10 Vehicles With the Worst Safety Scores

When it comes to vehicles, safety should always be the top concern. It's essential to drive a car, truck, or SUV that is dependable and secure. This is especially important because not all vehicles offer the same level of protection; their safety features and performance can differ significantly from one model to another.

Luckily, organizations like Consumer Reports conduct comprehensive tests to evaluate cars in multiple safety categories, providing consumers with valuable insights. This is critical information for anyone looking to purchase a new or used vehicle. Here are 10 cars with the lowest safety ratings, according to Consumer Reports.

10. Worst-Rated Subcompact: Mitsubishi Mirage

For those looking for an affordable subcompact car, the Mitsubishi Mirage may seem appealing with its starting price of $13,000 and an impressive fuel economy of 37 miles per gallon. However, these attractive points do little to mask the significant flaws of the Mirage. As a small car, it suffers from a weak three-cylinder engine that vibrates at certain speeds, sluggish acceleration, and sticky brakes. The cramped interior and a poor safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) further highlight its shortcomings. Although Mitsubishi promises upgrades for the 2017 model, such as more power, Android Auto, and improved brakes and handling, these updates are unlikely to improve the car’s subpar safety and performance ratings.

9. Worst-Rated Compact Car: Fiat 500L

The Fiat 500L has become infamous for all the wrong reasons. It holds the title of the worst-rated compact car by Consumer Reports and also earned the lowest reliability score in the 2016 survey, which tested nearly 740,000 vehicles. This Italian-made car has been flagged for several significant problems, including a poor road test score due to flat seats and an uncomfortable driving position that makes it challenging to operate. It also failed the IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test, and owners' satisfaction has been exceedingly low. In fact, the majority of 500L owners regret their purchase. Ouch!

8. Worst-Rated Midsize Sedan: Chrysler 200

It was only a matter of time before a Chrysler made this list, and this year, the Chrysler 200 claims the dubious honor in the midsized sedan category. This car has received dismal scores in both safety and overall performance. Worse still, it competes in a category filled with excellent vehicles, making it stand out for all the wrong reasons. Reviewers say the 200 drives like a relic from a previous era—specifically the 1970s, when Chrysler’s cars were known for their poor quality. The 200’s handling is awkward, the driving experience is harsh, and the four-cylinder engine is unimpressive. The cramped backseat and uncooperative transmission only add to the frustrations. With the lowest road test and reliability scores in its class, the Chrysler 200 is one to steer clear of.

7. Worst-Rated Compact Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

In recent years, Mercedes-Benz’s once-untouchable reputation has taken a hit, especially due to models like the CLA 250. Despite bearing the iconic Mercedes logo, the CLA 250 fails to live up to expectations. Both the engine and transmission have been criticized for lacking refinement and power, while the powertrain often struggles to deliver a smooth experience. The ride is notably harsh, making getting in and out of the car a difficult task, and the interior is frequently described as noisy and cramped. Both safety and reliability ratings are underwhelming, and the base price of $32,000 only gets you the most basic version. If you’re seeking the luxury experience typically associated with Mercedes, you’ll need to spend much more for the features that come standard in other models from the brand.

6. Worst-Rated Midsized Luxury Car: Lincoln MKS

The Lincoln MKS has earned the unflattering nickname of “old man car,” and many critics agree it lives up to that reputation. It feels outdated compared to other models in the Lincoln lineup, which are seen as more modern and refined. Essentially built on the Ford Taurus platform, the MKS suffers from an outdated interior with poor visibility and a small, almost useless trunk. The 3.7-liter V6 engine has been a major contributor to its low reliability ratings, and it scored poorly in the IIHS safety tests. If you’re considering a Lincoln, you’re better off looking at other, more contemporary models from the brand.

5. Worst-Rated Family SUV: Dodge Journey

The Dodge Journey is a budget-friendly option, starting at just $20,000, making it an attractive choice for those looking for an affordable SUV. However, this price comes with a multitude of shortcomings. Consumer Reports reveals that the Journey’s three-row interior is cramped, its handling is subpar, and its V6 engine delivers the worst fuel economy in its class. To add insult to injury, the Journey's reliability is below average, and it performed poorly in the IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test. Despite frequent discounts, the Journey simply doesn’t hold up as a reliable and safe choice in the SUV market.

4. Worst-Rated Luxury Compact SUV: Land Rover Discovery Sport

It’s surprising to see a Land Rover on this list, especially since the brand has historically dominated the compact SUV market. But the Discovery Sport reveals a decline in Land Rover’s performance. Auto critics note that the turbocharged four-cylinder engine struggles with inconsistent power, while the transmission is far from smooth. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Discovery Sport doesn’t deliver the ‘sporty’ experience many expect. It scores poorly in both safety and reliability, and with a hefty starting price of nearly $40,000, it’s an SUV best avoided.

3. Worst-Rated Large Luxury SUV: Cadillac Escalade

Once a standout in the luxury SUV market, the Cadillac Escalade has now fallen out of favor with critics. Experts say its handling is overly stiff and lacks the refinement expected from a luxury vehicle. Consumer Reports bluntly states: 'The Escalade simply floundered in our tests.' Despite its large frame, the interior feels cramped, with uncomfortable second-row seats and no legroom in the third row. The infotainment system is often criticized as one of the worst in the industry, and the Escalade holds the lowest safety rating in its class. All of this is available for a starting price of over $85,000.

2. Worst-Rated Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country

The Chrysler Town & Country barely outperformed its Dodge Grand Caravan counterpart to claim the title of worst-rated minivan. Neither vehicle excels in terms of safety or reliability, but the Town & Country stands out for its uncomfortable seats—thin, low, and inadequate. With an appalling fuel economy of just 17 miles per gallon, it ranks as the worst among all minivans. On top of that, it earned a dismal rating in the IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test. Chrysler, aware of its shortcomings, is replacing the Town & Country with the much-publicized Pacifica, while the Dodge Grand Caravan is being phased out. Don’t be tempted by discounts—these minivans are simply not worth the trouble.

1. Worst-Rated Green Car: Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The ‘green’ car segment is meant to include vehicles that are eco-friendly—fuel-efficient, clean-burning, or fully electric. Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV fails to live up to this noble goal. Priced as the cheapest all-electric car at $23,000, it has earned the scorn of critics who liken it to a golf cart. Known for its sluggish performance, awkward handling, and lackluster responsiveness, the i-MiEV has a cramped interior where drivers often find their elbows rubbing against the window. The cabin is noisy, and the car’s dreadful battery life only allows for a 56-mile range before requiring a recharge. This limited range, coupled with poor safety and reliability ratings, has led many to claim that the i-MiEV does more damage to the electric car movement than the rising cost of gas.