Adult occupant
The passenger compartment of the Thema remained stable in the frontal impact. Although dummy readings were good, analysis of the data showed that the head of the driver dummy had 'bottomed out' the airbag i.e. the airbag was not sufficiently inflated to prevent a contact, through the flattened airbag, with the steering wheel rim. The car was penalised and head protection was rated as adequate. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both front seat occupants. Lancia were able to show that a similar level of protection would be provided for occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. In the side barrier impact, the Thema scored maximum points. In the more severed side pole test, dummy readings indicated marginal levels of protection for the chest and abdomen. The protection provided by the seat and head restraint against whiplash injuries was also rated as marginal.

Child occupant
Forward movement of the 3 year dummy, sat in a forward facing restraint, was not excessive. In the side barrier test, both dummies were properly contained within the shells of their restraints, mimimising the risk of dangerous head contacts. The passenger airbag cannot be disabled so a rearward facing restraint cannot be used in that seating position. The dangers of doing so are clearly explained in a permanently attached label.

Pedestrian
The Thema is equipped with an 'active' bonnet. Sensors in the bumper determine when a pedestrian has been struck and actuators lift the bonnet to provide greater clearance to hard structures underneath. Lancia showed that the system worked for a wide range of pedestrian statures and over a range of speeds, so the car was tested with the system deployed. In those areas likely to be struck by the head of a child or an adult, the bonnet provided good protection. The bumper also provided good protection to pedestrians's legs, and scored maximum points. However, the front edge of the bonnet scored nothing, providing poor protection in all areas tested.

Safety assist
The Thema has electronic stability control as standard equipment, and the system met Euro NCAP's test requirements. A seatbelt reminder is standard for the driver and front passenger seats. There is no speed limitation device for the Thema.