Most Unsafe Cars in 2025

Approximately 36,000 car accidents occur every day in the United States, and around 120 are fatal accidents, making America’s roads among the most dangerous in the world. Advancements in safety technology mean that newer cars are often equipped with features that can prevent collisions, warn drivers of danger, and keep vehicle occupants safer when crashes occur. However, vehicle safety is not the same in every car, truck, SUV, and minivan. Safety performance can vary significantly across different vehicle categories, with some categories experiencing more issues in areas like climate control, driving assistance, or infotainment. Some vehicles are more dangerous than others, whether due to poor reliability scores that fall below the industry average, inadequate safety features, high driver death rates, or specific design and safety flaws that make them worse than comparable models. For example, compact cars are involved in car accidents at a disproportionately high rate due to their smaller size and weight.

New Yorkers who have been injured by a reckless or negligent driver need qualified legal representation to help them get the compensation they deserve. Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices has been helping clients in New York City navigate accident claims and lawsuits since 1990, providing support to those affected by unsafe vehicles.

How is Vehicle Safety Determined?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rate vehicle safety, assigning a score to each vehicle, while reliability scores provide insight into vehicle dependability.

Each uses a different scoring system, and vehicles are compared using these scores, but crash testing and data from millions of registered vehicle years—measured as ‘registered vehicle year’ to compare safety records—are major parts of the metrics.

Reliability scores from sources like J.D. Power and U.S. News help identify the most reliable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The NHTSA tests use a star system to rank vehicles from one star, which is the worst and least safe end of the safety spectrum, to five stars, which is the safest. It scores a rollover resistance test, a frontal crash test, a side barrier crash test, and a side pole crash test. Vehicles scoring below average in rollover or crash tests are considered less safe compared to the industry average. These comprehensive evaluations help determine overall vehicle safety performance. The IIHS has tougher criteria for rear-seat safety, affecting vehicles with inadequate protection for back-seat passengers. For instance, the Ford F-150 Crew Cab lost its IIHS award for 2025 due to a “Poor” rating in the updated rear-seat moderate overlap crash test. Similarly, the Hyundai Palisade received a “Poor” rating for rear-seat protection in the updated moderate overlap test, causing it to lose its IIHS award. The Cadillac XT6 also received “Poor” ratings from the IIHS in both the moderate overlap and side-impact tests, highlighting significant safety concerns. The Luxury Coupe Q underperformed in both frontal crash tests and side barrier crash tests, further emphasizing the need for rigorous safety standards.

IIHS Safety Ratings

The IIHS tests safety features, like headlight effectiveness and front crash prevention. It also tests specific crash scenarios, including small front overlap collisions. Its system uses a ranking system for each feature and test that begins with the best rating of good to the worst possible rating of poor. Driver death rates are also analyzed as part of their comprehensive safety evaluation. Substandard headlights can lead a vehicle, such as the Tesla Cybertruck, to receive a “Poor” rating from the IIHS due to glare and inadequate light intensity. The Kia K5 also received a “Poor” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test, further emphasizing the importance of robust safety standards.

Other Vehicle Safety Features

There are many more safety features available that neither the NHTSA nor IIHS considers in their testing. It’s a good idea to have as many features as possible on your vehicle to decrease the chances of being in a collision. Some other safety technologies that may be available include:

• Lane assist or lane departure warning
• Blindspot monitoring
• Parking assist
• Backup cameras
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking

Some vehicles also offer tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which can enhance driver awareness and connectivity.

The Safest Vehicles of 2025

Each year, the IIHS creates a list of top safety picks based on the results of its tests. These vehicles are compared to others in terms of safety features and reliability, helping buyers make informed decisions. The top safety picks for 2024 chosen by IIHS include vehicles with excellent reliability scores and comprehensive safety features, and they often outperform many competitors in both safety and reliability. The list includes SUVs, trucks, and sedans, representing some of the most reliable vehicles according to recent studies:

• Honda Civic
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry
• Subaru Outback
• Mazda 3
• Honda HR-V
• Hyundai Tucson
• Honda Pilot
• Ford Explorer
• Kia Telluride
• Subaru Ascent
• Acura MDX
• Volvo XC90
• Toyota Tundra
• Ford F-150
• GMC Acadia

Other models may not meet the same safety or reliability standards as those listed above.

