When it comes to vehicle safety, there are a number of factors to consider. Some cars may be more prone to rollovers or have weaker structures that don’t hold up as well in crashes. Others may be plagued by reliability issues or have outdated safety features compared to newer models. Identifying the most unsafe vehicles on the road today can help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing a new or used car.
Crash Test Ratings
One of the best indicators of a vehicle’s safety is its performance in crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These independent organizations crash test new vehicles in different types of collisions and evaluate how well they protect occupants from injury. Vehicles are assigned overall crash test ratings as well as scores for specific crash tests. Generally, vehicles that perform poorly in these evaluations can be considered less safe.
The NHTSA assigns one to five stars for frontal and side crash tests as well as an overall vehicle score. The IIHS uses ratings of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor for moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also evaluates crash prevention and headlight technologies. Vehicles that earn mostly Marginal or Poor ratings from the IIHS demonstrate higher than average occupant injury risks.
Driver Death Rates
Another way to evaluate vehicle safety is to look at driver death rates per million registered vehicle years. This statistic from the IIHS shows the rate at which drivers are killed in a particular vehicle model over a few years of crashes. A higher death rate indicates vehicles that fare worse in real-world crashes.
According to the most recent data, some of the vehicles with the highest driver death rates are older models like the Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan 350Z and Ford Mustang. Newer vehicles with high death rates include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Hyundai Tucson. These vehicles show a need for improved occupant protection.
Rollover Risk
Some vehicle types like SUVs and pickup trucks have increased risks of rollover crashes due to their higher centers of gravity. Within those categories, some models are more prone to rollovers than others. The NHTSA assigns one to five stars for rollover resistance based on a vehicle’s static stability factor. Lower rollover ratings indicate vehicles that are more likely to tip over in an evasive maneuver or turn.
According to NHTSA data, vehicles with the worst ratings for rollover risk include the Ram 2500/3500 pickups, GMC Yukon XL 1500, Chevrolet Express 1500 and Nissan NV1500/2500/3500. Understanding a vehicle’s rollover propensity can help consumers choose safer SUV or truck models.
Seat Belt Reliability
For a vehicle’s seat belts to provide effective crash protection, they need to be durable and reliable. The IIHS evaluates seat belt components during crash testing and may downgrade a vehicle if the belts exhibit damage like separation or tearing. Vehicles prone to seat belt malfunctions put occupants at greater risk of injury.
Recent models flagged for seat belt reliability issues in IIHS testing include the Volkswagen Atlas, Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda Passport and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Many of these issues were fixed by the manufacturers, but they still indicate problems initially. Consumers should research any known seat belt defects before selecting a new or used vehicle.
Structural Integrity
A vehicle’s structural design impacts how well it manages crash forces and protects the occupant compartment. Some vehicles exhibit greater body deformations, intrusions into the driver space or component separations that compromise safety. IIHS moderate overlap front crash tests evaluate structural integrity, and Poor-rated vehicles generally have major deficiencies.
Recent models with the worst structural integrity ratings from the IIHS include the Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte, Hyundai Venue and Toyota Corolla. Shoppers should avoid vehicles with subpar structures that may fail in common frontal crashes.
Outdated Safety Features
Vehicles designed years ago often lack active safety features that are common on new models today. Important technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring are now widely available. Vehicles without these features are at a disadvantage safety-wise.
Most vehicles that are 10-15 years old will lack modern active safety tech unless they have been updated. Used car shoppers should look for the newest vehicle they can afford to get the most current protections. Additionally, some budget new cars still skimp on these features, so it pays to research what’s included.
Poor Headlight Visibility
Having adequate and properly aimed headlights is vital for safe nighttime driving. The IIHS began evaluating headlight performance in 2016, assigning ratings of Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor. Models with the worst headlight ratings suffer from inadequate illumination, excessive glare and other factors that hamper visibility.
Vehicles earning mostly Poor ratings for their available headlights include the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3. Consumers should consult IIHS headlight ratings when shopping for a new or used vehicle and avoid models with poor scores.
Subpar Reliability Records
A vehicle’s overall reliability track record also influences its safety. Unreliable vehicles that frequently break down or need repairs are inherently less safe than models with better durability. Looking at reliability data can identify vehicles prone to problems that create unsafe situations for drivers.
Surveys by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power record how well vehicles hold up based on owner experiences. Models with extensive engine, transmission, brake and electrical issues that require repeated shop visits are clearly less than ideal. Used car shoppers should research reliability before selecting a vehicle.
Putting It All Together
Evaluating the various safety criteria and risk factors together yields a list of the most hazardous vehicles on the market. Here are some current models that rise to the top as the most unsafe overall:
- Ford Mustang – High driver death rate, Marginal structural rating, limited safety features on base models
- Mitsubishi Mirage – Very poor crash test ratings, Marginal structural rating, limited safety features
- Jeep Wrangler – High rollover risk, Marginal side crash test rating, seat back strength issues
- Ram 2500 – Highest rollover risk, Poor headlight rating, high insurance claim rates
- Kia Rio – High driver death rate, Poor structural rating, unreliable
Shoppers would be wise to avoid these and similar models that perform poorly in safety assessments and real-world performance. Prioritizing safety will lead consumers to vehicles with high crash test scores, proven reliability, and the latest protective technologies.
Factors That Impact Safety
While some vehicles are clearly safer than others, there are additional factors that can influence an individual’s risk. Consider these variables as well when choosing a vehicle:
- Driver behavior – Speeding, impairment, distractions and recklessness vastly increase crash risk
- Proper maintenance – Ensure tires, brakes and lights are in good working order
- Age and driving experience – Inexperienced and elderly drivers have higher accident rates
- Where the vehicle is driven – Risks are higher on rural roads versus urban areas
- Total mileage driven – More miles equals more exposure to hazards
Purchasing a safe vehicle is just one part of staying protected on the road. Following traffic laws, avoiding distractions, properly maintaining the vehicle, and practicing defensive driving techniques are imperative for all drivers.
Conclusion
While new vehicles are safer overall today, clear disparities remain when it comes to occupant protection and crash avoidance. Cars like the Ford Mustang, Mitsubishi Mirage and Jeep Wrangler demonstrate higher risks that should give shoppers pause. Conversely, vehicles achieving high safety ratings like the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback and Toyota Camry are smart choices for prioritizing safety. Drivers also need to do their part by driving responsibly, buckling up, and staying focused at all times. Considering safety from both the vehicle design and human behavior standpoints is fundamental to reduce motor vehicle injuries and fatalities.