10 Most Dangerous Car Models 

Drivers can reduce their risk of auto accident injuries by avoiding purchasing dangerous car models and knowing which vehicles are more likely to be at fault for accidents. 

Summary

• Understanding safety ratings, accident statistics, and recalls is critical for choosing a reliable car. Poorly rated vehicles like the Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris pose significant risks to drivers and passengers.
• Specific dangerous car models, including Chevrolet Colorado, Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Mirage, Fiat 500, and Nissan Versa, have high fatality rates and serious safety deficiencies.
• Common safety issues include inadequate airbags and seatbelts, structural failures, and manufacturing defects.
• Following a car accident, address injuries, document the scene, and consult an auto accident lawyer.
• Jones Law Group assists clients injured in car accidents involving dangerous vehicles or driver negligence.

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Imagine driving in a dangerous car that doesn’t keep you safe. It’s a scary thought. That’s why vehicle safety is incredibly important. Just like wearing a helmet while riding a bike or using a seatbelt, safety features in cars help protect us from accidents.

Some cars have better safety ratings than others. These ratings can vary from one car model to another, even if they look similar on the outside. When choosing a vehicle, look at several ratings to get the big picture.

If multiple rating systems say a car is dangerous, consider going in a different direction. Doing so could help you avoid suffering a severe injury- a dangerous car can have issues that can cause an accident. If that happens, anyone hurt could possibly sue the manufacturer.

However, exercising your rights after a Florida car accident is often a complex endeavor. The auto accident lawyers at Jones Law Group will be here if you’re ever in a wreck caused by a factor out of your control. Schedule a free consultation by calling (727) 571-1333 or contacting us online.

Determining How a Car is “Dangerous”

When determining if a car is safe or potentially dangerous, experts use a combination of methods to evaluate its safety. These methods help them understand how well a car can protect you in case of an accident and whether any problems could make the car risky to drive. Here’s how they do it:

Accident Statistics

Imagine gathering data from all the car accidents that happen. Vehicle safety experts do precisely that. They look at how often a specific car model is involved in auto accidents.

If a particular car is frequently in accidents, such as collisions in the rain or rollover crashes, then it might indicate something about the car that makes it harder to drive safely.

Safety Test Ratings

Scientists recreate accidents in a controlled environment to see how well a car holds up. They also measure things like how well the seatbelts and airbags work. Based on the results, they give the car a safety rating. More stars mean a safer car.

Recalls and Defects

Car manufacturers sometimes find problems with their vehicles after they’re already on the road. These problems are called defects.

If a car has many defects or something seriously wrong, the manufacturer might recall it. A recall is like a warning – it tells people that the car might not be safe to drive until the manufacturer fixes the problem.

Read: Debunking Car Accident Myths

Why Understanding This Criteria Matters to Your Safety

Although reviewing road safety tips is important to avoiding collisions, preventing car accidents starts with the vehicle you choose. Looking at accident statistics, safety test ratings, and recalls helps you decide whether the car is right for you.

Likewise, paying attention to these criteria is still essential if you own a car. Knowing how safe your car is can help you drive more cautiously; using defensive driving skills avoids accidents and reduces your risk of injury.

Getting familiar with dangerous car models also helps you be prepared in case of an accident. And if there’s a recall for your car, it’s crucial to address it promptly to ensure your safety.

Although there are certain types of cars that cause more accidents, specific models may carry an increased risk for drivers and passengers. If you already have one, please make sure to pay attention to any recalls or other safety issues.

The Most Dangerous Vehicles Due to Design Defects, Safety Ratings, and Statistics

The following are some of the dangerous models you might want to think twice about purchasing:

1. Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab

The Colorado Crew Cab is a light truck that received sub-standard grades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as far back as 2011. The IIHS gave the truck a “poor” grade for side-impact performance and “marginal” grades in other critical areas.

These include rear impact and rollovers. General Motors (GM), which owns Chevrolet, recalled more than 5,000 Colorado pickups in 2011 due to seat belt defects. Just as the Colorado brand has endured, so have the problems associated with the model.

In 2022, GM recalled some Colorados due to front seat defects. Assemblers failed to attach the passenger seat to the frame properly. This defect puts occupants at significant risk of catastrophic injuries like paralysis if a crash occurs.

2. Kia Rio Sedan 

Smaller cars typically don’t fare as well in crash tests. The Kia Rio is not different. When conducting crash tests of the Rio, the IIHS reported that the airbag barely brushed the head of the dummy. A driver’s head would be vulnerable to striking components in the front of the vehicle.

The test also showed a weakness with the front-left portion of the car. Drivers would risk suffering major car accident injuries to their legs due to the door hinge pillar moving inward after impact.

