Expert Advice for NHTSA

All Articles on NHTSA

IIHS Safety Ratings
IIHS safety ratings determine an individual model’s crashworthiness based on its performance in six collision tests.
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Shannon Fitzgerald
The Most Common 2016 Nissan Murano Problems
From recalls for brake fluid leaks to noisy timing chains, these are some of the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Murano.
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Sarah Gray
BMW E46 Crash Test Ratings
The BMW 3-Series E46 was a fairly safe car for its time, but compared to newer vehicles with standard-issue collision-avoidance technology, it’s much less safe.
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Cameron Thiessen
Kia Soul Crash Test Ratings
The Kia Soul earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS—but where do its crash test ratings sit compared to the rest of the SUV class?
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Sarah Williams
NHTSA Intensifies Fleet Fuel Efficiency Standards for Automakers
Due to an executive order last year, NHTSA has increased the standard fuel efficiency that carmakers’ fleets are required to have. Read on to learn more.
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Hannah DeWitt
A Complete Guide to Lexus Safety Ratings
Four of Lexus’ newest vehicles get a perfect rating from IIHS, and two more of them are named Top Safety Picks for 2021-22.
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Cameron Thiessen
A Complete Guide to Kia Safety Ratings
Vehicles across the Kia lineup, like the K5 and Stinger, regularly earn safety accolades from the NHTSA and IIHS. Learn more here!
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Drew Waterstreet
NHTSA Finalizes Fuel Economy Standards Stricter Than Previously Proposed
Government regulators have finalized tougher standards for industry-wide fuel economy in passenger vehicles and light trucks.
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Andrew Kidd
How to Pick a Ford Car Seat
Check out your local and national guidelines to find the best car seat for your Ford, and make sure to read your owner’s manual before installing the seat.
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Sophie Boka
How Safe Is Your Car? Here Are Some Quick Ways to Check
The NHTSA and IIHS provide car safety ratings to give you an idea of how much protection different vehicles offer in a crash.
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Hannah DeWitt
What Is an NHTSA Safety Rating?
A NHTSA safety rating is the overall safety rating a vehicle receives after undergoing a series of tests. Read this guide on NHTSA safety ratings to learn more.
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Tom Hindle
How to Check a VIN Number For Free
Your car's VIN tells you everything you need to know about your vehicle, but how do you check a VIN for free? Read this guide to learn how.
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Cheryl Knight

