What is the world’s “unsafest” car?

There isn’t a single definitive “world’s most unsafe car,” because safety varies dramatically by model year, trim level, and market regulations. Historically, the discontinued Nissan Tsuru (Mexico) became a symbol of extreme risk after a catastrophic crash-test comparison in 2016, and more recent independent programs have awarded zero-star ratings to specific low-spec versions of cars such as the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (India, 2023) and the Suzuki Swift (Latin America, 2021). Below, we explain why no one model can hold that title and highlight the vehicles most often cited by credible safety bodies.

Why there’s no single ‘unsafest’ car

Vehicle safety is not universal. The same nameplate can be built to different standards for different regions, and basic or fleet trims can lack critical features available elsewhere. Independent crash-test programs—such as Euro NCAP (Europe), Global NCAP (including “Safer Cars for India” and “Safer Cars for Africa”), Latin NCAP (Latin America), ANCAP (Australasia), ASEAN NCAP (Southeast Asia), NHTSA and IIHS (United States)—also update their protocols over time. A car that once scored well can fare worse under newer, tougher criteria, and the reverse is also true as models get redesigned with better protection and driver-assistance tech.

Notorious examples often cited as extremely unsafe

The following models—specific years and configurations—have been singled out by independent crash-test organizations for poor performance or lack of basic safety equipment. These examples are frequently referenced in discussions about “the most unsafe car,” but note the important context on region and model year.

• Nissan Tsuru (Mexico, discontinued 2017): Became a global cautionary tale after a 2016 offset crash test against a modern Nissan Versa showed catastrophic occupant-compartment collapse. It lacked airbags and modern safety features and was withdrawn from sale shortly afterward.
• Nissan NP300 Hardbody (Africa, tested 2018): Received a 0‑star adult-occupant rating from Global NCAP’s “Safer Cars for Africa,” with an unstable structure highlighted by testers and local safety advocates.
• Datsun GO (India, 2014): Scored 0 stars in Global NCAP tests; the body shell was deemed unstable, and the base version lacked airbags at the time.
• Renault Kwid (India, early 2016 configurations): Multiple early variants scored 0 stars with no airbags; later updates with airbags improved the rating.
• Tata Nano (India, 2014): Received 0 stars from Global NCAP due to lack of airbags and weak structural performance; the model was later discontinued.
• Renault Zoe (Europe, 2021 update): Earned 0 stars from Euro NCAP after changes to the model, including removal of certain side airbag protection and poor crash performance under updated protocols.
• Maruti Suzuki Eeco (India, 2022): Scored 0 stars under Global NCAP’s newer, more stringent protocol in tests of the locally sold configuration at the time.

These cases illustrate that “unsafety” is typically tied to specific trims and years that lacked fundamental protection—airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), side-impact protection—or showed unstable structures, and they do not necessarily reflect current iterations or versions sold in different regions.

Recent low-scoring cars in mainstream markets (2021–2024)

To understand the present landscape, it’s useful to look at recent models that received very low ratings in their tested configurations. This does not mean every version everywhere is equally unsafe; rather, it shows where base or regional specs have fallen short.

• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (India, 2023): 0 stars for adult occupant protection from Global NCAP under its latest protocol for the locally specified model tested, reflecting limited standard safety equipment and performance at the time.
• Suzuki Swift (Latin America, 2021): 0 stars from Latin NCAP for a base-market version lacking ESC and with marginal protection in key crash scenarios; higher-spec versions in other regions differ in equipment.
• Renault Duster (Latin America, 2021): 0 stars from Latin NCAP for the locally tested configuration, largely due to absent side airbags and ESC; European-market versions have different safety packages.
• Dacia Spring (Europe, 2021): 1 star from Euro NCAP, underscoring weak passive safety for this budget EV; updates and equipment levels vary by market and year.

These outcomes highlight the importance of checking the exact trim and safety kit for your country and model year. Newer batches or facelifts can change ratings, and the same nameplate with more airbags, ESC, and advanced driver assistance can perform very differently.

How to identify a safe car where you live

Because safety is regional and evolves over time, the most reliable way to answer “what’s unsafe” for you personally is to research using local, up-to-date data and to verify the specific equipment on the car you intend to buy.

1. Check local crash-test results: Use Euro NCAP, Latin NCAP, Global NCAP (including programs for India and Africa), ANCAP, ASEAN NCAP, NHTSA, or IIHS. Make sure the tested model year and configuration match your market.
2. Confirm core safety features: Look for ESC as standard, multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, ISOFIX/LATCH child-seat anchors, and robust side-impact protection. Increasingly, autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian/cyclist detection) and lane support are important.
3. Favor recent 4–5 star ratings under the latest protocols: These assessments are tougher and better reflect modern crash scenarios and active-safety expectations.
4. Verify your exact trim: Dealers sometimes stock lower-spec versions than those tested. Match the safety kit line-by-line to the tested vehicle.
5. Consider used-car safety ratings: Some organizations publish “used car safety ratings” based on real-world crash data, which can reveal risks not captured in lab tests alone.

Doing this homework reduces reliance on anecdotes and ensures you’re comparing like-for-like instead of headline ratings that may not apply to your specific vehicle.