3. Toyota Yaris

According to one insurer, the 2005-10 model years of the Yaris are among the most dangerous cars built in the last half-century. One of the scariest issues is that the Yaris would shift gears and speed up without the driver doing anything.

This alarming flaw was known as “ghost acceleration”. Another is that faulty wiring led to side airbags failing to deploy in an accident. It’s no surprise that the number of personal injury claims linked to the 2009-11 versions of the Yaris is staggering.

According to an LA Times report on the Yaris, for every 1,000 covered by insurance, policyholders filed 28.5 claims. The Porsche 911 generated only 4.5. Toyota discontinued the Yaris in 2020.

4. Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mirage is at the top of the IIHS list of driver death rates, with 205 per million registered on the road. During testing of the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage by the Institute, the dummy’s head barely made contact with the frontal airbag before sliding off to the left, as the steering column shifted 14 cm to the right.

This movement exposed the head to potential impacts with the car’s forward side structure. Furthermore, the seat belt allowed the dummy’s head and torso to move excessively forward, potentially causing whiplash injuries and head injuries.

Although the side curtain airbag deployed, it lacked adequate forward coverage to shield the head from striking the interior or external objects. Compounding the concerns, the driver’s seat tilted forward and leaned toward the B-pillar. Although the side torso airbag did deploy, the overall protection was insufficient.

5. Hyundai Accent

This car had a registered driver death rate of 152 per million, placing it at No. 4 on the IIHS list. The IIHS gave the Hyundai Accent a “Poor” overall rating. The dummy’s head barely made contact with the frontal airbag before sliding off to the left.

Meanwhile, the steering column shifted 16 cm to the right. This movement left the chest with minimal cushioning from the airbag. Additionally, the seat belt failed to properly restrain the dummy.

This allowed the head and torso to lurch forward excessively, leading to the head striking the instrument panel. The seat belt’s poor performance greatly increases an occupant’s risk of sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury.

While the side curtain airbag did deploy, it lacked adequate forward coverage to protect the head from hitting the vehicle’s forward side structure or external objects. The side torso airbag was also deployed but provided limited overall protection.

6. Fiat 500 

The IIHS stated that the hinges of the driver door of the 2019 model were subject to tearing apart during an accident, increasing the risk of driver ejection. The Fiat 500 ranked No. 5 on the driver death rate list, with 95 per 1 million registered.

During IIHS’ accident testing, the dummy’s head initially made contact with the frontal airbag but then slid off to the left as the steering column shifted 13 cm to the right, causing the head to collide with the A-pillar. 

On the positive side, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering sufficient forward coverage to shield the head from impacts with the vehicle’s side structure or external objects. Additionally, the side torso airbag was activated, contributing to the overall safety features of the vehicle.

7. Nissan Versa 

The IIHS gave the Versa a “poor” rating due to the front driver’s side overlapping during crash tests, which would put a driver in danger of severe injuries. The NHTSA recorded 9 recalls for the 2007 Nissan Versa due to its safety issues. There were also 88 fatalities per 1 million registered. 

The Nissan Versa debuted in the 2007 model year. Crash test ratings for frontal offset impacts were applicable to both the hatchback and sedan variants until the 2011 model year. However, starting with the 2012 model year, only the sedan underwent a redesign, leaving the hatchback unchanged.

8. Ford Mustang GT Coupe 

The GT Coupe also made the IIHS list of driver death rates, with 81 million fatalities per 1 million registrations. In addition, the IIHS only gave the 2015-2020 versions of the model “marginal” safety cage ratings.

9. Chevrolet Spark 

Like many other smaller cars, the Spark doesn’t offer as much protection in a crash as larger models. Unfortunately, the Spark doesn’t have many safety features that are standard in other car models, making it more dangerous for drivers and their passengers.

It also doesn’t handle very well, according to Motor Trend’s deadliest cars report. Chevy discontinued the Spark in 2022.

10. Jeep Wrangler 

Older models didn’t have airbags and fared poorly in crash tests. The IIHS gave the 2011 model of the four-door version a “poor” side-impact rating and a “marginal” rating for its performance in rear-impact collision tests.

Car Models That Are Involved in the Most Accidents

Now that we have examined some of the most dangerous vehicles due to recalls and safety issues let’s examine some of the vehicles most commonly involved in collisions in general.

This category is quite different since more popular vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents while not necessarily making the vehicle itself dangerous. But what matters in this category is not the vehicle safety performance, but instead a combination of driver demographics, vehicle popularity, and driving behavior.

It’s not the vehicle itself that is “at fault,” but rather the type of drivers and the situations in which these vehicles are used.

Key Factors Behind At-Fault Accidents:

1. Driver Behavior: Reckless driving, speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving often lead to fault.
2. Vehicle Popularity: More common vehicles naturally show up in accident statistics more frequently.
3. Demographics: Younger and inexperienced drivers, as well as high-risk drivers, are often associated with certain car models.

