When it comes to buying a car, safety is often at the top of the list. Yet, some vehicles fail to pass crash tests with flying colors, raising serious concerns for potential buyers. Curious about which cars might not be worth the risk? Let’s explore the crash test failures you might want to steer clear of.
1. Fiat 500 (2013-2015)
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The Fiat 500 struggled in various crash tests, particularly with side-impact collisions. It received poor ratings for occupant protection, especially for rear-seat passengers. If you’re considering this compact car, be aware of its less-than-stellar safety track record.
2. Chevrolet Spark (2013-2015)
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The Chevrolet Spark earned low marks in crashworthiness, particularly in the small overlap front test. This resulted in a poor overall safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While it’s a budget-friendly option, safety is a significant concern here.
3. Mitsubishi Lancer (2016-2017)
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The Mitsubishi Lancer fell short in crash test evaluations, particularly regarding its performance in the small overlap front crash. It received a poor rating for the driver’s side safety, which could be problematic in the event of an accident. This model might not offer the protection you need on the road.
4. Nissan Versa (2012-2016)
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The Nissan Versa’s crash test ratings revealed significant issues, especially in side-impact and rollover tests. The car struggled with maintaining structural integrity under crash conditions. For a safer choice, you might want to consider alternatives with better crash test results.
5. Kia Soul (2014-2016)
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Despite its quirky looks, the Kia Soul didn’t fare well in certain crash tests, including small overlap front impacts. The safety ratings reflected concerns about structural weaknesses and occupant protection. It’s worth considering other vehicles if safety is a top priority for you.
6. Toyota Yaris (2012-2017)
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The Toyota Yaris received lower ratings for crashworthiness, particularly in the small overlap front and side-impact tests. The car’s design showed vulnerabilities that could compromise safety in a crash. It’s advisable to look at other options with better crash test performance.
7. Hyundai Accent (2014-2017)
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The Hyundai Accent struggled with side-impact crash tests and received a poor overall safety rating. Its performance in crash tests highlighted concerns about occupant protection and vehicle structure. If safety is paramount, it might be wise to avoid this model.
8. Subaru Impreza (2012-2014)
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While Subaru is known for its safety features, the Impreza from these years faced issues in certain crash tests, particularly with the small overlap front test. It received lower ratings for overall safety, which might be a red flag for potential buyers. Consider newer models with improved safety features.
9. Ford Fiesta (2011-2015)
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The Ford Fiesta had disappointing results in crash tests, particularly in side-impact and rollover evaluations. Its safety ratings reflected concerns about passenger protection and vehicle durability. For better safety, you might want to look beyond this compact option.
10. Honda Fit (2015-2018)
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The Honda Fit faced criticism in crash tests, particularly for its performance in small overlap front impacts. Despite its popularity, the safety ratings for these years show some concerning results. If you’re prioritizing safety, it might be worth exploring other vehicles.
11. Volkswagen Jetta (2011-2014)
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Jonathan Weiss
The Volkswagen Jetta had several issues in crash tests, including poor performance in side-impact and small overlap front tests. These shortcomings affected its overall safety rating, making it less appealing for safety-conscious buyers. Better alternatives are available if safety is your primary concern.
12. Mazda2 (2011-2014)
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The Mazda2 struggled with crash test performance, particularly in side-impact and rollover evaluations. Its safety ratings highlighted vulnerabilities that could be problematic in an accident. For a safer ride, consider vehicles with higher crash test ratings.
13. Buick Verano (2012-2017)
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The Buick Verano’s crash test results showed issues, particularly with side-impact and small overlap tests. These problems contributed to a lower overall safety rating. If safety is crucial, exploring other models with better performance in these tests is advisable.
14. Acura ILX (2013-2015)
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The Acura ILX faced challenges in crash tests, particularly regarding small overlap front impacts and side collisions. The safety ratings reflected some concerns about its protective capabilities. Looking at newer models or alternatives with improved ratings might be a better choice.
15. Chrysler 200 (2011-2014)
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The Chrysler 200 had several crash test failures, including poor performance in side-impact and rollover tests. Its overall safety rating was affected by these issues, making it a less ideal choice for safety-conscious buyers. Other vehicles with better crash test results are worth considering.
16. Dodge Dart (2013-2016)
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The Dodge Dart faced difficulties in crash tests, particularly with small overlap front and side-impact evaluations. The car’s safety ratings reflected concerns about passenger protection and structural integrity. It’s wise to consider alternatives with higher safety ratings.
17. Jeep Compass (2011-2014)
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The Jeep Compass had disappointing results in crash tests, particularly in side-impact and rollover evaluations. Its safety ratings revealed some concerning performance issues. For better safety, explore options with improved crash test results.
18. Ram 1500 (2009-2011)
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The Ram 1500’s crash test performance showed vulnerabilities, especially in rollover and side-impact tests. Its safety ratings were affected by these issues, which could be a concern for potential buyers. Considering newer models with better safety features might be a prudent choice.
19. Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2010-2013)
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The Land Rover Range Rover Sport faced issues in crash tests, particularly with side-impact and small overlap evaluations. Its safety ratings reflected some concerns about its protective capabilities. For enhanced safety, look into newer models or other vehicles with superior ratings.
20. Cadillac ATS (2013-2016)
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The Cadillac ATS had several issues in crash tests, including poor performance in side-impact and rollover tests. Its overall safety rating was affected by these shortcomings. Exploring newer models with better safety ratings is advisable for a more secure driving experience.
21. Infiniti QX50 (2009-2014)
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The Infiniti QX50 faced challenges in crash tests, particularly with side-impact and rollover evaluations. Its safety ratings showed some concerning results that might affect your decision. Opting for vehicles with higher crash test ratings could be a safer bet.
Keep Calm and Drive On
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When it comes to choosing a car, safety shouldn’t be a compromise. While these crash test failures might seem daunting, knowing what to avoid can help you make a more informed decision. Remember, driving with confidence means driving safely, so make sure your ride meets the highest safety standards.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
