Which car has the lowest crash test rating?

There isn’t a single global “lowest” car, because ratings vary by region and testing program. However, among major, modern programs, the Renault Zoe (tested by Euro NCAP in 2021) received 0 stars—the lowest possible score—and several Latin NCAP and Global NCAP tests in recent years have also produced 0-star results for entry-level models in developing markets. In the United States, no current mass-market vehicle carries an overall 1-star NHTSA rating; IIHS instead reports “Poor” results on specific tests for some models rather than issuing a single overall score.

Why “lowest” depends on where you live

Crash safety is assessed by multiple independent bodies, each with different test protocols and scoring. In the U.S., NHTSA uses a 5-star scale (lowest is 1 star), and IIHS grades individual tests from Poor to Good. In Europe, Euro NCAP issues star ratings from 0 to 5, and 0 stars are possible when performance and safety tech fall short. Latin NCAP and Global NCAP run similar star-based programs tailored to local markets and equipment levels. Because test methods and vehicle specifications vary by region and year, the “lowest” rating isn’t universal—and star scores are not directly comparable across programs.

Recent examples of the lowest ratings

Europe (Euro NCAP)

Euro NCAP’s assessments are among the most demanding and regularly updated. These are notable recent cases at or near the bottom of its scale.

• 2021 Renault Zoe — 0 stars (Euro NCAP, 2021): Criticized for weak occupant protection and the removal/alteration of side airbag coverage in a facelifted version; limited active safety tech.
• 2018 Fiat Panda — 0 stars (Euro NCAP, 2018): Very limited safety assistance systems and subpar crash performance for the protocol at the time.
• 2017 Fiat Punto — 0 stars (Euro NCAP, 2017): The first car to receive 0 stars under then-current protocols, reflecting an aging platform without modern safeguards.
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler — 1 star (Euro NCAP, 2018): Marked down for structural concerns in frontal offset and lack of robust safety assist features in the tested configuration.

These results underscore how quickly safety standards evolve: cars that were acceptable years earlier can fall to the bottom when re-tested under newer, tougher protocols or after equipment changes.

Latin America (Latin NCAP)

Latin NCAP tests vehicles as sold in Latin American markets, where base trims sometimes lack airbags or electronic stability control (ESC), leading to low or zero-star outcomes despite nameplates that score well elsewhere.

• 2021 Suzuki Swift (Latin American spec) — 0 stars (Latin NCAP, 2021): The tested version lacked key restraints and active safety equipment, resulting in very low adult and child occupant protection ratings.
• Chevrolet Aveo (Mexico-market, 2018 test) — 0 stars (Latin NCAP, 2018, no-airbag version): The model as tested without airbags performed poorly; later, better-equipped variants have scored higher.

Latin NCAP has repeatedly highlighted equipment disparities, showing how the same model name can deliver very different safety outcomes depending on standard features in each market.

India and other emerging markets (Global NCAP)

Global NCAP’s “Safer Cars for India/Africa” initiatives have revealed stark contrasts in baseline safety for entry-level cars, though many manufacturers have improved rapidly in response.

• 2020 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso (India) — 0 stars adult occupant (Global NCAP, 2020): Weak structural performance and limited restraints on the variant tested.
• 2014 Datsun GO (India) — 0 stars (Global NCAP, 2014): Structure assessed as unstable with serious risk of injury.
• 2014 Tata Nano (India) — 0 stars (Global NCAP, 2014): Lacked basic occupant protection; subsequently discontinued.
• 2014 Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 (India) — 0 stars (Global NCAP, 2014): No airbags in the tested base trim and poor crashworthiness.

Since 2022, Global NCAP’s tougher protocols and market pressure have pushed many mainstream models toward markedly better results, but older or minimally equipped variants can still fare poorly.

United States (NHTSA and IIHS)

The U.S. landscape is different: new vehicles commonly achieve 4–5 stars overall with NHTSA, and IIHS focuses on multiple specific crash modes plus crash-prevention technology, issuing per-test grades.

• NHTSA: The lowest possible overall rating is 1 star, but among current mass-market models on sale, overall 1-star ratings are extremely rare; most recent vehicles score 4 or 5 stars overall.
• IIHS: Some models have “Poor” results on specific tests. For example, the current-generation Jeep Wrangler has recorded Poor or Marginal outcomes in the driver-side small overlap test in several model years due to structural performance and door integrity. Many vehicles also initially scored Poor for rear-seat protection under IIHS’s updated moderate overlap test before manufacturers made improvements.

Because IIHS does not publish a single overarching star score, the “lowest” label in the U.S. typically refers to specific weak spots (e.g., small-overlap crashworthiness or rear-seat protection) rather than overall crash safety.

