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Purchasing a car is a huge decision and one that can impact not only your wallet, but your safety as well. Not all cars are created equal when it comes to safety. These are some of the least safe car brands according to the number of accidents reported and crash test data.
Tesla
Tesla receives high praise for its innovative tech and electric driving, but some of the frequent complaints about the brand are related to build quality, touchscreen glitches, and suspension issues. These electric vehicles have faced backlash for several auto safety concerns, including faulty features and fatal incidents.
Jeep
Jeep owners often report issues with faulty electronics, especially on newer models, as well as engine and transmission problems. The Wrangler and Cherokee are typically rated low on safety and reliability.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet cars were found to be involved in more fatal accidents than many other brands, beating Ford, Honda, and Toyota. In fact, the Chevy Silverado in particular was involved in the most fatal accidents in the US, according to data from auto insurance companies.
Dodge
Dodge vehicles also ranked high for fatal accidents. Dodge trucks are often used in rural areas and job sites, which can account for lower visibility and a potential for higher accidents. Additionally, muscle cars like the Challenger and Charger have high fatality rates according to some studies.
Buick
In a recent report ranking the most dangerous cars, several Buick models made the list. The Buick Encore GX and Buick Envision both made the list as having some of the highest fatal accident rates.
Ram
Some RAM trucks are considered dangerous due to many reports of safety system glitches. These include problems with the electronic stability control, brake transmission, and other system malfunctions, which can pose serious safety concerns.
Mitsubishi
Models like the Mirage and Mirage G4 have high fatality driver rates due to the small size of the car. The build makes them more vulnerable in crashes with larger vehicles. Older models have performed poorly in crash tests, and the safety features are not as advanced as many other brands.
Fiat
Fiat is naturally a less safe option for its small size, making it a fairly vulnerable vehicle for drivers. It tends to perform poorly in crash tests. In fact, the 2018 Fiat Panda even received a score of zero in the EURO NCAP crash test. There have also been several recalls on these models for airbag failures.
Conclusion
Safety should be a part of the decision-making process when purchasing a vehicle. While there is no car brand that can boast perfect performance, using the data from fatal accident reports as well as system failure reports can paint a clear picture of the brands that do not prioritise safety.