Most Dangerous Cars in 2025

What classifies a vehicle as dangerous? In addition to the NHTSA and IIHS rating systems, various other rankings may consider reliability scores—where a low score indicates higher risk—driver death rates, safety feature deficiencies, or poor crash testing performance. Design or safety flaws can also contribute to a vehicle’s danger. Vehicles with the lowest ratings are often the worst performers in safety compared to the average. Usage patterns, such as frequency and type of driving, significantly impact accident rates. Danger can also vary across different vehicle categories, with each category—such as sedan, SUV, and pickup truck—having unique risks and notable safety concerns. Some SUVs and trucks have a higher center of gravity, increasing the risk of rollover accidents. High-performance vehicles, with their increased power and speed, can further elevate accident risk. Significant safety concerns include powertrain problems and electronics malfunctions, which can indicate potential systemic issues. For example, the Compact Sedan X failed in crash testing and lacks automatic emergency braking and lane assist, making it a particularly risky choice. Here’s a look at some of the ratings and data that reflect how safe a vehicle is on the road, often compared to the industry average.

Ranking Dangerous Cars by Driver Death Rate

The IIHS reports that certain vehicles have significantly higher driver death rates, represented as the number of deaths per million registered vehicle years. This statistical measure allows for a more accurate comparison of vehicle safety records across different models and types. The Chevrolet Corvette has a higher fatal accident rate than average based on data from iSeeCars. Understanding the factors that contribute to these high rates, such as lack of safety features, poor crash testing performance, and low reliability score, is crucial. Data from the IIHS ranks vehicles based on real-world driver death rates, providing further insight into a model’s safety levels. Vehicles with a low safety or reliability score are often considered more dangerous for drivers.

• Ford Fiesta
• Hyundai Accent
• Chevrolet Sonic
• Nissan Versa
• Hyundai Elantra
• Kia Forte
• Ford Mustang
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Cadillac Lyriq
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid
• Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4, which have one of the highest fatal accident rates on the road.

An analysis of NHTSA traffic fatality data for 2018-2022 models showed that compact cars and high-performance vehicles are particularly prone to accidents. The Hyundai Venue is noted for having a very high fatal accident rate, according to a recent iSeeCars study. The 20 most dangerous cars based on a comprehensive safety analysis include these worst performers:

• Hyundai Venue
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Mitsubishi Mirage
• Porsche 911
• Honda CR-V Hybrid
• Tesla Model Y
• Mitsubishi Mirage G4
• Buick Encore GX
• Kia Forte
• Buick Envision
• Kia Soul
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Nissan Versa
• Kia K5
• Kia Seltos
• Ford Bronco
• Ford Bronco Sport
• Dodge Charger
• Toyota Prius

Other models also have notable safety concerns and have been flagged in safety studies and recall reports, but did not make the top 20 list. While some of these vehicles may deliver strong performance or comfort, the rest of their features often do not compensate for poor safety records. Our clients who have been affected by accidents involving these dangerous vehicles often seek legal support and representation to address the consequences of these safety shortcomings.

Real-World Impact of Unsafe Cars

The real-world impact of unsafe cars extends far beyond the statistics—affecting drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians every day. Car accidents involving dangerous vehicles can lead to severe injuries, tragic fatalities, and overwhelming financial burdens. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 36,000 fatal car accidents in 2020 alone, underscoring the urgent need for improved vehicle safety across all models and categories.

Certain cars, such as the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent, have been shown to have higher driver death rates per million registered vehicle years, making them some of the most dangerous cars on the road. These elevated death rates are often linked to a lack of advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring. Compact cars, including the Chevrolet Sonic and Nissan Versa, are particularly at risk due to their smaller size and lower safety ratings, which can make them more vulnerable in collisions. Additionally, the Electric Hatchback Z has been reported to have battery fire risks and below-average rollover scores, further highlighting the importance of robust safety features and design.