Cars Most Commonly Involved in At-Fault Accidents

According to insurance and traffic studies, the following vehicle types and models are more likely to be involved in at-fault accidents:

1. Compact Cars

• Compact cars are often driven by younger, less experienced drivers or used in urban areas with dense traffic, leading to higher accident rates.
• Examples:
  • Honda Civic
  • Toyota Corolla
  • Nissan Sentra

2. Sports Cars

• High horsepower and aggressive styling often attract drivers to sports cars who may engage in risky driving behavior, such as speeding or street racing.
• Examples:
  • Subaru WRX
  • Ford Mustang
  • Chevrolet Camaro
  • Dodge Challenger

3. Older Vehicles

• Older vehicles are more frequently involved in at-fault accidents due to their lack of more modern safety features like anti-collision automatic braking, rear-view cameras, and lane change monitoring. According to recent data from 2024, the average age of vehicles on America’s roads has reached a record high of 12.6 years.
• This data can be viewed as a good thing since it means that some car makers are taking the road less traveled in America and producing products that last. Unfortunately, vehicle safety features have increased at such a fast rate in the last 5-10 years that even a 2018 model can seem old in some cases, much less a vehicle built before Y2K.
• Examples:
  • Toyota Corolla (1998-2012)
  • Honda Civic (1996-2011)
  • Ford F-150 (1999-2006)
  • Chevrolet Silverado (1999-2006)
  • Toyota Camry (2002-2011)

4. Pickup Trucks

• Popular in rural and suburban areas, pickup trucks are frequently used for work purposes. However, pickup trucks may be involved in more accidents due to distracted drivers while working, modifications that make them more dangerous, or the young, male demographic that tends to drive pickup trucks and is more prone to risky behavior.
• Examples:
  • Ford F-150
  • Chevrolet Silverado
  • Ram 1500

5. Rideshare Vehicles

• Some vehicle models are much more commonly used for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft because of their accessibility or just because more of these vehicles are sold. Because of this, these models spend more time on the road, increasing their likelihood of at-fault accidents.
• Examples:
  • Toyota Prius
  • Honda Accord
  • Toyota Camry
  • Honda Civic
  • Hyundai Sonata
  • Chevrolet Malibu
  • Nissan Altima
  • Kia Optima
  • Ford Fusion
  • Hyundai Elantra

6. Small SUVs

• These vehicles are increasingly popular among families and new drivers, and due to their higher traffic exposure, they are more likely to be involved in accidents.
• Examples:
  • Honda CR-V
  • Toyota RAV4

Common Characteristics of At-Fault Drivers and Vehicles

• Inexperience: Younger drivers in compact or sporty vehicles are more likely to engage in riskier behaviors.
• Aggression: High-performance vehicles attract drivers who may speed or drive recklessly.
• Distraction: Vehicles used for rideshare or work purposes often lead to distracted driving scenarios.
• Poor Visibility: Larger trucks or SUVs may have blind spots, increasing the likelihood of at-fault collisions.

While these vehicles appear more frequently in at-fault accident statistics, the driver’s behavior is the primary factor in determining fault. Defensive driving and attentiveness can significantly reduce accidents, regardless of the vehicle being driven.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience, and knowing how to handle the aftermath can make a big difference. Taking the right steps right away can protect your safety, well-being, and legal rights.

Ensure Safety First: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further danger. Check yourself and others involved for injuries and call emergency services for medical assistance if needed.

Don’t Admit Fault: Some drivers, out of politeness or courteousness, tend to say, “Oh, I am so sorry! I shouldn’t have…” or “Are you okay?! That was totally my fault.” Unless you are an expert at accident negligence, don’t admit fault at the scene of the crash. Let your insurance or attorney handle that part of the equation.

Call the Police: No matter how minor the car accident may seem, filing a police report is crucial. The authorities will document the scene and gather essential information, which could be useful for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Exchange Contact Information: Collect contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers from all parties involved in the accident. Be polite and cooperative but avoid discussing fault.

Document the Scene: Take photos and video of the vehicles, license plates, any property damage, road conditions, and any injuries. These details could act as important evidence later on.

Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced Florida car accident lawyer at Jones Law Group for professional advice. If you were injured, speaking to a personal injury attorney is necessary. They can help protect your interests, handle insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation for your losses.

Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve suffered an injury while driving one of the above dangerous car models or were hurt in an accident involving any other vehicle that wasn’t your fault, don’t hesitate to contact the Jones Law Group.

We’ll use all our skills and experience to help you demonstrate negligence in a Florida auto accident to obtain maximum compensation. Please use our online form or call (727) 571-1333 for a free case evaluation.

*All vehicle images attributed to RL GNZLZ via Flickr and licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0