Which car has the lowest safety rating?

There isn’t a single global “lowest-rated” car, because safety scores are issued by different programs in different regions. However, several models have received the minimum possible rating (often zero stars) from independent crash-test programs in recent years—for example, the 2021 Renault Zoe and 2018–2019 Fiat Panda in Euro NCAP, the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Eeco in Global NCAP’s India tests, and the 2023 Chevrolet Aveo and 2021 Suzuki Swift in Latin NCAP. In the United States, no widely sold new passenger car currently carries a 1‑star overall NHTSA rating; most modern models score 4–5 stars or earn strong IIHS results.

What “lowest safety rating” actually means

Different organizations test vehicles using different protocols and scales, so “lowest” depends on the program you’re looking at. Here’s how the major crash-test bodies define the bottom of their scales and how to interpret them.

• Euro NCAP (Europe): Overall star ratings from 0 to 5. Zero stars means the car met legal minimums but showed poor protection and/or serious gaps in active safety (e.g., no effective AEB or lane support).
• Global NCAP (various developing markets, including past India-focused tests): Star ratings for Adult and Child Occupant Protection; zero stars indicates very low crash protection and/or missing critical safety equipment.
• Latin NCAP (Latin America): Star ratings from 0 to 5 under progressively stricter protocols; zero stars can reflect weak crash protection and lack of standard safety tech.
• NHTSA (United States): Overall star rating from 1 to 5. In recent model years, new mainstream cars typically score 4–5 stars overall; 1–2 star overall ratings are extremely rare for current models.
• IIHS (United States): Test-specific ratings from Poor to Good and separate awards (Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+). There is no single “overall star,” so the “lowest” could mean a Poor result in a particular test.

Because protocols, model specifications, and required equipment vary by market, a car’s rating can differ substantially across regions—even if the model name is the same.

Recent cars that received the minimum rating in their programs

The models below have been assessed at or near the bottom of their respective rating scales in the past decade. Availability and safety equipment can change by year and market, and later updates may have improved their scores.

• Euro NCAP — 2021 Renault Zoe (Europe): 0 stars. Score dropped sharply after a facelift that removed certain side airbag protection; weak performance in crash tests and lack of robust active safety contributed to the zero-star verdict.
• Euro NCAP — 2018 and 2019 Fiat Panda (Europe): 0 stars. Penalized for absent or ineffective active safety features and mediocre crash protection under then-current protocols.
• Euro NCAP — 2017 Fiat Punto (Europe): 0 stars. First car to receive zero stars from Euro NCAP under modern protocols, reflecting outdated safety performance at the time.
• Global NCAP (India-focused program) — 2022 Maruti Suzuki Eeco (India): 0 stars for Adult Occupant Protection. Tests cited structural concerns and limited restraint systems; the model tested lacked critical standard safety equipment.
• Global NCAP (India-focused program) — 2016 Renault Kwid (original Indian-market version): 0 stars. Early versions lacked basic protection; later iterations with more airbags improved but still trailed best-in-class.
• Global NCAP — 2014 Datsun Go (India): 0 stars. Found to have an unstable body shell and very poor crash protection.
• Latin NCAP — 2023 Chevrolet Aveo (Mexico/Central America): 0 stars. Cited lack of standard side airbags and ESC in key versions and weak protection in certain impacts.
• Latin NCAP — 2021 Suzuki Swift (Latin American spec): 0 stars. Penalized for limited standard safety equipment and subpar protection under the newer, stricter Latin NCAP protocols.

Zero-star outcomes typically reflect a combination of weak crash structures, limited restraint systems (few or no airbags), and missing active safety tech (like ESC and AEB). Manufacturers often respond by adding equipment or revising structures, so later builds or different regional specs can perform better.

What about cars sold in the United States?

In the U.S., new cars are primarily rated by NHTSA (5-Star Safety Ratings) and IIHS (crashworthiness and crash-avoidance tests with separate awards). There is no single “lowest-rated car” across both systems, and most current models do reasonably well.

