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Safety Score Methodology

The Safety Score is a 0–100 number. Higher is safer. It is a rough signal for relative risk — not a definitive safety certification.

Formula

Score = 100 − recall_penalty − complaint_penalty + star_bonus

recall_penalty = min(50, recall_count × 4)
complaint_penalty = min(30, floor(complaint_count / 5))
star_bonus = floor(ncap_stars / 5 × 20)

Score is clamped to [0, 100]

Inputs

InputSourceMax Impact
Recall CountNHTSA FLAT_RCL−50 points
Complaint CountNHTSA FLAT_CMPL−30 points
NCAP Stars (0–5)NHTSA NCAP API+20 points

Score Bands

75+
Safe
Below-average recalls and complaints, good crash ratings.
50–74
Average
Typical recall and complaint volume for the segment.
<50
High Risk
High recall or complaint density. Verify open recalls with your dealer.

Limitations

  • Scores only reflect year-specific data in our database. Data completeness depends on NHTSA import currency.
  • Recall penalty does not distinguish between minor and major recalls. A recall for a door trim clip is treated the same as a Takata airbag recall.
  • Complaint counts can be inflated by media attention, not solely by defect severity.
  • Vehicles with no NCAP rating receive a 0 star bonus, which slightly penalizes them relative to tested vehicles.
  • The score is per model-year, not per individual VIN. Two identical-year vehicles can have different actual risk based on production variation.
Always check open recalls directly. Use NHTSA's official recall checker at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call 1-888-327-4236.