LOL, this is so overblown. The crew cab got perfect ratings in all categories while the extended cab got perfect ratings in all categories but one.
Modern cars are insanely safe compared to even just 10 years ago. There's not much point in fretting over crash ratings these days.
Like most things, it isn't the actions - it is the lie.
Ford either deliberately allowed a vehicle to be tested that had superior crash resistance than other models. Consider this quote:
Ford spokesperson Mike Levine tells Automobile, “The reason for the difference in equipment is a result of the fact that the protectors require a different design to fit on the SuperCrew versus the SuperCab body. And because the small-overlap test is still new, and the truck’s development was well underway by the time the bars were developed,
Ford only was able to outfit the larger-volume SuperCrew with the protective bars with the time available.”
So Ford knew that what they were doing would improve the test results, but did not disclose this to the IIHS or the public. They may never have intended on improving their other models as they weren't going to be tested. We will never know.
Yes, they are still very safe vehicles, but Ford's actions in this were really stupid. I just wonder how the GM and Ram trucks will do when the IIHS takes another look...