Beyond the human cost, owning an unsafe or unreliable car can also have significant financial consequences. Vehicles with poor reliability scores, such as the Cadillac Lyriq, often come with higher repair costs and increased insurance premiums. The 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study revealed a 6% rise in problems per 100 vehicles, the highest level since 2009, highlighting a growing gap in vehicle dependability. Major, widespread recalls indicate a defect posing an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, such as issues related to airbags or ignition switches. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are also considered ineffective if they are unreliable, further emphasizing the importance of dependability. This means that drivers of unreliable cars not only face greater risks on the road but may also pay more over time due to frequent repairs and higher insurance rates. The Cadillac Lyriq is the least reliable vehicle in 2025, with a predicted reliability score of 53 out of 100. Similarly, the 2025 Audi Q7 has a predicted reliability score of 68 out of 100, reflecting ongoing concerns about dependability. The BMW X1 also raises concerns with a predicted reliability score of 63 out of 100 in 2025, further emphasizing the importance of considering reliability when choosing a vehicle. Additionally, the Rivian R1T has a predicted reliability score of 69 out of 100 in 2025, showcasing its performance in dependability metrics. The Lincoln Nautilus also has a predicted reliability score of 69 out of 100 in 2025, indicating its position among vehicles with moderate dependability. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale, however, has a slightly lower predicted reliability score of 68 out of 100, reflecting ongoing challenges in dependability. The 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron, with a predicted reliability score of 67 out of 100, also highlights the need for careful consideration of dependability metrics when selecting a vehicle. Similarly, the 2025 Volvo V60 has a predicted reliability score of 67 out of 100, further emphasizing the importance of dependability in vehicle selection. The Dodge Hornet, with a predicted reliability score of 66 out of 100 in 2025, underscores the variability in dependability across different models. The Mazda CX-90, with a predicted reliability score of 65 out of 100 in 2025, further illustrates the challenges in achieving high dependability scores. The Polestar 2, also with a predicted reliability score of 65 out of 100 in 2025, highlights the importance of considering both safety and dependability when evaluating vehicles.

To reduce these risks, drivers must prioritize vehicle safety when choosing a car. Researching safety ratings, reliability scores, and essential safety features—such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking—can make a significant difference. The NHTSA’s star system offers a straightforward way to compare vehicles based on their performance in crash tests, including frontal crash tests, side barrier crash tests, and other critical evaluations. The IIHS raised its standards for 2025 by introducing tougher crash tests, ensuring that vehicles meet higher safety benchmarks. The Nissan Kicks scored “Poor” in the updated moderate overlap front test due to a 2025 redesign. Additionally, the IIHS now requires standard headlights across all trim levels to earn an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating, further raising the bar for vehicle safety. The Tesla Model Y, for instance, has a predicted reliability score of 69 out of 100 in 2025, reflecting its performance in dependability studies.

Understanding the factors that contribute to a car’s safety—such as its size, weight, and available technology—can help drivers make informed decisions and avoid dangerous vehicles. Modern safety expectations include advanced driver-assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist. Investing in cars with higher safety scores and advanced features not only protects you and your passengers but can also save money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of accidents and costly repairs. For instance, the Pickup Truck W lacks rear-impact protection and does not include automatic emergency braking or adaptive cruise control, making it a less safe option compared to other vehicles in its category.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident involving a dangerous or unreliable vehicle, it’s important to seek expert legal guidance. Contact a trusted law firm for a free consultation to understand your rights and options. By staying informed and making safety a top priority, drivers can help close the gap in vehicle dependability and contribute to safer roads for everyone.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in NYC

One thing is clear based on these safety and reliability rankings – staying safe on the road requires responsible, attentive driving and choosing vehicles with advanced safety features and good safety records. Even the safest car cannot counteract irresponsible driving. If you’ve been injured by a negligent or reckless driver in New York City, contact Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices to schedule a free consultation.