Which car brand has the lowest safety rating?

There is no single car brand that universally holds the “lowest safety rating.” Safety scores are assigned to specific models, vary by model year and equipment, and differ across regions and test programs. Some brands have individual models that performed poorly in recent years, but brand-wide generalizations are misleading; shoppers should compare the exact model, trim, and market spec.

Why there isn’t a simple brand-wide safety ranking

Independent crash-test programs evaluate vehicles by model and configuration, not by brand. Results can vary widely within a brand lineup: a new SUV might score top marks while an older budget model lags. Safety protocols also evolve, so a vehicle that once scored well may fall behind under tougher, newer tests—or improve after a refresh.

Who tests vehicle safety—and where

A handful of independent organizations run the world’s most influential crash and safety tests. The names below are the primary authorities you should rely on when comparing safety results in your region.

• United States: IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings.
• Europe: Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme).
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Latin NCAP.
• India and several emerging markets: Global NCAP’s “Safer Cars for India” and allied programs.
• Australasia: ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Programme).

Together, these groups provide the most comparable and current view of vehicle safety, though each has its own protocols, scoring scales, and equipment assumptions for the models it tests.

Recent examples of low-scoring models (context matters)

The cases below illustrate how specific models—not entire brands—have drawn low or zero-star ratings in recent test cycles. The exact results apply only to the tested configuration, production period, and market specification; updates or different regional versions can change outcomes.

• Dacia Spring (Euro NCAP, 2021): 1 star. The facelifted Spring later improved to 3 stars in 2024 after safety updates.
• Suzuki Baleno (Latin NCAP, 2021): 0 stars for the Latin American specification tested at the time.
• Renault Kwid (Latin NCAP, 2022): 0 stars for the regional version assessed; results have varied by market and update.
• Maruti Suzuki Eeco (Global NCAP, India program, 2022): 0 stars for adult and child occupant protection in the configuration tested.
• Renault Duster (Latin NCAP, 2021): 0 stars for the version tested under updated, stricter protocols.
• Chevrolet Aveo (Latin NCAP, 2023): 0 stars for the Mexican-market version evaluated.

These examples underscore that “lowest safety rating” typically points to a particular model and market spec in a given year—not an entire brand across all regions and timeframes.

How to tell which brands are trending safer in your market

While no agency publishes an official brand-wide “lowest” ranking, you can gauge a brand’s recent performance by looking at how many of its current models earn top-tier awards in your region (for example, IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ in the U.S. or 5-star results in Euro NCAP). Because criteria tighten frequently, awards are a useful, current snapshot but not a permanent label.

What to check when comparing safety

If you’re shopping, use the checklist below to compare the real-world safety of specific models and trims you’re considering.

1. Look up the exact model year, body style, engine, and safety package on your local test authority’s site (IIHS/NHTSA, Euro NCAP, Latin NCAP, Global NCAP, or ANCAP).
2. Confirm crashworthiness results (frontal, side, rear, small-overlap, roof strength where applicable) and active safety performance (AEB, lane support, pedestrian/cyclist detection).
3. Verify equipment levels: airbags (including side-curtain and center airbags), seat-belt pretensioners, ESC, and availability of advanced driver assistance as standard.
4. Check production dates and updates; mid-cycle refreshes can materially change scores.
5. Cross-reference recall and defect data in your country for the VIN range you plan to buy.

Following these steps will give you a precise, model-specific view of safety rather than relying on broad brand perceptions.

Bottom line

There isn’t a definitive “least safe” car brand. Safety ratings are model-specific, change with equipment and year, and differ by region. To identify a safe choice—or to spot a laggard—compare the exact vehicle you plan to buy against the latest results from your local crash-test authority and prioritize versions that earn top-tier awards under the newest protocols.

Summary

No single brand universally has the lowest safety rating; the lowest scores are tied to specific models, configurations, and markets in particular years. Use IIHS/NHTSA (U.S.), Euro NCAP (Europe), Latin NCAP, Global NCAP, or ANCAP to check current, model-specific results, and focus on vehicles that meet the latest, stricter standards with strong crashworthiness and active safety performance.

What car brand is the least safe?

Car brands like Dodge, Kia, and Buick are identified as having some of the highest fatal accident rates, while Tesla also appears in some studies due to high fatal accident rates despite advanced technology. The safety of a brand can depend on factors such as driver behavior and the prevalence of driver-assisted technology, not just vehicle design. For specific safety ratings, consult the official crash test results from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 
Car Brands with High Accident and Fatalities

• Dodge: Repeatedly cited as one of the most dangerous American car brands, with a low percentage of its vehicles earning IIHS safety awards. 
• Kia: Appears on lists of brands with high fatal accident rates. 
• Buick: Also identified as a brand with a high fatal accident rate. 
• Tesla: While a brand with advanced driver-assist technology, studies show a high fatal accident rate. 

