Car crash test: everything the owner and buyer needs to know

When choosing a car, you probably came across the term “crash test”, but you didn’t always understand what exactly was hidden behind the colorful videos of crashing cars and rating tables. In fact, this is not just a spectacular show - crash tests save lives, influence vehicle design and even insurance rates. If you are planning to buy a car, repair it after an accident, or just want to understand why some models receive five safety stars while others receive only two, this article is for you.

We'll go into detail about how the tests are carried out, which organizations carry them out (and who can be trusted), what criteria are assessed beyond frontal impact, and Why are the crash test results of 2010 and 2026 not comparable?. You will also learn how to use this data when choosing a used car and what to look for in reports so as not to run into a “restored” car after testing.

What is a crash test and why is it needed?

Crash test (from English. crash test - "crash test") is the controlled destruction of a car to evaluate its passive safety. Unlike active safety (systems that prevent accidents, such as ABS or ESP), passive safety protects the driver and passengers when an accident has already occurred. The main purpose of the tests is to identify weak points in the structure and minimize the risk of injury in real accidents.

The first crash tests appeared in the 1930s, but they became widespread only in the 1970s, when governments began to tighten vehicle safety requirements. Today such tests are carried out by independent organizations (for example, Euro NCAP or IIHS), automakers and even insurance companies. The results are published in the public domain and affect:

• 📊 Safety ratings — cars with high ratings are easier to sell and more expensive to insure.
• 💰 Cost of OSAGO/CASCO — the safer the car, the lower the risk of serious injuries and payments.
• 🔧 Body structure — Manufacturers strengthen weak areas found in tests.
• 📉 Secondary market - used cars with poor test results become cheaper faster.

It is important to understand that a crash test is not a guarantee of survival in any accident, but a comparative analysis. For example, a car with five stars Euro NCAP may perform worse in a real accident if the impact occurs at a different angle or at a higher speed than in the test.

Who conducts crash tests: organizations and their methods

Not all crash tests are created equal. Different organizations use their own protocols, dummies and evaluation criteria. Let's look at the key players in the market:

Organization	Region	Test features	Max. assessment
Euro NCAP	Europe	Frontal, side impact, collision with a pole, pedestrian protection. Uses mannequins THOR and Q-dummies.	5 stars
IIHS	USA	Stringent small overlap impact tests (25% of body), headlights and collision avoidance systems.	TOP SAFETY PICK+
ANCAP	Australia/New Zealand	Analogue Euro NCAP, but taking into account local road conditions (for example, collisions with kangaroos).	5 stars
C-NCAP	China	Less stringent criteria than Euro NCAP, but from 2021 the requirements for pedestrian protection have been tightened.	5 stars

The most authoritative are considered Euro NCAP and IIHS. The first covers most European and Asian models, the second - American and Canadian. Interesting fact: IIHS often performs tests that are not part of standard protocols, e.g. roof crash test (rollover strength rating) or partial overlap frontal collision (25% of the body), which simulates an impact with a tree or pole.

Conducts crash tests in Russia ARCTS (Autonomous non-profit organization “Russian Automobile Crash Test”), but their results are less known due to the small number of models tested. In addition, Russian tests are often criticized for soft criteria compared to European ones.

How Crash Tests Are Conducted: Step-by-Step Process

The testing process is strictly regulated and includes several stages. Let's consider a classic crash test using the method Euro NCAP:

1. Preparing the car. The car must be serial, without modifications. Before the test, the tire pressure is checked, the position of the seats and steering wheel is recorded, and dummies with sensors are installed.
2. Placement of mannequins. Anthropomorphic mannequins of different sizes (adults, children, infants) are used, equipped with sensors to measure loads on the head, neck, chest and legs.
3. Equipment setup. The car is placed on a platform that accelerates to a given speed (usually 64 km/h for a frontal impact). High-resolution cameras record the process from all angles.
4. Collision. The car collides with a deformable barrier (for a frontal test) or a rigid barrier (for a side test). For example, in a side impact test, the barrier weighs 950 kg and moves at speed 50 km/h.
5. Data Analysis. After the impact, experts evaluate the deformation of the body, the displacement of the pedals, the condition of the dummies and the operation of the safety systems (airbags, belts, headrests).

One of the most difficult tests is partial overlap collision (small overlap), which conducts IIHS. There's a car in it at speed 64 km/h hits a rigid barrier that covers only 25% of the width of the body. This scenario simulates an impact with a pole or tree and often reveals weaknesses in the design of the front end of the vehicle.

Why don't they use real people in crash tests?

In the 1950s, experiments were actually carried out with corpses and volunteers (for example, Colonel John Stapp survived being accelerated to 1017 km/h on a rocket sled!). However, today this is prohibited for ethical reasons. Modern mannequins are equipped with dozens of sensors and cost up to $500,000 apiece.