The bottom line

There is no single, permanent “world’s unsafest car.” Historically, models like the Nissan Tsuru and, in Africa, the NP300 Hardbody stood out for dangerously poor protection, while recent zero-star outcomes for specific low-spec versions of popular cars show that gaps persist in some markets. The safest course is to consult the latest independent ratings for your region and verify the precise safety equipment on the car you’ll drive.

Summary

No one car can be crowned “the world’s most unsafe” across all places and times. Independent crash-test programs have identified specific models and trims—most famously the Nissan Tsuru (discontinued) and more recently certain base-market versions of small cars—as extremely unsafe in their tested forms. Check the latest regional NCAP/NHTSA/IIHS results and confirm the exact safety equipment on your local model to make an informed, up-to-date decision.

What is the most unsafe car?

The most unsafe car can vary by study and metrics, but recent analyses show the Hyundai Venue, Chevrolet Corvette, and Mitsubishi Mirage frequently appear on lists of cars with the highest fatal accident rates. These studies often cite data on fatal crashes per billion vehicle miles traveled, with factors like vehicle size, power, and driver behavior influencing risk. 
Commonly Listed “Unsafe” Cars

• Hyundai Venue: This small SUV has been identified as having the highest fatal accident rate by some analyses. 
• Chevrolet Corvette: A powerful sports car that often ranks high on “most dangerous” lists due to its high performance and the driving behavior it may encourage. 
• Mitsubishi Mirage: This small, economical car has also shown a high fatal accident rate. 

Factors Contributing to a Car’s Risk

• Vehicle Type and Size: Small cars and performance-oriented cars like the Corvette tend to appear on these lists, along with some larger SUVs that can be more prone to rollovers. 
• Driver Behavior: Factors like driver behavior and driving conditions are often more significant than the vehicle’s design or safety features. 
• Study Metrics: Data is often based on fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles traveled (bvm), a measure that can highlight certain types of vehicles and driving situations. 

What to Consider

• Safety Ratings vs. Fatal Accident Rates: Opens in new tabSome cars on these lists might have excellent crash test ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, indicating good structural integrity in a crash but not necessarily a low risk of being involved in one. 
• Recalls and Safety Concerns: Opens in new tabVehicles like the Hyundai Kona Electric have faced safety concerns, including battery fire recalls, that can impact a car’s overall safety. 

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.

Is there a 1 of 1 car?

Yes, a 1 of 1 car is a real concept, referring to a vehicle produced by a manufacturer with a unique trim and specifications, made only once, often for a specific customer or purpose. Many such one-off cars exist, from custom-ordered vehicles to special concepts built by manufacturers like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and others, as seen with examples like the Ferrari Pinin or the Aston Martin Victor.
 
What is a 1 of 1 Car?

• Unique Specifications: A 1 of 1 car is distinguished by its unique features, which can include technical, functional, or aesthetic variations not found on any other production model. 
• Custom Orders: These cars are often created as a result of specific instructions from a customer. 
• Manufacturer Concepts: Sometimes, manufacturers produce a 1 of 1 vehicle as a concept or a special project, showcasing unique design or engineering. 

Examples of One-Off Cars

• Ferrari Pinin: An example of a one-off car, it is a unique concept from Ferrari. 
• Aston Martin Victor: Another example of a manufacturer-created one-off, highlighting design and performance. 
• Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato: A custom-built one-off that was created for a specific customer. 

What is the world’s deadliest car?

There is no single “most dangerous car in the world,” but rather models with statistically higher rates of fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles traveled, such as the Hyundai Venue, Chevrolet Corvette, and Mitsubishi Mirage. These high-risk vehicles often include smaller, lighter cars and high-performance sports cars, which lack the crash resistance of larger vehicles or are built for speed, increasing the likelihood of serious crashes. Factors beyond the car’s design, such as driver behavior and driving conditions, significantly influence fatal accident rates.
 
Factors contributing to high fatal accident rates

• Vehicle Size and Weight: Smaller, lighter vehicles tend to have less mass and less structural integrity to withstand the forces of a crash compared to larger vehicles, making them more vulnerable. 
• Performance and Speed: High-performance models like the Corvette and Porsche 911 are designed for speed, increasing the risk of severe, high-impact crashes when involved in accidents. 
• Driver Behavior and Driving Conditions: Studies show that driver behavior and environmental factors are often the primary drivers of fatal accidents, not just inherent vehicle design. 
• Vehicle Type: Both compact and subcompact cars and high-performance sports cars frequently appear on lists of dangerous vehicles. 

Specific models identified as statistically dangerous 

• Hyundai Venue: Opens in new tabThis subcompact crossover has a high fatal accident rate, nearly five times the average. 
• Chevrolet Corvette: Opens in new tabAs a high-performance model, it is prone to high-impact crashes, contributing to its elevated risk. 
• Mitsubishi Mirage: Opens in new tabThis economical, compact car is often on lists due to its lack of weight and crash protection. 
• Porsche 911: Opens in new tabSimilar to the Corvette, its focus on speed increases the risk of severe accidents. 
• Honda CR-V Hybrid: Opens in new tabThis model also shows a high fatal accident rate, noted by studies like the one from iSeeCars.com. 

Brand-level danger 

• Tesla: Despite advanced driver-assist technology, certain Tesla models, like the Model Y and Model S, have high fatal accident rates.
• Kia: Kia is also listed as a brand with a high rate of fatal accidents.