Home Cars Fatal Facts: 20 Cars with the Highest Accident Rates in America

Cars

Fatal Facts: 20 Cars with the Highest Accident Rates in America

Jimmy Adell June 2, 2025

Driving safety remains a critical concern across America, with thousands of accidents occurring each year, resulting in tragic fatalities and life-altering injuries. While driver behavior and environmental factors significantly influence accident rates, the type of vehicle driven can also play a critical role in road safety outcomes. Recent accident statistics reveal troubling insights about specific car models that consistently appear in accident reports at higher rates than others. Being adequately informed about these vehicles can empower consumers to make safer purchasing decisions and encourage manufacturers to enhance vehicle safety standards. In this article, we reveal the top 20 cars with the highest accident rates in America, providing essential insights to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.

NEXT >>

1. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta consistently ranks among the vehicles with the highest accident rates in America, often attributed to its compact size, relatively limited safety technology, and young driver demographic. As a smaller car, the Fiesta offers less protection in collisions compared to larger vehicles, making occupants more vulnerable during accidents. While newer models have improved safety standards, earlier versions lack advanced driver-assistance features such as lane departure warnings or automatic emergency braking. Additionally, statistics suggest that younger, less experienced drivers frequently choose the Fiesta for its affordability, potentially contributing to its higher accident rates. Recognizing these factors can help drivers make more informed choices regarding their vehicle purchases.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent, despite its popularity as an affordable compact sedan, has alarmingly high accident rates when compared to similar vehicles in its class. Safety concerns for the Accent primarily stem from its modest crash-test ratings—earning only marginal scores in certain collision scenarios conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Additionally, like other small sedans, the Accent’s lightweight frame provides limited protection during high-impact collisions, increasing injury risks for occupants. While newer models include enhanced safety features, earlier Accents typically lack robust safety technologies, placing them at a disadvantage relative to safer competitors in the compact segment.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark, known for its affordability and fuel efficiency, also carries a concerning safety record marked by notably higher accident frequency. Its compact and lightweight frame, while practical for urban driving, offers limited protection in collisions, making it vulnerable in crashes involving larger vehicles. According to recent accident reports and crash-test ratings, the Spark often performs below average, with earlier models particularly lacking advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems and blind-spot monitoring. These factors contribute significantly to its elevated accident statistics, highlighting the importance of carefully considering vehicle safety equipment and crashworthiness when selecting a compact car.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa, popular among budget-conscious consumers, presents troubling accident statistics compared to other compact sedans. Although recent Versa models have introduced improved safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, earlier models lack these critical features, leaving drivers more susceptible to collisions. Crash test evaluations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that while newer models have shown progress, earlier versions received lower scores, particularly in side-impact and frontal collision scenarios. Its lightweight build further contributes to limited protection during high-impact accidents, reinforcing the need for buyers to prioritize safety features when considering this vehicle.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Kia Rio

The Kia Rio, while praised for its affordability and fuel efficiency, unfortunately appears frequently in vehicle accident reports, placing it among the cars with the highest accident rates. Safety evaluations by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveal that earlier Kia Rio models scored poorly in critical crash-test categories like small overlap front collisions. Additionally, the vehicle’s compact design and limited availability of advanced driver-assistance systems—particularly in older models—increase vulnerability during accidents. Factors such as youthful driver demographics and lower overall vehicle mass further exacerbate these safety concerns, underscoring the need for prospective owners to carefully assess safety features before purchasing.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage, attractive to budget-minded drivers for its affordability and fuel economy, consistently ranks high in accident frequency. Its compact, lightweight build makes it especially vulnerable during collisions with larger vehicles, significantly elevating the risk of severe injuries for occupants. Furthermore, crash test evaluations conducted by organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show below-average results, particularly for side-impact and frontal collisions. Earlier Mirage models notably lack comprehensive safety features such as collision avoidance technology, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring, factors that likely contribute to its troubling position among vehicles with high accident rates.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Chevrolet Sonic

