When it comes to motor vehicles, safety should always be the top priority. Owning a car that is both reliable and secure is crucial, as not all vehicles are created equal. Some vehicles score exceptionally well on safety ratings, while others fall significantly short.
Organizations like Consumer Reports conduct rigorous tests on vehicles, rating them based on their safety features and overall reliability. This data is essential for consumers looking to purchase a new or used car. Below is an overview of ten vehicles that received the worst safety ratings from Consumer Reports, shedding light on their deficiencies and risks.
1. Lowest-Rated Subcompact: Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage may initially attract budget-conscious consumers with its starting price of $13,000 and fuel economy of 37 miles per gallon. However, its shortcomings become evident quickly. The Mirage suffers from a weak three-cylinder engine that vibrates at certain speeds, sluggish acceleration, and unresponsive brakes.
Additionally, its cramped interior and poor safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) make it a less-than-ideal choice for those prioritizing security on the road. Although Mitsubishi has attempted to improve the Mirage with better brakes and handling, its fundamental flaws remain a major concern.
2. Lowest-Rated Compact Car: Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L has gained notoriety for all the wrong reasons. Consumer Reports named it the worst-rated compact vehicle, with the poorest reliability of any car surveyed in 2016. Among the primary concerns are uncomfortable seats, an awkward driving position, and subpar safety test results.
The 500L performed poorly in the IIHS small-overlap frontal test, and customer satisfaction levels have been abysmally low. Many owners regret their purchase, highlighting the vehicle’s persistent flaws and lack of dependability.
3. Lowest-Rated Midsized Sedan: Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 has struggled in the competitive midsized sedan category. Despite being positioned as a modern sedan, its driving experience is reminiscent of outdated models from the 1970s. The car’s handling is clumsy, the transmission is unreliable, and the four-cylinder engine is underpowered.
Furthermore, the Chrysler 200 has minimal backseat space, causing discomfort for passengers. It holds the lowest road test score and reliability rating in its class, making it an unwise choice for safety-conscious buyers.
4. Lowest-Rated Compact Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Mercedes-Benz, a brand known for luxury and quality, disappoints with the CLA 250. Consumers expect superior performance from a vehicle carrying the Mercedes name, but the CLA 250 fails to deliver. Its engine and transmission lack power, the ride is uncomfortably stiff, and the cabin is noisy and cramped.
Additionally, its safety and reliability ratings are below average. Despite a starting price of $32,000, essential luxury features come at an additional cost, making it an impractical purchase for many buyers.
5. Lowest-Rated Midsized Luxury Car: Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS has failed to keep up with modern automotive standards. Built on the Ford Taurus platform, this midsized luxury sedan has outdated styling and poor visibility. Its small trunk space has been criticized as impractical, and its weak 3.7-liter V6 engine has contributed to reliability concerns.
The MKS performed poorly on IIHS safety tests, making it a risky choice for those looking for a dependable luxury vehicle.
Also Read: 10 Best One-Off Cars That Pushed the Limits of Design, Engineering, and Automotive Innovation
6. Lowest-Rated Family SUV: Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is marketed as an affordable three-row SUV, with a starting price of $20,000. However, its drawbacks overshadow its affordability.
Consumer Reports found the Journey’s interior to be cramped, its handling subpar, and its V6 engine inefficient in terms of fuel economy. Additionally, the Dodge Journey scored poorly in IIHS safety tests, making it one of the least reliable family SUVs on the market.
7. Lowest-Rated Luxury Compact SUV: Land Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover, a brand often associated with prestige, has experienced a decline in recent years. The Discovery Sport struggles to compete with other luxury SUVs due to its weak turbocharged four-cylinder engine and sluggish transmission.
Critics argue that the vehicle lacks true sportiness, and its safety and reliability ratings are among the lowest in its class. With a hefty starting price of $40,000, buyers may want to consider other options.
8. Lowest-Rated Large Luxury SUV: Cadillac Escalade
Once a symbol of luxury, the Cadillac Escalade has fallen behind its competitors. Its handling is too stiff for a vehicle in the luxury segment, and despite its large frame, the interior is surprisingly cramped.
The second and third-row seats provide little comfort, and the infotainment system is notoriously difficult to use. Worst of all, the Escalade has the lowest safety rating among large luxury SUVs. At a starting price of over $85,000, its shortcomings make it a questionable investment.
9. Lowest-Rated Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country
The Chrysler Town & Country edges out its sibling, the Dodge Grand Caravan, as the worst-rated minivan. Its seats are uncomfortable, its fuel economy is the worst among minivans at just 17 miles per gallon, and its IIHS safety rating is dismal.
Chrysler has since replaced the Town & Country with the Pacifica, while the Grand Caravan is being phased out. Although Chrysler may offer incentives to clear out remaining stock, potential buyers should be wary of the vehicle’s numerous flaws.
10. Lowest-Rated Green Car: Mitsubishi i-MiEV
When it comes to eco-friendly cars, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV falls short of expectations. With a price tag of $23,000, it stands as the most affordable fully electric vehicle available, but that low cost comes with drawbacks. The i-MiEV has faced criticism for its slow acceleration, lackluster handling, and tight cabin space..
Its limited battery range of just 56 miles per charge makes it impractical for most drivers. Moreover, its safety ratings are among the worst in its category. Some critics argue that the i-MiEV damages the reputation of electric vehicles more than it contributes to sustainability.
Selecting a vehicle involves more than just looking at price, fuel efficiency, or luxury features—safety should always be a top consideration. The vehicles listed above serve as cautionary tales, demonstrating how poor safety ratings, unreliable performance, and subpar designs can impact drivers and passengers.
Fortunately, resources like Consumer Reports provide invaluable insights to help buyers make informed decisions. Before purchasing a vehicle, conducting thorough research and considering safety ratings can prevent costly and potentially dangerous mistakes. Always prioritize safety when choosing a car—it is an investment in both your well-being and peace of mind.
Also Read: 10 Best Performance Hatchbacks You Can Buy in 2025 for Speed, Style, and Practicality
