Which car has the lowest rating?
The most accurate answer is: it depends on the source, metric, market, and model year. No single car is universally the “lowest-rated” across all reputable systems. If you specify the rating source (e.g., safety, reliability, owner satisfaction), region, and model years, the lowest-rated vehicle in that context can be identified precisely.
Contents
Why there isn’t a single, definitive “lowest-rated” car
Automotive ratings are produced by different organizations, each measuring different criteria and using distinct scales. Safety bodies focus on crashworthiness and crash avoidance; consumer organizations emphasize reliability and owner satisfaction; industry studies track defects and quality; and media outlets evaluate performance and value. A car that scores poorly in one domain can still perform well in another, which is why “lowest-rated” must be tied to a specific metric and source.
How to identify the lowest-rated car for your needs
The following steps outline a practical way to pinpoint the lowest-rated car within a clear, comparable scope.
- Define the metric: safety, reliability, initial quality, owner satisfaction, expert review scores, or resale value.
- Choose the source: for example, IIHS or Euro NCAP for safety; NHTSA for U.S. crash tests; Consumer Reports for reliability and satisfaction; J.D. Power for initial quality and dependability.
- Set the scope: model year(s), body type (e.g., compact SUV, midsize sedan), fuel type (ICE, hybrid, EV), and market/region.
- Collect comparable data: pull scores for all models in the chosen class and year from the same source.
- Rank consistently: use the source’s native score or convert to a common scale; break ties with secondary metrics if needed.
By standardizing the metric, source, and scope, you avoid apples-to-oranges comparisons and can credibly name the lowest-rated model for the exact context that matters to you.
Trusted rating sources and what they measure
Below is an overview of widely cited organizations and the specific angles they cover, which helps determine “lowest” within each domain.
- IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): U.S. crashworthiness and crash-prevention tests, including updated side-impact and small-overlap evaluations, plus headlight and driver-assist performance.
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): U.S. 5-Star Safety Ratings for frontal, side, and rollover performance.
- Euro NCAP: European crash tests and active safety assessments, often incorporating the latest driver-assistance evaluations.
- ANCAP (Australasia): Similar to Euro NCAP, tailored to Australia/New Zealand market vehicles.
- Consumer Reports: Predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, road-test scores; draws from large subscriber surveys and independent testing.
- J.D. Power: Initial Quality Study (defects, malfunctions, and design issues in the first 90 days) and Vehicle Dependability Study (problems experienced over 3 years).
- Professional outlets (e.g., Edmunds, Car and Driver, Autocar): Expert road tests focusing on performance, comfort, tech, value, and usability.
Each source offers a different lens. Selecting the right one ensures the “lowest-rated” car reflects the attribute you care about most—safety, reliability, quality, or overall experience.
Recent trends that can influence “lowest” ratings
Understanding current patterns helps explain why certain models may rank low in specific contexts, especially for late-2023 to 2025 vehicles.
- New or fully redesigned models: First-year releases often show below-average reliability as early issues surface, affecting Consumer Reports and dependability metrics.
- Software-heavy vehicles: Advanced infotainment and driver-assist systems can drive higher problem counts in initial-quality and owner-reported studies if bugs persist.
- Evolving crash tests: Updated side-impact and pedestrian-protection protocols (IIHS, Euro NCAP) can temporarily depress scores for models that haven’t been reengineered for the new standards.
- Equipment differences by region: A model’s safety rating can vary by market if safety features are optional or absent in certain trims or countries.
These dynamics mean a “lowest-rated” designation can shift quickly with new tests, software updates, or mid-cycle refreshes, reinforcing the need for precise criteria and timing.
What I need from you to give a precise, up-to-date answer
Share the details below, and I will identify the lowest-rated vehicle that matches your criteria and provide the supporting data.
- Metric: safety, reliability, initial quality, owner satisfaction, performance, or overall score.
- Source: IIHS, NHTSA, Euro NCAP, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, or a specific publication.
- Scope: country/region, model year(s), vehicle segment (e.g., compact SUVs), and fuel type.
With this information, I can produce a ranked list and highlight the lowest-rated model, including the exact score, test details, and any recent updates that could change the ranking.