All Questions on NHTSA

What are the five most important safety features on a car?
I want to purchase a new car and safety is one of my main priorities. However, I don't want to dig through hundreds of safety features to compare each one, as I know many come standard on all cars or are required by law. What are the five most important safety features on a car that I should look for?
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Eric Schad
What are the top five safest new cars?
I want to get the safest car possible for my teenage daughter. Price is less of a concern than her safety. What are the top five safest new cars on the market?
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Eric Schad
Do Honda CR-Vs have good safety ratings?
I’m thinking about trading in my car to buy a crossover, like a Honda CR-V. But I’m a bit worried. My husband and I have a baby now, and safety is my primary focus. Do Honda CR-Vs have good safety ratings?
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Rachel Rigolino
What safety components should I check when I buy a used car?
I want to buy a used car for my son, but I'm concerned about safety. I know how to look up reports and reviews online, but what do I actually do when I get to see the car in person?
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Eric Schad
Are car seat travel trays safe?
I have a toddler who’s started to get a bit restless whenever we’re driving somewhere. I was thinking about purchasing a travel tray for her car seat so she can eat or do activities while we’re driving. I’m just worried about safety. Are car seat travel trays safe for toddlers?
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Eric Schad
What are the ideal hand positions for driving a car?
I used to hear that my hands should be at 10 and 2 on a steering wheel. Now I hear 9 and 3, and I’m not even sure if I know what that means. Where should I hold the steering wheel when I’m driving my car?
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Pat Roache
What is the safety rating for the Nissan Kicks?
The Nissan Kicks is adorable and just what I’m looking for in a new car. While I like the look and style, I’m not sure if it meets my standards for safety. What’s the safety rating of the Nissan Kicks?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Toyota Highlander?
I want to get an SUV for my growing family, but safety is my top priority. The Highlander has plenty of family-friendly features, so it appeals to me, but I’m not sure how safe it is. What’s the safety rating of the Toyota Highlander?
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Eric Schad
What are the safety ratings for the Toyota 4Runner?
The new Toyota 4Runner looks freakin’ awesome! Unfortunately, I’ve been known to get in an accident or two in the past, so I want to make sure that the 4Runner is still somewhat safe. What is the safety rating for the Toyota 4Runner?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Mercedes GLC 300?
I’ve always wanted to buy a Mercedes. Now that I have money for a down payment, the Mercedes GLC 300 seems like the perfect fit for my needs. The only thing I’m worried about is the safety of the vehicle. What’s the safety rating for a Mercedes GLC 300?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Nissan Rogue?
The Nissan Rogue looks like it’s an attractive buy that adds tons of value. While I like the styling and features, I’m not sure about the safety features or its overall rating. What’s the safety rating of the Nissan Rogue?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Jeep Wrangler?
I’ve always wanted a Jeep Wrangler, but after having a child, I’m concerned about the safety of the vehicle. While I know that Jeep has upgraded its safety features in the past few years, I’m not sure if it’s made a difference in the safety rating. What’s the safety rating of the Jeep Wrangler?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the MINI Cooper?
I found a great deal on a used MINI Cooper at my local car dealership. They said it’s been sitting there for almost a year, so they’re just trying to get rid of it—but I’m a bit worried about how safe the car is due to its size. What’s the official safety rating for a MINI Cooper?
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Eric Schad
Are there safety ratings for car seats?
I just had my first child. While I’m aware that you aren’t supposed to travel with newborns for at least three months after birth, I want to get a jump-start on finding the safest car seat. Do any organizations have safety ratings for car seats?
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Eric Schad
What are the crash safety ratings for Smart cars?
I know Smart cars are a bit of a fad, but I think they’re super cool. My only issue is that they look like they’d be small death traps if you’re in an accident. What are the safety ratings for Smart cars?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Honda Civic?
I’m a Honda Civic guy and I’ve always been a Honda Civic guy, but life changes. I just had my first newborn and I still want to drive a Civic, but I have no idea if it's a safe enough car. What’s the safety rating of the Honda Civic?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Kia Sportage?
I’m in the market for a midsize SUV. The Kia Sportage seems about right, but I drive a lot for work and I need a safe car. What’s the Kia Sportage’s safety rating?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Suzuki Swift?
My great aunt recently passed and gave me her Suzuki Swift in her will. I was looking for a new car, but I just want to make sure it’s a safe vehicle. What’s the safety rating on the Suzuki Swift?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Volkswagen Beetle?
I’ve always wanted to own a Volkswagen Beetle, but weirdly, I’m a fan of the newer ones as opposed to the 60s- or 70s-era ones. Since I have a young child, I want to make sure that it’s safe. What’s the safety rating for the Volkswagen Beetle?
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Eric Schad
What are the best safety ratings for 2017 SUVs?
I’m a stickler for saving money by buying used cars, and I’ve noticed that the prices for 2017 SUVs have fallen off quite a bit. I’m intrigued, but I’m also a stickler for safety. What are the top safety ratings for 2017 SUVs?
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Eric Schad
What were the best safety ratings for cars in 2012?
There’s a local car dealership near me with some great deals on 2012 models. I’m just not sure if they have the safety ratings that I want or need. What were some of the best safety ratings for cars in 2012?
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Eric Schad
What were the best safety ratings for cars in 2014?
I’ve seen a ton of used 2014 models on car lots in my town. The prices are unbelievable, but I have a small child and I want to know if these cars are safe. What were some of the best safety ratings for cars in 2014?
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Eric Schad
What were the best safety ratings for cars in 2015?
I’ve noticed a ton of great deals on Autotrader for 2015 model cars. With that said, I have a young son and I want to make sure that my car has proper safety features. What are some of the best safety ratings for cars in 2015?
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Eric Schad
What are the best safety ratings for small SUVs?
I don’t need the gas guzzler or the hip-hop video SUVs. What I do need is a little extra space for me and my two dogs when I go on vacation and a safety rating to get us there in one piece. What are the best safety ratings for small SUVs?
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Eric Schad
What is the car safety rating for the Scion xD?
My neighbor just asked me if I want to buy his 2014 Scion xD at a cheap price. I’m on the market for an affordable used car., but I want to make sure the car is safe. What’s the car safety rating of the Scion xD?
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Eric Schad
What are the crash safety ratings for the 2008 Subaru Outback?
A friend of mine is getting rid of his 2008 Subaru Outback and he’s going to give me a cut-rate if I want to buy it. My only concern is that I have two small children, so I want to make sure that the car is safe. What’s the safety rating for the 2008 Subaru Outback?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Kia Telluride?
Ever since I laid eyes on the Kia Telluride, I’ve wanted to pull one into my driveway. However, my husband is touchy about safety features because he was in an accident about 10 years ago. To put his mind at ease so he’ll let me buy the car, I just want to make sure it’s safe. What’s the safety rating on the Kia Telluride?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Graco SlimFit car seat?
I didn’t have a registry for my baby shower because I thought it was unnecessary. Long story short, someone gifted me a Graco SlimFit car seat. I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to safety, and I’m not sure if this is a good choice. What’s the safety rating on the Graco SlimFit car seat?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Kia Seltos?
I was looking for a new car at my local Kia dealer. I had the Sportage in mind until I laid eyes on the Kia Seltos. It looks good and drives great, but I’m just worried it doesn’t meet my safety expectations. What’s the safety rating of a Kia Seltos?
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Eric Schad
What is the safety rating for the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Ever since I rented a Volkswagen Tiguan on a vacation, I’ve wanted to buy one. After some debate with my spouse, he agreed—but only if it passes our safety standards. What’s the safety rating on the Volkswagen Tiguan?
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Eric Schad

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