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 when buying your next vehicle.

Where can I find car safety ratings?

The two most common sources of automotive safety ratings are two non-profit organizations: the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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.

How can I look for safety recalls?

While used cars are a safe option, you’ll want to be aware of any recall campaigns that apply to the vehicle, whether or not the work has already been completed. The following sources can help you track down any recalls for your specific model year:

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

What is a safety recall?

“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.

What car safety features should I look for?

Most vehicles made after 2018 have access to the following features, all of which can contribute to the safety of you, your vehicle, and your passengers:

• Airbag

• Anti-lock brakes

• Tire pressure sensors

• Electronic stability control

• Backup cameras

Additional features can be added on the aftermarket, such as automated braking systems, blind spot detection and lane departure warning systems.

Ready to buy your next car?

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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