The Chevrolet Sonic, though popular for its compact size and affordability, experiences notably higher accident rates compared to many rivals in its segment. While recent models have incorporated improved safety technologies, older Sonics often lack essential driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warnings. Additionally, its smaller frame provides less structural protection in collisions, increasing injury risks for occupants. Driver demographics also play a role; the Sonic frequently appeals to younger, less experienced drivers, potentially contributing to riskier driving behaviors. These factors, combined with mixed crash-test ratings from safety institutions, underscore the importance of carefully evaluating safety when considering this model.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris, despite Toyota’s strong overall reputation for safety, ranks among cars with higher-than-average accident rates. Safety evaluations by institutions like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have shown mixed results, particularly for older generations lacking advanced safety equipment such as lane departure alerts and automatic braking systems. The Yaris’s small size and lightweight construction further limit its ability to protect occupants effectively in collisions, especially when involved with larger vehicles. Additionally, its appeal to younger or budget-conscious drivers may contribute to riskier driving behaviors, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly assessing safety features and crash-test ratings before purchase.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Honda Fit

The Honda Fit, known for its versatility and economy, unfortunately also registers higher accident rates compared to other vehicles in its class. Safety assessments by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveal mixed crash-test performance, particularly in side-impact and frontal collisions. While newer models have integrated improved safety features, earlier Fits often lack modern driver-assist technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Additionally, the Fit frequently attracts younger, more inexperienced drivers, potentially leading to riskier driving behaviors and contributing to its elevated presence in accident statistics.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra, while popular for its affordable pricing and comfortable ride, shows consistently higher accident rates than many competing compact sedans. Crash-test evaluations from safety agencies like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have revealed mixed results, especially regarding older models’ performance in frontal and side-impact tests. Although recent Sentra generations introduce improved safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, earlier versions lack these crucial features, potentially contributing to higher accident risks. Additionally, its appeal to younger drivers, who may be more prone to risky driving behaviors, further influences its accident statistics compared to safer alternatives within its segment.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus, despite its widespread appeal and sporty handling, has consistently appeared in accident data with higher-than-average frequency compared to other compact cars. Safety assessments by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate mixed performance, with older models particularly lacking robust crash protection and advanced collision-avoidance technologies. Additionally, the vehicle’s popularity among younger drivers, who statistically exhibit riskier driving behaviors, contributes significantly to its elevated accident rates. While newer Focus models have improved safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking, earlier versions remain deficient, underscoring the importance of carefully evaluating a vehicle’s safety profile before purchase.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta, a popular choice for drivers seeking a reliable and comfortable compact sedan, nonetheless reports accident rates higher than many similar vehicles. Safety evaluations by organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate mixed crash-test results, especially in earlier models that lack modern collision-avoidance technologies. Additionally, the Jetta’s appeal to younger drivers, who may engage in riskier driving behaviors, likely contributes to its elevated accident statistics. Although newer models offer improved safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, earlier generations remain deficient, potentially raising the model’s overall risk profile.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Dodge Dart

The Dodge Dart, known for its sporty design and affordability, unfortunately ranks among vehicles with notably high accident rates. Crash-test results from safety organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlight inconsistent performance, particularly in front-impact and side-impact scenarios. Older Dart models often lack critical driver-assistance technologies, such as automatic emergency braking or lane-keeping assistance, making them less capable of avoiding collisions compared to better-equipped competitors. Additionally, the Dart tends to appeal to younger, more aggressive drivers, further increasing its likelihood of involvement in accidents. These factors collectively position the Dart below many peers in terms of overall safety.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Subaru Impreza

While Subaru is generally praised for safety, the Subaru Impreza surprisingly ranks higher than average in accident frequency among compact vehicles. Despite consistently solid safety ratings from agencies like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Impreza’s popularity among younger drivers, who statistically exhibit riskier driving behaviors, may elevate its accident rates. Additionally, earlier models often lack advanced safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warnings, potentially increasing collision risks. Although newer Imprezas include Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, older versions without these protective measures likely contribute significantly to the model’s relatively high accident statistics.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze, once a popular choice for drivers seeking affordability and efficiency, unfortunately exhibits higher-than-average accident rates within the compact sedan segment. Although newer Cruze models offer improved safety features—such as forward collision alerts and lane-keeping assistance—earlier versions typically lack these critical driver-assistance technologies. Crash-test evaluations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have produced mixed results, particularly regarding side-impact protection and small overlap frontal tests. Furthermore, the Cruze often appeals to younger motorists who may engage in riskier driving behaviors, partially explaining its elevated accident statistics compared to safer alternatives.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

