Ford F-150 Lightning Scores Lowest in IIHS Crash Test Ratings

The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning electric vehicle received a disappointing rating in recent crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Out of seven new electric vehicles assessed, two models, including the popular F-150 Lightning, received failing grades, highlighting serious concerns about passenger safety.

This latest round of testing focused on moderate-overlap frontal collisions, a scenario where a vehicle collides with a stationary barrier at a speed of 40 miles per hour (64 km/h). While the IIHS reported that four models, including the BMW i4, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Tesla Cybertruck, and Volkswagen ID.Buzz, achieved the top rating of “good,” the Ford F-150 Lightning and Nissan Ariya fell short, with the Lightning earning a “poor” rating.

The IIHS’s moderate-overlap test has gained importance due to findings indicating that belted occupants in the rear seats of newer vehicles face a higher risk of fatal injuries compared to those in the front. The tests now feature dummies representing smaller adults or children to better assess the risks faced by these vulnerable passengers.

Concerns Over Rear Seat Safety

The F-150 Lightning’s poor performance stemmed from significant risks identified for rear seat occupants. Specifically, the rear dummy used in the test demonstrated a “high risk” of chest, head, and neck injuries. The IIHS noted that the rear dummy’s lap belt slid from its optimal position on the pelvis to the abdomen during the crash, which increases the likelihood of internal injuries. Additionally, the shoulder belt shifted from the chest to the neck area, compounding safety concerns.

Experts suggest that addressing these issues may require a complete redesign of the vehicle’s rear restraint system, which includes the seat belts, seats, and anchoring mechanisms. This redesign could enhance safety for rear passengers, who are increasingly becoming a focus in automotive safety evaluations.

While the F-150 Lightning and Ariya struggled, the Nissan Ariya received a “marginal” rating, managing to control the motion of the rear dummy but still posed a high risk of chest injuries. The IIHS’s updated testing protocols seek to improve safety measures specifically for rear-seat passengers, reflecting a growing recognition of their vulnerability in crashes.

Implications for the Electric Vehicle Market

These crash test results have broader implications for the electric vehicle market. As consumer awareness of vehicle safety continues to rise, manufacturers may face increased pressure to enhance the safety features of their vehicles. Notably, none of the seven electric vehicles evaluated in this round met the criteria for the IIHS’s prestigious Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards, which recognize vehicles that excel in crash safety.

The Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.Buzz have not yet completed all relevant tests, leaving room for improvement in their safety ratings. Nevertheless, the IIHS’s ongoing focus on rear-seat performance underscores a shift in priorities for automotive safety, pushing manufacturers to ensure comprehensive protection for all passengers.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, these findings may drive innovations in vehicle design and safety features, ultimately enhancing protection for both front and rear seat occupants. The F-150 Lightning’s results serve as a cautionary tale, reminding consumers and manufacturers alike of the critical importance of vehicle safety in the ever-growing electric vehicle segment.