Between January and June 2024, approximately 18,720 people died in fatal car accidents in the United States. While safety standards have become more strict in recent years, not all car brands are meeting expectations when it comes to crash protection and accident avoidance. Of course, the drivers have some responsibility, but these five car brands have the worst safety records.
5. Dodge
Consumers have several concerns about Dodge, specifically the Journey. It is a competitive vehicle in the SUV, with starting prices around $20,000, but that’s just about the only thing that’s attractive about it. In addition to complaints about the Journey’s cramped interior and poor handling, the Dodge Journey scored well below average where reliability is concerned. On top of that, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found it to have terrible performance in the small overlap frontal crash test. Even though Dodge discontinued this car, it probably isn’t worth the risk to buy one used. You also might want to do a deep dive on the safety rating for the other cars in their lineup.
4. Fiat
Fiat doesn’t have a ton of vehicles in its lineup, but it’s most well-known for the 500L. This vehicle is the worst-rated compact car, according to Consumer Reports. It isn’t very reliable and the brand has been singled out for having some significant problems. The Fiat 500L has a poor road test score because of its flat seats and uncomfortable driving position. It’s just hard to maneuver with the way you have to sit in it. The IIHS also gave the 500L a poor rating for the small overlap frontal test, putting its safety into question. Because of this car, many people have questioned Fiat’s reputation as a car brand.
3. Cadillac
Cadillac has been around for a while, but there have been some hiccups in the carmaker’s reputation, especially due to the Escalade. It struggles to keep up with other luxury SUV vehicles with its stiff handling and cramped second and third rows. Not to mention, the infotainment system in the Escalade has been labeled one of the worst in the automotive industry. But all of that aside, the Cadillac Escalade has the worst safety rating in its class. You’ll probably regret the $85,000 price tag and you won’t even be the safest you could be. Hard pass!
2. Chrysler
Chrysler has been declining in popularity in recent years. The carmaker’s Town & Country has the coveted title of worst-rated minivan on the market. It failed to achieve good ratings for safety or reliability. Again, it scored terribly on the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test. Thankfully, they don’t make the minivan anymore, but it is still available on the used car market and, honestly, concerns around its reliability and safety have tarnished the brand’s name.
1. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is one of the top car brands that have red flags when it comes to safety. A number of its cars are considered less-than-reliable and have scored poorly on safety tests as well. Two of its worst-performing vehicles, the i-MiEV and the Mirage, have been discontinued. However, it hasn’t done much to save the carmaker’s reputation. The Outlander has scored okay on performance, reliability, and safety tests, but sales likely aren’t going to go up due to previous flops by Mitsubishi.
Prioritize Safety Over Style
While many of these brands try to reel buyers in with their affordability, safety should never be something you’re willing to compromise on. So, before you buy one of these brands (or any car), you should take their overall safety ratings into account. Check crash test ratings and see what safety features are available before buying a new car. With so many options available, there’s no reason to settle for a car that lacks the protection you deserve.