What Is the Least Safe Car?

There isn’t a single “least safe car” worldwide. Safety varies by model, year, trim, and where the vehicle is sold. Broadly, the least safe vehicles tend to be very small, low-cost models that lack basic safety equipment (like multiple airbags and electronic stability control) and that score poorly or “zero stars” in regional crash tests; by contrast, most mainstream models in markets with strict regulations perform far better. Below, we explain how safety is measured, what patterns the data shows, and how to check any specific car.

How “least safe” is measured

Safety can mean crash protection, crash avoidance, and real-world outcomes. Researchers and regulators use multiple yardsticks to gauge these dimensions; understanding them clarifies why no single model can be crowned “least safe” across all contexts.

• Laboratory crash tests: Programs like IIHS and NHTSA (U.S.), Euro NCAP (Europe), Latin NCAP (Latin America), Global NCAP initiatives (India, Africa, ASEAN), and ANCAP (Australia/NZ) crash vehicles under standardized protocols and assign ratings (often stars or “Good–Poor”).
• Driver death rates and injury statistics: Organizations such as IIHS analyze real-world fatality rates by model and body style over specific years of exposure.
• Active safety performance: Tests of automatic emergency braking, pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane keeping, and headlight effectiveness measure crash avoidance.
• Equipment compliance: Presence of ESC, multiple airbags, pretensioners, ISOFIX/LATCH, and strong child-seat provisions materially affects outcomes.
• Structural integrity/compatibility: Small-overlap performance, side-impact protection, roof strength, and compatibility with larger vehicles influence injury risk.

Because these indicators evolve year by year and differ by region and trim, “least safe” must be judged within a specific market, model year, and configuration.

What current data generally shows

Across recent public ratings and studies, several consistent patterns emerge about which vehicles are most and least protective in crashes.

• Very small, light cars typically fare worse in severe crashes than larger, heavier vehicles, even if they earn decent lab scores, due to physics and crash compatibility.
• Budget models sold without essential equipment (ESC, side/curtain airbags) often receive low or zero-star ratings under newer NCAP protocols in some emerging markets.
• In the U.S., the highest driver death rates tend to cluster among the smallest cars and among certain sporty/convertible variants, while family SUVs and pickups generally show lower rates.
• Active safety (AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane support) reduces crash risk substantially; vehicles lacking these systems are at a disadvantage in modern ratings.
• Model-year changes matter: a redesign can move a car from poor to good (or vice versa) within a single generation.

The implication is that category and equipment often matter as much as the nameplate. A well-equipped newer small car can outperform an older, poorly equipped midsize car, and regional specs can diverge sharply.

Why there’s no universal “least safe” model

Safety ratings are region-specific, and the same model can differ by market. An export version may include more airbags and ESC than a domestic, entry-level variant tested by a different program, yielding different results under different protocols. Further, rankings shift as organizations update tests (for example, adding tougher side impacts or revised child-occupant criteria).

How to identify the least safe options in your market

If you need to determine which cars are riskiest where you live, follow this process to narrow it down reliably.

1. Locate your regional safety program and search by model year and trim: IIHS/NHTSA (U.S.), Euro NCAP (EU/UK), Latin NCAP, Global NCAP (India/Africa/ASEAN initiatives), or ANCAP (Australia/NZ).
2. Check multiple tests within the program: small-overlap or oblique frontal, far-side and side impacts, child-occupant protection, pedestrian/cyclist protection, and active safety performance.
3. Confirm standard equipment on the exact trim you’re considering: number and type of airbags, ESC, AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane support, seatbelt pretensioners/limiters, and ISOFIX/LATCH anchors.
4. Look up real-world outcomes when available: IIHS driver death-rate studies (U.S.), national crash/injury databases, and insurer loss data provide complementary context.
5. Scan for recalls and structural service bulletins: unresolved safety recalls or structural issues may undermine lab-tested performance.

After those steps, the models with low or zero-star ratings, weak structural results, missing core safety features, and poor real-world outcomes will stand out as the least safe in your market and model-year window.

