Which Car Brand Is the “Unsafest”? What the Latest Safety Data Actually Show

There isn’t a single brand that is universally the “unsafest,” because safety varies widely by model and model year. However, looking across recent U.S. indicators through 2024—such as IIHS crash tests and driver-death rates, plus NHTSA recalls and complaints—brands like Dodge and Ram often appear near the bottom, largely because of high-risk models and older designs, while Volvo, Subaru, Lexus, Mazda, and Toyota repeatedly land among the safest. The details below explain why the answer depends on how you measure safety and which vehicles you compare.

How to Define “Unsafest”: The Metrics That Matter

Different organizations measure safety in different ways. Understanding the yardsticks helps explain why lists of “unsafest” brands don’t always match.

• Crash-test performance: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings for crashworthiness and crash-avoidance.
• Driver-death rates: IIHS publishes model-level driver fatality rates; certain models (notably some muscle cars and minicars) regularly show elevated risk.
• Active safety (ADAS): Availability and effectiveness of automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, pedestrian/bicyclist detection, and headlight performance.
• Vehicle type and physics: Larger, heavier vehicles generally protect occupants better than very small, light cars, though they may pose higher risks to others outside the vehicle.
• Recalls and complaints: NHTSA recall counts and defect investigations signal quality and safety issues, though a high recall count (especially for software) doesn’t automatically mean a vehicle is crash-unsafe.
• Awards and consistency: How often a brand’s lineup earns IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ and strong NHTSA ratings across multiple models and years.

Taken together, these indicators offer a more reliable picture than any single metric. A brand can score well on crash tests yet still face frequent recalls, or vice versa.

What Recent Data Indicate About Higher-Risk Patterns

Aggregating major U.S. sources available through 2024—IIHS crash tests and driver-death studies, NHTSA recalls and complaints, and industry analyses—shows clear trends, even if no brand is “unsafest” across every measure.

Brands that often rank near the bottom across multiple indicators (U.S., 2020–2024)

The following brands are frequently flagged when you combine crash-test results, driver-death rates for popular models, scarcity of IIHS awards, and/or ongoing recall or design concerns. Specific models and years matter a lot, so treat this as a pattern, not a blanket verdict on every vehicle they sell.

• Dodge: IIHS driver-death analyses have repeatedly highlighted muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger among the models with elevated driver fatality rates; the brand has also had relatively few recent IIHS Top Safety Pick awards due to aging platforms and mixed active-safety availability.
• Ram: Full-size pickups can perform well in some tests but have struggled for broad IIHS recognition across trims and years; pedestrian protection and headlight performance have been common weak points, and advanced safety features haven’t always been standard.
• Mitsubishi: Historically fewer IIHS awards and slower rollout of the latest active-safety tech across the lineup; newer redesigns are improving, but older models remain common on the road.
• Jeep: Iconic off-roaders like the Wrangler have had mixed crash-test showings (especially in certain side-impact and rollover-related measures), and the brand typically secures fewer IIHS Top Safety Picks compared with safety-focused rivals.
• Fiat/Chrysler (limited U.S. lineups): Sparse, aging offerings over the last several years have translated into few recent top-tier safety awards; results vary widely by model and year.

These brand-level patterns are driven largely by specific high-risk models, platform age, and uneven availability of modern crash-avoidance tech. A newer redesign with robust safety equipment can significantly change the picture for any given model.

Brands that consistently score near the top for safety

Some brands have built a reputation for strong crash-test performance and standard active-safety technology across most of their lineups, earning frequent IIHS awards and strong NHTSA results.

• Volvo: Longstanding leader in occupant protection and advanced safety systems; frequent IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ awards.
• Subaru: Wide adoption of standard EyeSight driver-assistance, strong crashworthiness, and numerous IIHS awards across core models.
• Lexus and Toyota: High rates of IIHS recognition, broad standardization of Toyota Safety Sense/Lexus Safety System+, and strong reliability supporting consistent safety performance.
• Mazda: Repeated IIHS Top Safety Pick+ showings, excellent headlight and crash-avoidance scores across several models.
• Genesis, Honda, BMW, Hyundai, Kia: Many models score well in updated IIHS tests and 5-star NHTSA ratings, with expansive availability of modern ADAS.

Even among these brands, safety varies by model and year. Check the specific vehicle’s ratings rather than assuming the badge guarantees top-tier results.