Bottom line
There is no universally lowest-rated car; the answer changes with the metric, source, market, and model year. Define those variables, and the lowest-rated model for your case can be identified confidently and transparently.
Summary
“Lowest-rated” must be tied to a specific rating system and scope. Choose the metric (safety, reliability, quality, satisfaction), select a trusted source (IIHS, NHTSA, Euro NCAP, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power), and set your region and model years. Provide those details, and I will deliver the current lowest-rated car with verifiable data.
What car has the most complaints?
Ford Fusion
Cars with the most complaints
| Make & Model | # of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Ford Fusion | 16,335 |
| Ford F-150 | 15,378 |
| Ford Escape | 14,940 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 12,248 |
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 lowest rated car company?
There isn’t a single “worst” car brand, as this is subjective and depends on the criteria (reliability, owner satisfaction, resale value, etc.). However, car reliability surveys often list brands like Infiniti, Cadillac, Nissan, and MG as having poor performance. Brands like Jeep and Chrysler are frequently cited for issues with reliability, poor interior quality, outdated technology, and higher maintenance costs.
Brands frequently mentioned in reliability and satisfaction surveys:
- Infiniti: Ranked as America’s least-liked car brand in 2022 by some surveys.
- Nissan: Critiqued for reliability, particularly its CVT transmissions, which can fail.
- MG: Has a high fault rate in reliability surveys, with slow repairs reported by owners.
- Cadillac & Acura: Also appeared in lists of the least-liked car brands in a 2022 survey.
Brands with specific reliability issues:
- Chrysler: Opens in new tabKnown for poor reliability, cheap interiors, and a history of design flaws, with some models having fire and battery issues.
- Jeep: Opens in new tabOften mentioned for a rough ride, bad handling, outdated technology, frequent repairs, and high maintenance costs.
Factors contributing to a brand’s “worst” reputation:
- Transmission Problems: Issues with transmissions are a common complaint for brands like Nissan.
- Interior Quality: Rattling plastics, cheap materials, and faulty electronics can lead to a poor user experience.
- Design Flaws: Some brands struggle with recurring design problems, leading to a lack of improvements over time.
- High Maintenance & Repair Costs: Frequent repairs and expensive parts, as seen with Jeep, contribute to a negative owner experience.
What car brand has the lowest safety rating?
There is no definitive “worst” brand, but based on fatal accident rates, Tesla, Kia, Buick, Dodge, and Hyundai had high rates, while studies have also pointed to models from Mitsubishi and Jeep as having safety concerns and poor crash test results. However, driver behavior can also significantly impact a vehicle’s fatality rate.
Factors to Consider
- Driver Behavior: A driver’s habits can heavily influence accident outcomes, so a high fatal accident rate for a brand might reflect driver behavior more than the car’s design.
- Vehicle Type: Smaller cars, like the Mitsubishi Mirage, can have higher fatality rates due to less protective crumple zones and overall less mass in a collision, notes SpeedwayMedia.com.
- Specific Models: Within a brand, certain models may have poor safety ratings while others perform well. For example, some Jeep models and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have been cited for safety issues.
How to Find a Car’s Actual Safety Rating
- iSeeCars.com: This site provides data on fatal accident rates per brand, offering insights into which brands have a higher risk of fatal accidents.
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB): KBB publishes studies on the deadliest and least deadly cars, providing data based on driver deaths per million registered vehicle years.
- Consumer Reports: This organization rigorously tests cars and provides safety ratings based on crash tests and other safety features.
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): The NHTSA performs safety evaluations and provides scores, which are critical for consumers to review.
- IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): The IIHS also conducts crash tests and rates vehicles, helping consumers understand how well a car protects occupants.
- Euro NCAP: For vehicles sold in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, organizations like Euro NCAP provide detailed safety ratings and crash test results.
Why Driver Behavior Matters
The relationship between a vehicle’s brand and its safety rating is complex, as driver behavior—such as speed and adherence to traffic laws—plays a significant role. A car with a poor safety rating might indicate poorer driver habits, rather than an inherently unsafe vehicle.