The speed in the tests is not chosen randomly. For example, 64 km/h is the average speed for head-on collisions in the city, and 50 km/h for a side impact corresponds to typical accidents at intersections. However, in real life, accidents occur at different speeds and at different angles, so test results are more likely comparative assessment, and not an absolute guarantee of safety.

What criteria are assessed in crash tests?

Assessing the safety of a car is not just about “whether the dummy survived or not.” Modern protocols take into account dozens of parameters, which are divided into four main categories:

1. Protection of adult occupants (Adult Occupant)

The risk of injury to the driver and front passenger in frontal, side and rear impacts is assessed. Key parameters:

• 🧠 Load on the head and neck - should not exceed critical values (for example, 1000 N for the neck).
• 🫀 Chest deformity - displacement more 50 mm considered dangerous.
• 🦵 Leg injuries — the risk of fractures of the tibia and femur is assessed.
• 🛋️ Effectiveness of seat belts and airbags - must operate on time and not cause additional injuries.

2. Child Occupant

The safety of child seats (both universal and built-in) is tested in frontal and side impacts. Evaluated:

• 👶 Load on a child's head - critical value 80 g (acceleration).
• 🔄 Chair displacement - should not exceed 200 mm.
• 🚫 Contact with hazardous elements (for example, with an airbag).

3. Pedestrian Protection

A collision with a pedestrian at speed is simulated 40 km/h. Evaluated:

• 👣 Leg injuries — the bumper should not break bones upon impact.
• 🫖 Pelvic and hip injuries — the hood should deform, absorbing the impact.
• 🧠 Hitting your head on the windshield or hood — critical zones must be soft.

4. Active safety systems (Safety Assist)

Technologies that prevent road accidents are being assessed:

• 🚗 Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) - should operate at speeds up to 50 km/h.
• 🛑 Lane Keeping Warning (LDW) — warns about leaving the lane.
• 🔦 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - maintains a safe distance.

Interestingly, from 2023 Euro NCAP started to take into account cybersecurity car - how protected it is from hacker attacks that can disable security systems.

How to Read Crash Test Results: What to Look for

Organization reports like Euro NCAP contain dozens of pages with graphs, photographs and figures. To avoid confusion, focus on the following points:

1. Overall star rating. Five stars - great, but important to watch test year. For example, Toyota Corolla The 2019 model received 5 stars, and the 2010 model received only 4, although they are structurally very different.
2. Details by category. A car may have 5 stars for adult protection, but only 3 for pedestrian protection. If you often drive in the city, the second indicator is critical.
3. Photos of body deformation. Please note:
   • 🚪 Doors — if they open after an impact, the risk of passengers being pinned is lower.
   • 🔧 Steering column - Should not move towards the driver.
   • 🪑 Seats — fastenings should not break, otherwise passengers will “slip” under the belts.

Expert comments. Sometimes reports indicate hidden problems. For example, in Dacia Sandero (2021) noted that in side impacts there is a risk of injury to the driver's pelvis.

One of the most significant examples is Tesla Model Y (2022), which received maximum scores in all categories, including pedestrian protection. At the same time Renault Zoe (2021) received only 0 stars for pedestrian safety due to its hard hood. This once again proves that electric vehicles and cars with traditional internal combustion engines behave differently in accidents.

It is important to understand that crash tests do not take into account:

• 🚛 Collisions with trucks or buses — only impacts against barriers or other passenger cars are tested.
• 🌊 Hitting obstacles (curbs, holes) is a separate type of test.
• 🔥 Fire or explosion - although some organizations (for example, IIHS) assess the risk of fuel leakage.

Myths and misconceptions about crash tests

There are many myths surrounding crash tests that can be misleading when choosing a car. Let's look at the most common ones:

⚠️ Attention: If a seller claims that a car has been “crash tested and fully restored,” this is almost always a lie. Cars are not restored after testing - they are disposed of or used for training rescuers.

Myth 1: “Five stars mean the car is invulnerable”

In fact, five-star cars protect better, but do not guarantee survival in any accident. For example, Volvo XC60 (2023) received maximum ratings, but in a high-speed collision 120 km/h even this will not save you from serious injuries. The stars reflect comparative safety in standard scenarios.

Myth 2: “A large and heavy car is always safer than a small one”

This was true 20 years ago. Today small cars (for example, Honda Jazz) can get 5 stars thanks to modern materials (high-strength steel, aluminum) and electronic security systems. And some large SUVs (like SsangYong Rexton 2017) received only 0 stars due to outdated design.

Myth 3: “Crash tests are only carried out for new models”

This is not true. Organizations periodically recheck popular models, especially if legislation has changed or new technologies have appeared. For example, Ford Focus tested in 2011, 2015 and 2019 - and its scores grew each time.

Myth 4: “Electric cars are more dangerous because of their batteries.”