• NHTSA overall ratings: As of recent model years, new mainstream passenger cars typically earn 4 or 5 stars overall; it’s unusual to find a current, widely sold model with an overall rating below 3 stars.
• IIHS results: Some models may earn Poor or Marginal in specific tests (for example, the updated moderate overlap test’s rear-seat protection or pedestrian front-crash prevention at night), even if they perform well elsewhere. IIHS does not issue a single overall star rating.
• Awards: The clearest shorthand in the U.S. is whether a car earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ and has 5 stars from NHTSA; absence of awards doesn’t automatically mean “unsafe,” but it’s a useful filter.

If you’re shopping in the U.S., it’s best to compare NHTSA overall and sub-scores alongside IIHS test-by-test results for the exact model year and trim you’re considering.

How to find the safest choice for your market

Because ratings vary by region, the safest approach is to check the latest score for the exact car, model year, and market specification you plan to buy.

1. Identify the precise model, year, body style, drivetrain, and safety equipment (airbags, ESC, AEB, lane support) of the vehicle you’re considering.
2. Consult your region’s test body: Euro NCAP (Europe), Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP (India), Latin NCAP (Latin America), ANCAP (Australia/New Zealand), NHTSA and IIHS (United States).
3. Review both crashworthiness (impact tests) and crash-avoidance (AEB, lane support, pedestrian protection) results—not just the headline star or award.
4. Check for mid-cycle updates: A facelift or equipment change can materially alter a car’s rating within the same generation.
5. Compare rivals tested under the same protocol year, since standards tighten over time and can make direct cross-year comparisons misleading.

Taking these steps will help you avoid relying on outdated or mismatched data and ensure you’re comparing like-for-like safety performance.

Summary

There is no single global answer to “which car has the lowest safety rating,” but several models have received zero stars in reputable programs—among them the 2021 Renault Zoe and 2018–2019 Fiat Panda (Euro NCAP), the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Eeco and earlier Renault Kwid/Datsun Go (Global NCAP), and the 2023 Chevrolet Aveo and 2021 Suzuki Swift (Latin NCAP). In the U.S., most new cars score well under NHTSA and IIHS protocols. Always check the latest rating from the relevant crash-test body for the exact model and market you’re considering.

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 is most likely to survive a crash?

The safest cars for surviving an accident generally include large SUVs and sedans with high safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA. Look for vehicles with robust safety features, strong build quality, and good performance in crash tests, such as the Volvo XC90, Subaru Ascent, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry. 
Factors to Consider

• Vehicle Type: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and large sedans, offer greater protection in collisions due to their size and mass. 
• Safety Ratings: Check for high ratings from safety organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 
• Crash Prevention Technology: Modern safety systems, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, can help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. 
• Structure and Design: Cars built with high-tensile steel and strong safety cages offer better protection against impact. 
• Survival Space: Some vehicles, like the Tesla Model Y, are designed to provide more survival space in a side-impact crash. 

Examples of Safe Vehicles

• SUVs: Opens in new tabThe Volvo XC90 and Subaru Ascent are known for their strong safety performance. The Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Audi Q7, and Rivian R1S are also considered safe options in various categories. 
• Sedans: Opens in new tabThe Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are consistently ranked as safe and reliable choices. 
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Opens in new tabThe Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Genesis GV60 are among the safest SUVs and sedans to survive an accident. 

Tips for Choosing a Safer Car

• Prioritize Safety: Make safety ratings and features a top priority when shopping for a car. 
• Research Thoroughly: Look up reviews and safety reports from trusted sources like the IIHS, NHTSA, and KBB.com. 
• Consider a Larger Vehicle: A larger vehicle, like a mid-sized or large SUV, is generally safer than a smaller one in a collision. 

Which is the cheapest and safest car?

Comparison and Safety Rating of the Safest Cars in India under ₹10 Lakhs

Model Name	Global NCAP Safety Rating	Ex-showroom Price
Tata Altroz	5 stars	₹6.6 lakh-₹11.4 lakh
Tata Nexon	5 stars	₹8.0 lakh-₹15.8 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Dzire	5 Star	₹6.8 lakh – 10.1 lakh
Tata Tiago	4 stars	₹5.7 lakh-₹8.9 lakh

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.