Which car has the lowest safety rating?

There isn’t a single car that holds the “lowest safety rating” globally; safety scores vary by region, test protocol, and model year. Under major New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) systems, the lowest possible score is zero stars, and several models have received 0-star ratings in specific markets and trims—notably the Renault Zoe (Euro NCAP, 2021) and, in Global NCAP programs, basic-spec versions of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso (India, 2020), Nissan NP300 Hardbody (Africa, 2018), Renault Kwid (India, 2016), Datsun GO (India, 2014), and Maruti Suzuki Eeco (India, 2022).

Why there’s no single global “lowest” car

Automotive safety ratings are produced by different agencies that test different configurations of the same model across regions. A car sold in Europe may have more standard safety equipment than a version sold in India, Africa, or Latin America, leading to different outcomes. Ratings also change over time: protocols get tougher, and manufacturers introduce mid-cycle updates that can substantially improve (or, in rare cases, worsen) performance. As a result, “the lowest-rated car” is context-dependent—by geography, year, and exact trim.

How safety ratings work

Multiple organizations assess vehicle safety using distinct methods. Understanding what “lowest rating” means requires knowing the scale and protocol used by each program. Below is a quick orientation to the major players and what constitutes the bottom of their scales.

• Euro NCAP (Europe): Star rating from 0 to 5; lowest is 0 stars. Also publishes percentage scores in categories like Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, and Safety Assist.
• Global NCAP (programs for India, Africa, etc.): Star rating from 0 to 5 for Adult and Child Occupant Protection; lowest is 0 stars. Tests typically focus on common base variants sold in those markets.
• Latin NCAP (Latin America): Star ratings up to 5 under evolving protocols; lowest is 0 stars, historically common for base models without airbags or ESC.
• ANCAP (Australia/New Zealand): Star ratings up to 5; lowest is 0 stars under older protocols, though modern models seldom score that low.
• NHTSA (United States): Overall 5-Star Safety Ratings; the lowest overall rating is 1 star (0 is not used). Very few current models receive 1 star overall.
• IIHS (United States): Qualitative ratings (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor) across tests; no star system. The “lowest” outcome is Poor, but it’s not directly comparable to star systems.

Because the scales and test conditions differ, the “lowest safety rating” in one program doesn’t map cleanly onto another, and the same nameplate can achieve very different results in different regions.

Notable vehicles that received the lowest rating (0 stars) in recent years

The examples below highlight mainstream models that, in particular specifications and markets, have recorded 0-star results—the floor of NCAP-style scoring. These outcomes typically involve base trims with limited airbags, no electronic stability control, and structures that perform poorly in crash tests.

• Renault Zoe (Europe, 2021, Euro NCAP): 0 stars. The facelifted model lost critical side head protection and lacked key active safety systems as standard under tougher 2020–2022 protocols.
• Fiat Panda (Europe, 2018, Euro NCAP): 0 stars. Outdated occupant protection and minimal safety assist content under modern criteria.
• Fiat Punto (Europe, 2017, Euro NCAP): 0 stars. One of the first modern-era 0-star outcomes in Europe due to an aging platform and limited safety tech.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso (India, 2020, Global NCAP): 0 stars (adult occupant). Base variant showed unstable structure and poor restraint performance; later updates with more airbags improved outcomes.
• Maruti Suzuki Eeco (India, 2022, Global NCAP): 0 stars (adult occupant). Results cited weak body structure and inadequate occupant protection in the tested configuration.
• Renault Kwid (India, 2016, Global NCAP): 0 stars (adult occupant) in early tests of base variants; subsequent updates improved scores but early versions exemplified minimal safety spec.
• Datsun GO (India, 2014, Global NCAP): 0 stars (adult occupant). Structure integrity concerns and lack of basic safety equipment underscored the result.
• Nissan NP300 Hardbody (Africa, 2018, Global NCAP): 0 stars (adult occupant). Severe crash performance issues in the tested configuration highlighted risks in certain regional specs.

These results underline how the same nameplate can range from acceptable to unacceptable depending on regional safety content and timelines. Always check the exact variant and market-year rating you’re considering.