Why Different “Unsafest Brand” Lists Conflict

Safety is multi-dimensional. Lists that lean on driver-death rates often penalize brands selling many high-horsepower sports or muscle cars, or very small/light vehicles, which statistically fare worse in severe crashes. By contrast, lists focused on recalls may spotlight brands with aggressive over-the-air software updates, which can inflate recall counts without implying poor crash protection. Crash-test awards reward the latest structural designs and advanced crash-avoidance tech—so older, unchanged models drag down a brand’s standings until they’re redesigned.

What to do if you want the safest possible vehicle

Shoppers should evaluate the specific model and model year using objective, current sources. The following steps help you cut through brand generalizations and find a safer car.

1. Prioritize IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ models, especially those passing the newer, tougher side-impact and updated moderate-overlap tests.
2. Look for five-star NHTSA overall ratings and check the details for frontal, side, and rollover scores.
3. Get standard (not optional) active safety: automatic emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and good or acceptable headlight ratings.
4. Favor newer redesigns over older carryover platforms; each generation typically brings meaningful safety gains.
5. Mind size and weight: all else equal, small/light cars carry more occupant risk in serious crashes than midsize or larger vehicles.
6. Scan IIHS driver-death rate reports for your short list; avoid models with persistently elevated fatality rates.
7. Check NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the exact model/year; frequent or unresolved issues are a red flag.

Following these steps will align your choice with the strongest, most current safety evidence rather than brand stereotypes.

Bottom line

No single automaker is categorically the “unsafest,” but U.S. data through 2024 often place Dodge and Ram near the bottom when you combine driver-death patterns for certain models, fewer top-tier crash-test awards, and uneven active-safety coverage. Conversely, Volvo, Subaru, Lexus, Mazda, and Toyota frequently land among the safest. Always verify the specific model and model year with IIHS and NHTSA data before you buy.

Summary

There is no definitive “unsafest” car brand because safety depends on the specific model and year. Across recent U.S. safety indicators, Dodge and Ram often show weaker results driven by high-risk models and older designs, while Volvo, Subaru, Lexus, Mazda, and Toyota consistently perform well. For the safest choice, target models with IIHS Top Safety Pick (or better), five-star NHTSA ratings, standard modern ADAS, and strong showings in the latest crash tests.

Which car brand has the most safety?

List of Safest Car Brands

1. Ford. Ford receives an 8.92/10 safety rating for 2025, with 25 models earning NHTSA 5-star ratings, making it to the top 10 safest car brands list.
2. Nissan.
3. Mazda.
4. Hyundai.
5. Volkswagen.
6. BMW.
7. Subaru.
8. Volvo.

Which car brand has the lowest fatality rate?

Safety first: Here are the 10 vehicles with the lowest rates of…

• Volvo XC90 4WD, luxury SUV, midsize (0)
• Subaru Legacy 4WD, 4-door car, midsize (0)
• Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4WD, luxury SUV, large (0)
• Lexus RX 350 4WD, luxury SUV, midsize (0)
• Kia Sorento 2WD, SUV, midsize (0)

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 brand is the safest to buy?

While no single “safest car brand” exists, brands consistently earning top safety ratings from IIHS, Euro NCAP, and NHTSA include Volvo, known for its history of safety innovation; Mazda, which earned the most Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2025; Hyundai & Genesis, for their robust safety features; and Subaru, for standard all-wheel drive and driver-assist technology. Other high-performing brands include Tesla, Lexus, Honda, and Toyota.
 
Brands with Consistent Safety Recognition

• Volvo: Opens in new tabA longtime safety leader, consistently earns top marks for its pioneering innovations like the three-point seatbelt and its commitment to zero fatalities in new models by 2030. 
• Mazda: Opens in new tabIn 2025, Mazda received the most IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards for models like the Mazda3 and various CX-series SUVs. 
• Subaru: Opens in new tabKnown for standard all-wheel drive and the EyeSight driver-assist suite, which includes pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. 
• Hyundai and Genesis: Opens in new tabThese related brands are recognized for strong crash test performance and high-standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). 

Other Brands with Strong Safety Credentials

• Tesla: Opens in new tabOften recognized as one of the safest brands, especially in electric vehicle categories. 
• Honda: Opens in new tabSeveral models, including the Civic and Accord, regularly earn high marks from the IIHS. 
• Toyota: Opens in new tabConsistently features models on safety lists, including the Camry and Forester. 
• Lexus: Opens in new tabAs Toyota’s luxury division, it consistently earns high safety ratings. 

How to Find the Safest Car For You 

1. Check Safety Ratings: Look for the latest safety awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – such as “Top Safety Pick” or “Top Safety Pick+” – and ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2. Look for Safety Features: Consider models with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist.
3. Consider Model-Specific Ratings: Safety ratings can vary between models within the same brand, so always check the specific car you’re interested in.