WASHINGTON, D.C. -

Along with announcing the lineup of model year 2014 vehicles that will be tested as part of the agency’s 5-Star Safety Ratings Program, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration updated advertising guidelines for vehicle manufacturers, dealers and advertising agencies.

The agency explained on Thursday the updated guidelines now explicitly state that ratings are always whole numbers, and that NHTSA does not award a rating higher than five stars.

Officials indicated that OEMs or advertising agencies should not advertise ratings with decimal points or ratings above five stars, and advertisers who claim more than five stars now are misleading the public, according to NHTSA.

Regulators went on to mention the guidelines also clarify that advanced technologies are not part of the star ratings.

Advertisements that do not conform to these guidelines may result in “Buyer Alert” warnings, removal from the ratings program or referral to other federal or state authorities for appropriate action.

NHTSA plans to rate approximately 87 percent of model year 2014 vehicles sold in the United States for frontal and side crash protection, and 92 percent for rollover resistance.

Officials said a number of model year 2014 vehicles had carry-over designs from the previous model year or have already been tested, and these ratings are already available on www.SaferCar.gov.

NHTSA will test 48 vehicles for the 2014 model year, including 22 passenger cars, 18 sport utility vehicles, five pickups and three vans.

As the vehicles are tested, consumers can access ratings at www.SaferCar.gov and through NHTSA’s SaferCar app — available for iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

The agency plans to release a version of the app that is compatible with Android devices early next year.

“Safety is our highest priority, and we're always working to ensure consumers have the information they need to buy safe and drive safe,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said.

“With today’s announcement, we are continuing to provide consumers with valuable information through our world-renowned 5-star rating program so they can make more-informed car buying decisions,” Foxx continued.

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings Program is designed to allow consumers to search crash test ratings and make informed purchasing decisions.

Each vehicle tested can receive safety ratings in a frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance, in addition to an overall vehicle rating.

One star represents the lowest score and five stars represents the highest; meaning the more tha stars, the safer the vehicle.

The program also highlights advanced crash-avoidance technologies, such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and rearview video systems, which manufacturers are voluntarily installing in vehicles to help prevent crashes.

“Our 5-Star Safety Ratings Program serves as one of the most trusted and reliable resources to help the driving public select vehicles based on unbiased safety ratings,” NHTSA administrator David Strickland said.

“That’s why today we released updated guidelines aimed at ensuring consumers receive accurate and consistent information regarding vehicle safety ratings,” Strickland added.

Model Year 2014 Vehicles Selected for the 5-Star Safety Rating Tests

Cars
Buick LaCrosse
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Spark
Ford Fiesta
Hyundai Veloster
Infiniti Q50
Kia Forte
Lexus IS250
Mazda Mazda3
Mazda Mazda6
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mini Cooper
Nissan Versa Note
Scion FR-S
Subaru Impreza
Subaru XV Crosstrek
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Jetta

Trucks
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Series
Ram 2500 Crew
Toyota Tundra

SUVs and Vans
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Audi Q5
Chevrolet Captiva
Dodge Durango
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Odyssey
Jeep Compass
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Patriot
Kia Sorento
Kia Soul
Mazda CX-5
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Highlander
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Sienna

Model Year 2014 Vehicles Equipped with LDW and/or FCW Selected for Confirmation Testing

Cars
Acura RLX
Chevrolet SS
Honda Civic IMA
Hyundai Equus
Mazda Mazda6
Mercedes Benz S Class
Mini Cooper
Mitsubishi Mirage
Nissan Altima
Subaru Legacy
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Prius

SUVs, Pickups and Vans
BMW X3 or X5
BMW X6
Chevrolet Silverado
Ford Edge
Honda Crosstour
Honda Odyssey
Mitsubishi Outlander

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