Important caveats and updates

Safety performance is not static. Manufacturers routinely add airbags, strengthen structures, and make active safety features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and electronic stability control (ESC) standard. Protocols also tighten; a car that scored three stars in 2015 might rate lower if retested under 2024 rules. Conversely, some vehicles with poor earlier results have been re-engineered to achieve much better scores. Do not generalize a historical 0-star result to all years or trims without verification.

How to verify the current rating for your car or market

To find the most accurate, up-to-date safety rating for a specific model and trim in your region, follow these steps.

1. Identify the exact market and variant: model year, body style, powertrain, and safety package (airbags, ESC, AEB).
2. Check your regional program: Euro NCAP (Europe), Global NCAP (India/Africa initiatives), Latin NCAP (Latin America), ANCAP (Australia/NZ), NHTSA and IIHS (United States).
3. Match the tested vehicle to your configuration: ensure the tested VIN range, airbag count, and safety features align with your car.
4. Read beyond the stars: review sub-scores (adult, child, safety assist) and test comments for structural and restraint-system notes.
5. Confirm the publication date and protocol: later protocols are generally stricter; prioritize the latest applicable test.

By aligning the exact trim and test protocol, you’ll avoid misleading comparisons and get a realistic picture of current crash safety.

Summary

There is no single car that universally holds the “lowest safety rating.” The lowest possible score under NCAP-style programs is 0 stars, and several models—often in base trims for specific regions—have received 0-star results, including the Renault Zoe (Euro NCAP, 2021) and various Global NCAP-tested versions of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Eeco, Renault Kwid, Datsun GO, and Nissan NP300 Hardbody. Because ratings depend heavily on market, year, and equipment, always verify the exact variant’s latest score with your local safety authority before drawing conclusions.

Which car has the worst crash rate?

The Hyundai Venue has the highest fatality rate, with an average of 13.9 fatalities per billion vehicle miles, according to a 2024 study. Other models with high fatality rates include the Mitsubishi Mirage and other small, light vehicles like the Hyundai Accent, though Tesla has the highest fatal accident rate among car brands. However, driver behavior and the number of vehicles on the road often contribute more to the number of crashes than the vehicle design itself.
 
Factors contributing to high fatality rates:

• Vehicle design: Small, light vehicles tend to have higher fatality rates, as seen with models like the Hyundai Venue and Mitsubishi Mirage, because they offer less protection in a crash. 
• Driver behavior: Studies suggest that driver behavior, rather than vehicle design, is the largest factor in avoiding crashes. Factors such as inattention, risky driving, or overreliance on driving assistance systems can increase the likelihood of accidents. 
• Popularity of the vehicle: Popular models like the Ford F-Series may be involved in more crashes simply due to their high sales volume and prevalence on the roads. 

Examples of vehicles with high fatality rates:

• Hyundai Venue: Opens in new tabThis subcompact SUV has one of the highest fatality rates, with 13.9 fatalities per billion vehicle miles. 
• Mitsubishi Mirage: Opens in new tabThe Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 models are noted for high fatality rates. 
• Tesla Model Y: Opens in new tabThis electric SUV also appears on some lists of dangerous cars, but many studies indicate that its high fatal accident rate is tied more to driver behavior than the vehicle’s design. 
• Dodge Challenger: Opens in new tabThis car model has one of the highest driver death rates, notes the Kelley Blue Book. 

Which car has a 0 safety rating?

The Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon all showed low levels of adult occupant protection. The Renault Kwid was tested in three versions, including one with airbags, but each was rated as zero star for adult safety (see Editors Note).

What is the lowest safety rating car?

Contents

• Lowest-Rated Subcompact: Mitsubishi Mirage.
• Lowest rated compact car: Fiat 500L.
• Lowest-Rated Midsized Sedan: Chrysler 200.
• Lowest-Rated Compact Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz CLA 250.
• Lowest-Rated Midsized Luxury Car: Lincoln MKS.
• Lowest-Rated Family SUV: Dodge Journey.

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