16. Kia Forte

The Kia Forte, favored for its affordability and sleek design, unfortunately ranks among compact vehicles with elevated accident rates. Crash-test assessments conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal mixed safety performances, especially in frontal and side-impact scenarios. While recent Forte models have incorporated advanced safety features, such as forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist, older models are notably deficient in these critical technologies. Additionally, the Forte’s appeal to younger drivers, who may exhibit riskier driving behaviors, likely contributes to its higher accident frequency compared to similarly sized sedans.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

17. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra, praised for its affordability and comfortable ride, nonetheless registers higher accident rates than many other compact sedans. Safety evaluations from organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have indicated inconsistent performance, particularly in earlier models lacking crucial driver-assistance features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Elantra’s popularity among younger and less experienced drivers may also contribute significantly to its elevated collision statistics. Although recent models have improved crash-test ratings and include more advanced safety technologies, earlier versions pose heightened safety concerns, underscoring the importance of thoroughly assessing a vehicle’s safety features before purchase.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

18. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3, renowned for its sporty handling and sleek design, unexpectedly appears among compact cars with higher accident rates. Although recent Mazda 3 models earn commendable safety ratings from organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earlier versions lack critical driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, the Mazda 3’s sporty image and affordable pricing frequently attract younger drivers, who statistically present higher accident risks. While improvements in newer models have enhanced crash protection and technology, the absence of these features in older iterations likely contributes significantly to the vehicle’s overall accident frequency.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

19. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf, admired for its practicality and responsive handling, surprisingly ranks among hatchbacks with elevated accident rates. Despite generally favorable safety ratings from institutions such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earlier Golf models often lack essential driver-assistance technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Additionally, the Golf’s sporty performance attracts younger drivers, who statistically tend toward riskier driving behaviors, potentially impacting accident frequency. While recent versions have integrated advanced safety features to improve crash avoidance, the absence of these technologies in previous model years likely contributes to the Golf’s higher accident statistics compared to other hatchbacks.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

20. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic, despite its widespread popularity and strong reputation for reliability, finds itself among vehicles with notably higher accident rates. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates mixed crash-test results, especially in earlier Civic models lacking comprehensive safety equipment such as collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist. Additionally, the Civic’s affordability and sporty image frequently appeal to younger, more inexperienced drivers, potentially contributing to increased accident occurrences. While recent Civics have introduced advanced safety technologies resulting in improved ratings, the relative absence of these critical features in earlier models significantly impacts the vehicle’s overall safety standing.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Conclusion

Understanding the accident statistics and safety risks associated with specific car models is essential for making informed, responsible purchasing decisions. As we’ve explored, factors such as vehicle size, availability of advanced safety technologies, and driver demographics significantly influence accident rates. Prioritizing safety when selecting your next vehicle can greatly reduce the likelihood of serious injuries and fatalities on the road. Before purchasing, carefully review comprehensive safety ratings provided by trusted organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By staying informed and selecting safer vehicles, we can collectively contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }

<< Previous

Fatal Facts: 20 Cars with the Highest Accident Rates in America

1. Ford Fiesta

2. Hyundai Accent

3. Chevrolet Spark

4. Nissan Versa

5. Kia Rio

6. Mitsubishi Mirage

7. Chevrolet Sonic

8. Toyota Yaris

9. Honda Fit

10. Nissan Sentra

11. Ford Focus

12. Volkswagen Jetta

13. Dodge Dart

14. Subaru Impreza

15. Chevrolet Cruze

16. Kia Forte

17. Hyundai Elantra

18. Mazda 3

19. Volkswagen Golf

20. Honda Civic

Conclusion

POPULAR