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See where to find safety ratings and recall information before buying a new vehicle.
For many car buyers safety is a top priority—especially when shopping for a vehicle to transport the family or one to be used by a new driver. Fortunately, several resources provide safety ratings, and one government agency provides all the recall information you need to make a smart choice.
Where to find car safety ratings
Two U.S. non-profit organizations, the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), provide safety ratings.
The NHSTA uses a five-star scoring system, and the IIHS uses descriptors (good, acceptable, marginal and poor) to assess vehicle safety. Both offer free access to ratings. The links to each are in the chart below.
| Ratings Resource | How to Access | Notes |
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | ·     Go to nhtsa.gov
·     Click on “Ratings” ·     Search by year/make/model or manufacturer |
Also provides:
·   Car Seat Ease of Use Ratings ·   Tire ratings |
| Insurance Institute for Highway Safety | ·     Go to https://www.iihs.org/ratings
·     Search by make and model |
The IIHS evaluates two aspects of safety:
·   Crashworthiness ·   Crash avoidance and mitigation |
Lists, like the Report on Safest New Cars of 2025, According to the IIHS from Consumer Reports can help buyers quickly identify the safest models because top safety picks are categorized by vehicle type, for example “small cars” and “midsized SUVs.”
Another source for safety ratings is the European New Car Assessment Programme. While they won’t have all U.S. models listed, this program provides two ratings of some models: one for basic safety and equipment and one for added safety pack.
Check for safety recalls
You don’t have to buy a new car to get a safe car, however, you should check to see if a used model you’re interested in has any recalls. Â
“A recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. Most decisions to conduct a recall and remedy a safety defect are made voluntarily by manufacturers prior to any involvement by NHTSA,” the NHTSA explains on their website.
A recall by itself shouldn’t eliminate a car from consideration. Some recalls are not safety-related, such as a problem with the radio or cosmetic issues. In most cases the problem, safety-related or not, can be repaired. In rare cases, the manufacturer buys the vehicle back from the consumer. Usually, though, once the recall issue is addressed, the vehicle is safe. Use the links in the chart below to check on recalls.
| Recall Information | How to Access | Notes |
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | ·     To check for recalls go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle
·     Search by license plate number, VIN or year/make/model |
The site tracks recalls for:
·     Vehicles ·     Car seats ·     Tires ·     Other equipment |
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | ·     To see if a safety-related recall is incomplete on a vehicle go to https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/
·     Enter the VIN  |
Does not cover recalls from over 15 years ago or non-safety-related recalls |
When you find the car with the safety features you want
Car buyers have access to more safe vehicles than ever before. In fact, any car made after 2018 has airbags, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure sensors, electronic stability control and backup cameras in compliance with federal regulations. Plus, many buyers find it worthwhile to pay more for additional safety-enhancing options, such as an automated braking system, blind spot detection and a lane departure warning system. When you find the car you want that meets your safety requirements, turn to Consumers for your auto loan. You’ll get a competitive rate whether you choose a new or used vehicle.
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All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions. Federally insured by NCUA
Get a free quote on insurance
As a Consumers member, you can save money with group insurance discounts through Nulty Insurance. Discounts are available on both auto and homeowner’s insurance.