How to check the latest rating for a specific car

If you want the most accurate, up-to-date answer for a particular model and region, follow these steps to verify current crash test scores and understand what they mean.

1. Identify your market and trim: Safety equipment can vary by country and even by trim level within the same model line.
2. Consult the relevant program: NHTSA and IIHS for the U.S.; Euro NCAP for Europe; Latin NCAP for Latin America; Global NCAP for India/Africa and selected markets.
3. Check the protocol year: Newer protocols are often tougher; do not compare stars across different years or programs without context.
4. Look beyond stars: Review detailed test notes for structural integrity, airbag coverage, child occupant protection, and availability of ESC and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
5. Verify updates: Mid-cycle refreshes can add or remove safety equipment; a facelifted model may score differently from earlier tests.

Taking these steps helps you avoid apples-to-oranges comparisons and ensures the rating reflects the car you can actually buy in your region.

Bottom line

There is no single car that universally holds the “lowest crash test rating” worldwide. Under modern European standards, the Renault Zoe’s 0-star result (Euro NCAP, 2021) stands out as the clearest example of a lowest possible score, while Latin NCAP and Global NCAP have also recorded 0-star results for minimally equipped, budget-oriented models in certain markets. In the U.S., overall 1-star NHTSA ratings are essentially absent among current new vehicles; instead, look for IIHS “Poor” grades on specific crash modes to identify weaknesses. Always check the latest, market-specific test for the exact model and trim you’re considering.

What 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. 

What car has the lowest crash rate?

Safest Car Models with the Fewest Highway Accidents

Rank	Car Model	Accident Rate (per 100,000 vehicles)
1	Volvo XC90	2.0
2	Tesla Model 3	2.1
3	Audi Q7	2.3
4	Subaru Outback	2.4

What is the #1 safest car?

There is no single #1 safest car, but numerous vehicles earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, including models from Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and Hyundai, signifying exceptional safety performance in crash testing. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is the highest rating, given to vehicles with good or acceptable scores in all crash evaluations and advanced or superior front crash prevention systems. You can find award-winning vehicles across various categories, from compact cars to large SUVs, according to MotorTrend and U.S. News & World Report.
 
How to find the safest car for you

1. Understand the awards: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the highest safety rating, the Top Safety Pick+, to vehicles that perform well in its rigorous crash tests and have good front crash prevention systems. 
2. Look for models that earned the Top Safety Pick+: Many manufacturers’ models receive this award, but it’s always best to check the specific year you are interested in, as criteria can change. 
3. Consider your vehicle class: Larger, heavier vehicles generally offer more protection, so consider a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car, sedan, SUV, or truck. 
4. Check a trusted source: Look for lists of safest cars from publications like U.S. News & World Report or MotorTrend. 

Examples of 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award Winners 

• Honda: Civic (sedan and hatchback), Accord, CR-V
• Hyundai: Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Genesis models
• Mazda: CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-90
• Toyota: Camry, Crown

What car brand has the lowest safety rating?

There is no definitive “worst” brand, but based on fatal accident rates, Tesla, Kia, Buick, Dodge, and Hyundai had high rates, while studies have also pointed to models from Mitsubishi and Jeep as having safety concerns and poor crash test results. However, driver behavior can also significantly impact a vehicle’s fatality rate. 
Factors to Consider

• Driver Behavior: A driver’s habits can heavily influence accident outcomes, so a high fatal accident rate for a brand might reflect driver behavior more than the car’s design. 
• Vehicle Type: Smaller cars, like the Mitsubishi Mirage, can have higher fatality rates due to less protective crumple zones and overall less mass in a collision, notes SpeedwayMedia.com. 
• Specific Models: Within a brand, certain models may have poor safety ratings while others perform well. For example, some Jeep models and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have been cited for safety issues. 

How to Find a Car’s Actual Safety Rating

• iSeeCars.com: This site provides data on fatal accident rates per brand, offering insights into which brands have a higher risk of fatal accidents. 
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB): KBB publishes studies on the deadliest and least deadly cars, providing data based on driver deaths per million registered vehicle years. 
• Consumer Reports: This organization rigorously tests cars and provides safety ratings based on crash tests and other safety features. 
• NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): The NHTSA performs safety evaluations and provides scores, which are critical for consumers to review. 
• IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): The IIHS also conducts crash tests and rates vehicles, helping consumers understand how well a car protects occupants. 
• Euro NCAP: For vehicles sold in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, organizations like Euro NCAP provide detailed safety ratings and crash test results. 

Why Driver Behavior Matters
The relationship between a vehicle’s brand and its safety rating is complex, as driver behavior—such as speed and adherence to traffic laws—plays a significant role. A car with a poor safety rating might indicate poorer driver habits, rather than an inherently unsafe vehicle.