On the contrary, many electric vehicles (Tesla Model 3, Volvo EX30) show better results than analogues with internal combustion engines, thanks to:

• 🔋 Lower battery location, which reduces the center of gravity and the risk of tipping over.
• 🛡️ Rigid body structure that protects the battery from damage.
• ⚡ The absence of an engine in the front part, which increases the deformation zone.

However, electric vehicles have their own risks - e.g. fire after an accident, which is more difficult to extinguish. But this is a separate topic, not directly related to crash tests.

How crash test results affect the cost of a car and insurance

Test results are directly related to the financial aspects of car ownership. Here's how they affect the market:

1. Primary market (new cars)

Manufacturers with high safety ratings can:

• 💵 Raise the price - for example, Volvo and Subaru traditionally more expensive than competitors due to the reputation of safe brands.
• 📈 Increase sales — family cars with 5 stars (Toyota RAV4, Skoda Kodiaq) sell out faster.
• 🏆 Receive tax benefits - in some countries (for example, Sweden) cars with high safety ratings are exempt from part of the taxes.

2. Secondary market (used cars)

On the secondary side, the crash test results have the following effect:

• 📉 Cars with low ratings depreciate faster. For example, Dacia Logan (2 stars in 2014) loses value 20–30% faster than VW Polo (5 stars).
• 🔍 Buyers check accident history more often for cars with bad tests. For example, Nissan Juke (2011, 3 stars) may have hidden body damage after accidents.
• 🚨 Insurance companies are more attentive to such cars — may require additional examination before issuing CASCO insurance.

3. Cost of insurance (MTPL/CASCO)

Insurers use crash test results to calculate risk. For example:

• 📊 Car with 5 stars (Volvo XC90, Audi Q7) may have a discount on CASCO insurance up to 15%.
• 🚗 Cars with 1–2 stars (Chery Amulet, Great Wall Hover) are often blacklisted by insurance companies.
• 💥 Electric cars may cost more to insure due to the risk of fire after an accident, even if they pass crash tests well.

Case study: Renault Symbol (2014, 0 stars in crash test Latin NCAP) in some insurance companies is considered “uninsurable” under CASCO or requires an increased premium.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a used car with low safety ratings, be sure to check it for Autocode or CarVertical. Such cars are more likely to get into serious accidents, and their repairs may be of poor quality (for example, welding the body instead of replacing parts).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about crash tests

Can you trust crash tests conducted by the manufacturer?

No, such tests are often carried out under “lighter” conditions (for example, at lower speeds or with a modified body). Trust only independent organizations: Euro NCAP, IIHS, ANCAP. Manufacturers may gloss over bad results - e.g. Jeep Wrangler (2018) received only 1 star in Euro NCAP, but the company Stellantis did not advertise this fact.

Why don't some popular models have crash test ratings?

There are several reasons:

1. The machine is sold only in regions where there are no mandatory tests (for example, Lada Vesta not tested in Euro NCAP, but there is data ARCTS).
2. The manufacturer did not provide the car for testing (often happens with Chinese brands, for example, Haval or Changan).
3. The model is too new - tests may appear 1-2 years after the start of sales.

In such cases, look to the results of similar brand models or look for data from local organizations.

How do crash tests relate to a car's reliability rating?

There is no direct connection. Crash tests evaluate accident safety, and the reliability rating (for example, from J.D. Power) — frequency of breakdowns and cost of repairs. However, indirectly safe cars can be more reliable because:

• They use high-quality materials (high-strength steel, good welding).
• They undergo stricter control at the factory.
• They have modern electronic systems (ABS, ESP) that reduce the risk of accidents.

But this is not the rule. For example, Land Rover Discovery (2020) has a 5-star safety rating but a low reliability rating due to electronic issues.

Is it possible to crash test your car yourself?

Technically yes, but it is extremely dangerous and illegal. In Russia, for deliberate destruction of property (including your car), you can receive a fine or even criminal liability (Article 167 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). In addition, for a full test you need:

• A special area with barriers and equipment.
• Mannequins with sensors (cost from $100,000).
• High speed cameras and analysis software.

If you are wondering how your car behaves in an accident, look at tests of similar models or contact ARCTS - They sometimes conduct demonstration tests.

Why don't crash tests test collisions at high speeds (for example, 120 km/h)?

Main reasons:

• 📏 Standardization — tests must be reproducible and comparable. Speed 64 km/h chosen as the most typical for urban accidents.
• 💰 Cost - Testing at high speeds requires more robust equipment and increases the risk of injury to personnel.
• 📊 Purpose of tests - evaluate comparative security, not absolute. Even with 120 km/h Survival depends on many factors (angle of impact, weight of cars, weather).

For tests at high speeds, computer simulation is used (for example, the program LS-DYNA). Some manufacturers (like Mercedes-Benz) conduct such virtual tests but do not publish the results.