Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and requirements for its ratings.
The new 2012 Toyota Camry has earned a five-star composite safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a potential boost to the Japanese company’s damaged safety reputation. NHTSA rated the Camry, the best selling car in the U.S., under its new more difficult procedures instituted last year.
However, Camry did not receive five-star ratings in the frontal crash and rollover tests, earning only four-start ratings, a fact omitted from a Toyota release. This means the 2012 Honda Accord and Kia Optima are the only family sedans to have top NHTSA ratings across the board in Overall, Frontal, Side and Rollover categories. Many of the vehicles sold in the U.S. have not been tested since the safety ratings were revised last year.
Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its five-star safety ratings that provide more information about safety performance and crash-avoidance technologies. Safety rating changes include a new side barrier test and a new side pole test simulating a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side. New overall safety ratings, which combine the results from the various tests, are now provided.
The Camaro Coupe under NHTSA’s current New Car Assessment Program – NCAP – performed well enough to receive five stars in each individual rating category. Camaro also received five stars in the combined categories leading to the top overall vehicle score. (See New NHTSA Safety Ratings Are Incomplete, Potentially Misleading, Since Many New Vehicles Remain Untested)
