Which car is the most unsafe to drive?

There isn’t a single universally “most unsafe” car, because safety depends on model year, region, equipment, and who drives it. In recent U.S. data, however, the Mitsubishi Mirage stands out: an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) analysis released in 2023 found the Mirage had the highest driver death rate among late‑model vehicles, making it one of the riskiest current-era cars to drive; broadly, the smallest, lightest cars post the worst fatality rates.

Why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer

“Unsafest” can mean different things: poor crash-test scores, high real-world fatality rates, or a lack of modern crash-avoidance tech. A vehicle’s safety record also changes with redesigns, added airbags, better structural protection, and software updates. Driving environment and driver behavior further skew outcomes—sports cars, for instance, often see higher single-vehicle fatality rates that reflect how they’re driven as much as how they’re built.

What recent U.S. data shows

IIHS periodically publishes driver death rates by model, a hard-to-game metric that tracks fatalities per million registered vehicle years. In its latest release (May 2023), mini and small cars had the highest death rates; the Mitsubishi Mirage (including sedan and hatch variants) was the worst performer at roughly 205 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years, far above the fleet average. By contrast, large luxury SUVs had some of the lowest rates. These findings dovetail with physics: in multi-vehicle crashes, mass and size advantage matter, and tiny cars offer less crash energy management.

How “unsafe” typically shows up in the data

The following points summarize common patterns researchers observe when they unpack crash statistics and ratings across markets and model years.

• Very small, very light cars: Mini/subcompact models consistently record higher driver death rates in U.S. IIHS studies compared with larger vehicles.
• Older designs or base trims lacking advanced driver assistance: Absence of standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and strong side-impact protection correlates with worse outcomes.
• Driver mix and usage: Sports and muscle cars often see elevated single-vehicle fatalities tied to speed and nighttime driving, independent of crash-test scores.
• Market differences: Some budget cars sold in emerging markets have historically scored poorly in Global NCAP tests when equipped without airbags or ESC; later updates sometimes improve these ratings.

Each of these elements can stack—small size, sparse safety tech, and higher-risk driving—magnifying real-world danger even if headline crash-test scores look acceptable.

Crash-test ratings vs. real-world risk

Lab ratings and road outcomes both matter. IIHS and NHTSA in the U.S., and Euro NCAP/ANCAP elsewhere, measure crashworthiness (how a car protects you in a collision) and crash avoidance (how well it helps you avoid one). Real-world death rates capture the combined effect of design, equipment, driver behavior, and exposure. A model can score decently in controlled tests yet still show high fatality rates due to who buys it and where and how it’s driven.

How to check a specific car’s safety

Before buying or judging a vehicle, consult multiple, current sources and confirm the exact model year and trim, because safety gear can vary widely within a nameplate.

• IIHS (U.S.): Look up crash tests, headlights, rear-occupant protection, updated side tests, and annual Top Safety Pick awards.
• NHTSA (U.S.): Check star ratings and recall history on safercar.gov.
• Euro NCAP/ANCAP (Europe/Australia): See adult/child protection, vulnerable road-user scores, and assisted driving assessments.
• Global NCAP (emerging markets): Verify whether the car as sold locally includes airbags and ESC; ratings can differ sharply by region and year.
• Driver death rates (IIHS studies): Use these for a reality check on risk, especially when comparing small cars to larger vehicles.

Cross-referencing at least two of these sources will give you a clearer, up-to-date picture than any single label like “most unsafe.”

Practical ways to reduce your risk—no matter the car

Even if you’re constrained to a smaller or older vehicle, targeted choices can materially improve safety.

• Prioritize vehicles with standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning/assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Choose the heaviest, newest model you can within your budget; newer designs incorporate stricter crash standards.
• Maintain tires and brakes, keep airbags and seatbelts in working order, and address recalls promptly.
• Wear seatbelts, avoid speeding and impaired driving, and limit nighttime/rural high-speed travel when possible.

These steps can narrow the safety gap between vehicle classes and significantly cut your real-world risk.

Key sources and recent context

For the U.S., see the IIHS “Driver death rates by make and model” (latest release May 2023), which identified the Mitsubishi Mirage as having the highest driver death rate among recent models and found mini cars overall to be most hazardous. Also consult current IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the exact model year. Outside the U.S., check Euro NCAP, ANCAP, and Global NCAP; note that ratings are time- and market-specific, and many models have improved with added airbags, stronger structures, and electronic stability control.

Summary

There is no single, permanent “unsafest car,” but recent U.S. fatality data points to the Mitsubishi Mirage as the highest-risk late‑model vehicle, with mini/subcompact cars broadly faring worst. Safety varies by year, trim, and market, so verify the exact model against current IIHS/NHTSA (or Euro/Global NCAP) results. Opt for newer, heavier vehicles with robust crash-avoidance tech, keep them well maintained, and drive defensively to meaningfully reduce risk.