Factors Influencing Safety

• Driver Behavior: Some research suggests that high accident rates for certain brands, including Tesla, may be influenced by driver behavior and the way drivers interact with the advanced technology, not solely the vehicle’s design. 
• Vehicle Design vs. Driver Input: Safety can depend on a combination of a vehicle’s structural integrity, safety features (like airbags and anti-lock brakes), and the actions of the driver. 

How to Check for Specific Model Safety

• NHTSA Safety Ratings: Opens in new tabThe NHTSA provides a star rating from 1-Star (least safe) to 5-Star (most safe) for its crash tests, including frontal, side, and rollover tests. 
• IIHS Ratings: Opens in new tabThe IIHS tests vehicles in six different crash scenarios and rates them using categories such as “Good,” “Acceptable,” “Marginal,” or “Poor”. 

Which car has a 0 safety rating?

The Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon all showed low levels of adult occupant protection. The Renault Kwid was tested in three versions, including one with airbags, but each was rated as zero star for adult safety (see Editors Note).

What is the #1 safest car brand?

There is no single “number 1” safest car brand, as safety ratings vary by vehicle model and the specific testing organization. However, Subaru, Volvo, Genesis, Toyota, and Honda are frequently highlighted as top-performing brands for their high number of award-winning models, according to organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
 
Here’s a breakdown of some top brands and why they’re considered safe:

• Subaru: Opens in new tabOften leads studies for the fewest fatal crashes, with models like the Outback consistently performing well in safety tests. 
• Volvo: Opens in new tabHistorically known for safety, Volvo continues to earn high safety ratings, with models like the XC90 and the brand’s overall commitment to safety. 
• Genesis: Opens in new tabThis luxury brand earned a large number of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards in previous years, demonstrating strong crashworthiness and advanced safety features across its lineup. 
• Toyota: Opens in new tabToyota and its luxury division, Lexus, frequently receive high ratings from the IIHS, with many models earning Top Safety Pick+ awards for their safety performance. 
• Honda: Opens in new tabThe Honda brand also frequently has models that earn top safety awards from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. 
• Hyundai: Opens in new tabAnother consistently strong performer, Hyundai models like the Kona and Sonata often achieve top ratings for their excellent crash protection and driver-assist systems. 

Key Factors for Car Safety

• Active Safety Features: These systems help prevent a crash, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. 
• Passive Safety Features: These systems protect occupants during a crash, including advanced airbags, strong structural designs, and effective head restraints. 
• Test Ratings: Reputable organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA provide comprehensive safety ratings based on rigorous crash testing. 

Which car has the worst crash rate?

The Hyundai Venue has the highest fatality rate, with an average of 13.9 fatalities per billion vehicle miles, according to a 2024 study. Other models with high fatality rates include the Mitsubishi Mirage and other small, light vehicles like the Hyundai Accent, though Tesla has the highest fatal accident rate among car brands. However, driver behavior and the number of vehicles on the road often contribute more to the number of crashes than the vehicle design itself.
 
Factors contributing to high fatality rates:

• Vehicle design: Small, light vehicles tend to have higher fatality rates, as seen with models like the Hyundai Venue and Mitsubishi Mirage, because they offer less protection in a crash. 
• Driver behavior: Studies suggest that driver behavior, rather than vehicle design, is the largest factor in avoiding crashes. Factors such as inattention, risky driving, or overreliance on driving assistance systems can increase the likelihood of accidents. 
• Popularity of the vehicle: Popular models like the Ford F-Series may be involved in more crashes simply due to their high sales volume and prevalence on the roads. 

Examples of vehicles with high fatality rates:

• Hyundai Venue: Opens in new tabThis subcompact SUV has one of the highest fatality rates, with 13.9 fatalities per billion vehicle miles. 
• Mitsubishi Mirage: Opens in new tabThe Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 models are noted for high fatality rates. 
• Tesla Model Y: Opens in new tabThis electric SUV also appears on some lists of dangerous cars, but many studies indicate that its high fatal accident rate is tied more to driver behavior than the vehicle’s design. 
• Dodge Challenger: Opens in new tabThis car model has one of the highest driver death rates, notes the Kelley Blue Book.