Up and
Understand Used Car Safety Ratings
When you are shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, factors like price, mileage, and features are always top of mind. However, one of the most critical aspects to consider is the vehicle's safety rating. Understanding how a car performed in crash tests can provide valuable peace of mind for you and your passengers. Safety technology and structural designs have evolved significantly over the years, meaning two similar vehicles from different model years can have vastly different safety profiles. Researching safety ratings is a powerful step in the car-buying process, empowering you to make an informed decision. It allows you to compare different models objectively and identify vehicles equipped with the features that matter most for your driving needs. Taking a few moments to look up this information can make all the difference in choosing a car that not only fits your budget but also prioritizes your well-being on the road.
Now that you recognize the importance of safety research, it is time to learn exactly where to find this crucial data and how to make sense of it. The reports from official testing agencies can seem complex, filled with unique terminology and different rating scales. In the detailed guide below, we will break down the entire process. We will show you the primary sources for vehicle safety information, explain what their scores mean, and guide you step by step on how to look up any specific used car you are considering.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Researching Used Car Safety
Navigating the world of used car safety ratings can feel overwhelming, but it is a straightforward process once you know where to look and what the data means. The two most reputable and widely cited organizations for vehicle safety in the United States are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both conduct rigorous crash testing, but they use different methods and rating systems, providing a more complete picture when used together.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
NHTSA is a government agency, and its 5-Star Safety Ratings program is one of the most recognized consumer information tools. They crash-test new vehicles and publish the results online, which remain a vital resource when those vehicles enter the used market. You can look up ratings by year, make, and model, or by using a specific car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
NHTSA's overall rating is a combination of scores from three main categories:
- Frontal Crash: This test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles moving at 35 mph. It provides separate star ratings for the driver and front passenger positions.
- Side Crash: This includes two separate tests. The side barrier test simulates a "T-bone" intersection crash, while the side pole test mimics a collision with an object like a tree or utility pole. Ratings are given for front and rear seating positions.
- Rollover: This rating measures the risk of a vehicle rolling over in a single-vehicle, loss-of-control scenario. A higher star rating indicates a lower risk of rollover.
A 5-star rating is the highest score, indicating the best performance in a given test. It is also important to check the NHTSA website for any open safety recalls on a vehicle you are considering. You can do this easily using the VIN. Checking for recalls is a crucial part of your research, and you can learn more about how to check whether a used car has open recalls on our blog.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
The IIHS is an independent, nonprofit organization funded by auto insurance companies. Their goal is to reduce losses from crashes, and their testing often goes above and beyond government requirements. The IIHS is well-known for its prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) and TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) awards.
The IIHS uses a four-point rating scale for its crash tests: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. They conduct a wider variety of tests, including:
- Overlap Front Tests: The IIHS has two key frontal tests. The "moderate overlap" test is similar to NHTSA's, but the "small overlap" test is tougher, simulating what happens when only the front corner of the vehicle hits another car or object.
- Side Impact Test: The IIHS has updated its side impact test over the years to better simulate being struck by today's larger and heavier SUVs and trucks.
- Roof Strength: This test is critical for protection in a rollover crash. It measures the force the roof can withstand before crushing.
- Head Restraints & Seats: This evaluates how well the seats and headrests protect against whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.
To earn a TSP or TSP+ award, a vehicle must achieve "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. The "+" designation is typically reserved for models that also have superior-rated front crash prevention systems and good- or acceptable-rated headlights, which are often optional features. It is important to note that the criteria for these awards become more stringent almost every year, so a TSP from five years ago may not meet today's standards. This is why it is essential to look at the specific year of the used car you are researching.
How to Look Up Ratings for a Specific Used Car
Ready to start your research? Here is a simple process to follow.
First, identify the exact year, make, and model of the vehicle you are interested in. If you are looking at a specific car in our used inventory, find its VIN. The VIN is a unique 17-character code that provides the most accurate way to pull up safety data and the vehicle history report.
Next, visit the websites for both NHTSA (NHTSA.gov) and the IIHS (IIHS.org). Both sites have user-friendly tools where you can input the vehicle's information. Compare the results from both organizations. A car that performs well in both NHTSA and IIHS testing is a strong candidate from a safety perspective.
Finally, look beyond the crash test scores. Consider which safety features matter most on a used family car for your needs. The IIHS website provides ratings for front crash prevention systems (like automatic emergency braking) and headlight performance. These advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) can play a significant role in preventing a crash from ever happening. When you are ready, schedule a test drive to experience how these features work in the real world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Car Safety Ratings
What is the difference between NHTSA and IIHS ratings?
NHTSA is a government agency that uses a 5-star rating system, focusing on frontal, side, and rollover crash protection. The IIHS is an independent organization funded by insurers that uses a Good/Acceptable/Marginal/Poor scale and conducts a wider range of tests, including the challenging small overlap front test, and also rates crash prevention technology and headlights.
Can a car have a good rating from one agency but not the other?
Yes, this is possible because they perform different tests. For example, a vehicle might earn 5 stars from NHTSA but receive a Marginal or Poor rating from the IIHS in the small overlap test, which NHTSA does not perform. This is why checking both sources provides a more complete safety profile.
Do safety ratings from a specific year apply to older models of the same car?
Not always. Automakers often make structural changes or add new safety equipment during a vehicle's redesign or even mid-cycle refresh. A 2018 model might have a better rating than a 2015 model of the same name because of these improvements. Always look up the rating for the specific model year you are considering.
Where can I find the VIN on a used car?
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is most commonly found on a small plate on the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield. It is also typically located on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb and is always listed on the vehicle's title, registration, and insurance documents.
Do modern safety features like blind-spot monitoring affect the crash test score?
These active safety features, known as Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), do not affect the physical crashworthiness score (how the car holds up in a collision). However, the IIHS requires certain levels of crash prevention technology (like automatic emergency braking) for a vehicle to be eligible for its prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award.