Common red flags that signal a “least safe” choice

Regardless of brand, certain omissions and test results are strong indicators that a car offers subpar protection.

• Zero- or one-star ratings under a current NCAP protocol, especially with notes about unstable structures or poor child-occupant protection.
• Absence of ESC (electronic stability control) and side/curtain airbags; these are baseline protections in many markets and their absence is a critical warning sign.
• Poor small-overlap (or oblique) crash results indicating significant cabin intrusion and high injury measures.
• Lack of AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection and weak headlight performance, both tied to preventable crashes at night and in urban settings.
• High driver death rates or elevated injury-claim frequencies compared with class peers, where such data is published.

If a vehicle displays several of these red flags, it is likely among the least safe options relative to contemporary alternatives in its segment.

Regional context at a glance

Safety expectations and the availability of equipment differ by region. Understanding this context helps explain why “least safe” varies.

• United States/Canada: Most mainstream new models achieve strong crashworthiness. The weakest performers are usually the very smallest, lowest-cost cars and certain sporty/convertible variants in driver-death statistics. IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-Star labels are useful markers.
• Europe/UK: Euro NCAP’s evolving protocols are demanding; low or zero-star scores typically indicate substantial equipment gaps or structural concerns compared with class norms.
• Latin America/Africa/parts of Asia: Some entry-level vehicles are sold with fewer airbags and without ESC; under Latin NCAP or Global NCAP’s latest protocols, those trims can receive zero stars, placing them among the least safe locally.
• India: Newer models increasingly earn strong scores under Global NCAP or the newer Bharat NCAP, but legacy or base variants of some budget cars have scored poorly, especially on child-occupant protection and side impacts.
• Australia/New Zealand: ANCAP closely tracks Euro NCAP; models lacking advanced driver assistance or with weak structure can score lower than class peers.

The takeaway: Focus on the exact local spec and test protocol for your region; the same nameplate can span from poor to excellent depending on market equipment.

Practical guidance if safety is your top priority

To avoid landing on a “least safe” choice, prioritize these factors when shopping.

• Pick a newer model year with recent top ratings from your regional NCAP and, where applicable, IIHS/NHTSA.
• Ensure standard ESC, six or more airbags (including side-curtain), and high scores in small-overlap and side-impact tests.
• Favor trims with AEB that detects pedestrians and cyclists, good headlights, and lane support systems validated by your local program.
• Consider vehicle size and mass: within reason, a larger, well-rated vehicle offers better crash protection than a very small one.
• Verify child-seat provisions and scores if carrying children; ISOFIX/LATCH access and top-tether geometry matter.

Following these steps typically moves you away from the bottom of the safety spectrum and toward models with proven protection and avoidance capabilities.

Bottom line

There is no single, permanent answer to “the least safe car.” The label shifts by market and model year, and it often attaches to very small, low-cost vehicles lacking essential safety equipment and scoring poorly under current crash-test protocols. To identify the least safe choices where you live—or to avoid them—consult up-to-date ratings from your regional safety program, confirm actual equipment on the trim you’ll buy, and review any available real-world outcome data.

Summary

No universal model is the “least safe.” Safety depends on when and where a car is sold and what equipment it carries. Vehicles most at risk of bottom-tier status are small, budget-focused models without ESC and adequate airbags that earn low or zero-star ratings under current regional crash-test protocols. Use your local NCAP/IIHS/NHTSA scores, check standard safety equipment on the exact trim, and consult real-world statistics to determine which specific models are least safe in your market and year.

Which car has a 0 star safety rating?

The latest Indian crash test results from Global NCAP released today (17) in Delhi continue to disappoint with all five models rated as zero star. The Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon all showed low levels of adult occupant protection.

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

Which car has the lowest rating?

Indian car with lowest safety rating in Global NCAP Crash test

• Maruti Suzuki Eeco. The Maruti Suzuki Eeco was crash-tested on GNCAP in 2016 featuring no airbags.
• Suzuki Ignis.
• Maruti Suzuki WagonR.
• Suzuki Swift.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.
• Suzuki Alto K10.
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.

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”.