6 Car Brands with Disappointing Safety Ratings — and the Best Alternatives

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Is your vehicle secretly more dangerous than you think?

Engine and airbag failure, vehicle fires, and poor design that doesn’t minimize impact are all found in the worst car manufacturers for safety. Don’t let flashy looks or low prices steer you in the wrong direction—protect yourself on the road by ditching unreliable carmakers in favor of safer brands.

Avoid these unsafe car brands and stick to trust-worthy alternatives instead:

Worst: Mitsubishi

You may want to pass on a Mitsubishi brand vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mitsubishi Mirage was the deadliest car model between 2018 and 2021, with a rate of 205 driver deaths per million registered vehicles. FINN reports that Mitsubishi vehicles’ most common safety problems include engine and airbag failures.

Best: Hyundai

In comparison, Hyundai is one of the safest car brands, with a U.S. News & World Report Safety Score of 9.55 out of 10. RepairPal ranks Hyundai as the fourth most reliable out of 32 car brands. Many Hyundai models, like the 2024 Elantra and 2024 Tucson, also boast 5-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Worst: Dodge

A GlassDoctor survey of NHTSA data from 2011-2020 identified Dodge as the least safe car brand. The findings reveal that Dodge has a fatality rate of 4.03 per 1,000 drivers.

In 2023, the NHTSA launched an investigation into the safety of approximately 82,000 Dodge SUVs after a woman was killed in a vehicle fire. The analysis was expanded in 2024 to include over 990,000 vehicles.

Best: Ford

Ford beats out Dodge in two iSeeCars SUV safety rankings. Meanwhile, U.S. News & World Report gave the American carmaker an impressive 9.24 out of 10 rating, earning its spot among 2024’s safest car brands. Many of Ford’s top-selling models, such as the F-150 and the Mustang, also boast 5-star NHTSA safety ratings.

Worst: Jeep

According to Consumer Reports, Jeep is the worst carmaker in 2024. It earned last place in the ranking of 34 car brands based on road tests, reliability, customer satisfaction, and safety. Similarly, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee was given the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honor in 2023, it dropped to just a Top Safety Pick in 2024.

Best: Subaru

Subaru is a safer choice for on- and off-road adventures. In 2024, IIHS awarded the Ascent and Solterra models the Top Safety Pick+ distinction. The NHTSA also gives these models 5-star safety ratings.

Worst: Fiat

Avoid Fiat next time you’re in the market for a new car. RepairPal gives Fiat a lackluster 3.5 out of 5-star reliability rating based on the brand’s above-average ownership costs and the fact that 17% of repairs across all models are deemed severe.

Fiat’s best-selling car, the 500, also received a “Poor” rating from the IIHS regarding driver-side safety. While this model was discontinued, Fiat will release a new electric version in 2024.

Best: Mazda

You’ll be better off opting for a Mazda car instead of a Fiat. In 2023, IIHS selected the 2024 Mazda 3 as a top safety pick in the small car category. The NHTSA also gave this model a 5-star safety rating.

Worst: Chrysler

Chrysler’s reliability may disappoint you. J.D. Power’s 2024 Most Reliable Vehicles ranking placed Chrysler last out of 29 car brands. According to Kelley Blue Book, several Chrysler recalls in recent years have occurred due to engine stalling, faulty airbags, and other concerning safety issues.

Best: Toyota

Toyota is an excellent safety alternative to Chrysler. In 2024, Chrysler’s most popular model, the Pacifica, received several “Average” and “Marginal” safety ratings from IIHS.

Meanwhile, IIHS gave the Toyota Sienna minivan only one Average and one Marginal rating. U.S. News & World Report also ranked the Sienna above the Pacifica in its list of the safest minivans in 2024.

Worst: Land Rover

Land Rover vehicles have a reputation for being unreliable and expensive to repair. In a 2024 Reliability Survey, What Car? found Land Rover among the least reliable carmakers, with some models having an up to 37% fault rate. RepairPal also gives the brand an abysmal 2.5 out of 5 stars for reliability, with average annual maintenance costs estimated at over $1,100.

Best: Mercedes-Benz

For a safer luxury brand, opt for Mercedes-Benz. Models like the 2023-24 C-Class and GLC earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings in 2023. The C-Class, for instance, has many safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

Don’t waste your money on these car brands

Some carmakers are officially past their heyday. Save yourself the trouble by skipping these brands that aren’t worth your money.

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