The Deadliest Cars on the Road Right Now

Although it’s not always the case, sometimes the vehicle itself, rather than the driver, poses a deadly risk. Over the years, some vehicles have gained notoriety for their safety concerns, resulting in recalls. 

In 2023, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calculated an estimated number of deaths per million registered vehicle years to identify the vehicles with the highest driver death rates. The data reveals that certain cars are more prone to fatal accidents, posing a significant risk to drivers and other road users.

If you were involved in a car crash with a deadly or defective vehicle, consult an experienced car accident attorney immediately for legal advice. Our law firm offers free consultations and requires zero upfront legal fees. 

Factors Contributing to Car Accidents

Thousands of car accidents happen per day in the U.S. The following are the major contributory factors that lead to most car accidents: 

Driver Error

Driver error, which includes alcohol consumption, distracted driving, and reckless driving, is the leading cause of traffic accidents. Alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant factor, often resulting in severe or fatal collisions due to impaired judgment and slowed reaction times. 

Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving, leads to a loss of focus on the road and a delayed response to sudden hazards. Reckless driving, including excessive speeding, aggressive maneuvers, and ignoring traffic signals, increases the risk of accidents by creating unpredictable and dangerous situations.

Car Size

The type of car driven can significantly affect survival rates. Due to their size and weight, small, lightweight cars are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. 

Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, generally offer more protection to occupants in a collision, making them safer options in many crash scenarios. However, they can also pose a greater threat to occupants of smaller vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists they collide with.

Car Type 

In their research, the IIHS found that muscle cars are more prone to accidents due to their design for speed and aggressive driving. These vehicles often attract drivers seeking high performance, leading to riskier driving behaviors.

Additionally, the lack of advanced safety features in certain cars, especially older models, can increase the risk of fatal accidents.

Road Conditions

Road conditions, including weather, road design, and maintenance, also contribute to car accidents. Poor weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and traction, making it more difficult for drivers to maintain control. 

Similarly, poorly designed or maintained roads with sharp curves, potholes, or inadequate signage can increase the risk of deadly accidents, regardless of the driver’s skill level or the type of vehicle driven.

Vehicle Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to be involved in an accident. Issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning lights can create hazardous situations on the road. 

Regular maintenance, including checking tire pressure, replacing worn brakes, and ensuring lights and signals work properly, is essential to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failure.

The Most Dangerous Cars on the Road

According to the IIHS, the following vehicles are considered the deadliest for their own drivers due to their high rates of driver deaths from 2018 to 2021. They are: 

• Mitsubishi Mirage G4
• Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback
• Dodge Challenger 2WD
• Hyundai Accent
• Chevrolet Spark 
• Kia Rio sedan
• Dodge Charger HEMI 2WD
• Chevrolet Camaro convertible 
• Nissan Altima
• Kia Forte
• Chevrolet Camaro coupe
• Chevrolet Sonic
• Hyundai Elantra sedan
• Chrysler 300 4WD
• Ford Mustang convertible
• Chevrolet Malibu
• Dodge Charger 2WD
• Chevrolet Trax 2WD
• Ford EcoSport 2WD
• Chevrolet Impala
• Kia Optima

In addition to this list, the IIHS also released a list of vehicles associated with the highest rates of other driver deaths. They include:

• Ram 3500 Crew Cab long bed 4WD
• Dodge Charger HEMI 2WD
• Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4WD
• Ram 2500 Mega Cab 4WD
• Kia Optima
• Kia Rio sedan
• Ram 2500 Crew Cab short bed 4WD
• Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4WD
• Dodge Charger 2WD
• Ram 1500 Crew Cab short bed 2WD 

Both lists examined crash statistics, driver fatality rates, and vehicle safety features over three years. Factors such as the size and weight of the vehicle, the presence or absence of advanced safety technology, and the design focus of the vehicle (e.g., speed versus safety) played a significant role in determining these rankings. 

Muscle cars and minicars tend to be the deadliest vehicles because of their structural disadvantages in collisions and the driving behaviors often associated with high-performance vehicles. For example, smaller passenger cars generally offer less crash protection due to their reduced size and mass, leading to higher fatality rates than larger, more robust vehicles. Similarly, sports cars and muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro are often driven more aggressively, contributing to a higher incidence of fatal crashes.

On the other hand, large SUVs and pickup trucks are the deadliest to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Their large hoods often create blind spots for drivers. 

The Safest Cars on the Road 

In addition to the list of the most dangerous cars, the IIHS also releases its evaluation of the safest cars on the road that earn its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+. The majority of the winners are small and midsize SUVs. The IIHS tests vehicles for crashworthiness, front crash prevention, and headlight performance.

The following car models are listed as the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners: 

Small Cars

• Acura Integra
• Honda Civic sedan (2025)
• Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan
• Toyota Prius 

Midsized Cars

• Honda Accord
• Hyundai Ioniq 6
• Toyota Camry (2025)

Large Luxury Cars

• Genesis Electrified G80
• Genesis G80 (built after October 2023)
• Genesis G90 (built after October 2023) 

Small SUVs

• Genesis GV60
• Honda HR-V
• Hyundai Kona
• Hyundai Tucson (built after March 2024)
• Mazda CX-30
• Mazda CX-50 (built after August 2023)
• Subaru Solterra

Midsized SUVs

• Ford Explorer
• Honda Pilot (2025 model year)
• Kia Telluride
• Mazda CX-90
• Nissan Pathfinder (built after November 2023)
• Subaru Ascent

Luxury SUVs

• Acura MDX
• BMW X3
• BMW X5
• Genesis Electrified GV70
• Genesis GV70 (2025)
• Genesis GV80 (built after August 2023)
• Lexus NX
• Mercedes-Benz GLE Class (with optional front crash prevention)
• Tesla Model Y
• Volvo XC90

To find out your vehicle’s safety ranking, you can click here. 

We Are a Car Accident Law Firm

Knowing the most dangerous and safest cars can help you whether you’re searching for a new car or not. While vehicle safety constantly improves, there is still a way to go. As a personal injury law firm, we protect the rights of motor vehicle accident victims who suffer injuries due to negligence. 

If you were injured by a negligent driver or a defective vehicle, you may need legal representation. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is Orange County’s #1 rated personal injury law firm, with over $300 million recovered for clients. Speak to our dedicated car accident attorney today for a free case evaluation with no upfront legal fees.