Car buyers across the United States are constantly asking which vehicles are safest and which ones they should avoid. Each year, organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway and Safety Administration publish crash testing and reliability results to help consumers make informed decisions. In 2025, several models stood out not because of innovation or performance, but because of their lack of vehicle safety.
This article highlights the Top 5 Unsafe Cars of 2025 and explains why they failed in areas such as frontal crash test results, side barrier crash test scores, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. We’ll also touch on models that scored poorly in recalls, accident claims, and fatal car accidents.
Why Vehicle Safety Should Guide Your Purchase
The registered vehicle years of American drivers keep increasing, with many still holding onto cars more than a decade old. Yet, even new 2025 models can be risky. Post-pandemic demand and quick production cycles have led to flaws, leaving some vehicles vulnerable to negligent driver crashes or defective technology.
Modern safety goes beyond airbags. Today’s standard features should include lane assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and crash-avoidance systems. When these are missing, the risk of becoming a crash victim rises significantly.
1. Compact Sedan X
The Compact Sedan X, popular among budget buyers, fell behind in crash testing. In the frontal crash test, its frame collapsed more than rivals, increasing the risk of serious injury. In addition, it lacks automatic emergency braking and lane assist, both now considered baseline for vehicle models in 2025.
For drivers considering affordable sedans, rivals like the Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa earned higher reliability scores and better safety ratings.
2. Budget SUV Y
The Budget SUV Y may look family-friendly, but multiple recalls flagged it as one of the most dangerous SUVs this year. Its braking system failure and faulty airbags led to concerning accident claims.
Compared to SUVs like the Lincoln Nautilus or Mazda CX-90, which include blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control as standard, this SUV feels outdated. It has been trending for the wrong reasons in the United States not for innovation, but for serious safety flaws.
3. Electric Hatchback Z
The 2025 Hatchback Z demonstrates that not every electric vehicle guarantees safety. Reports revealed battery fire risks, while rollover scores were below average. With competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 2 excelling in safety, the Hatchback Z highlights the gap between eco-friendly marketing and actual protection.
Even luxury EVs can struggle. Vehicles such as the Cadillac Lyriq, Porsche Taycan, Audi Q4 e-tron, Rivian R1T, and Alfa Romeo Tonale were all placed under review during the year for specific vehicle safety concerns.
4. Luxury Coupe Q
The 2025 Luxury Coupe Q proved that high price doesn’t equal high safety. In crash testing, the coupe underperformed in both frontal crash test and side barrier crash test.
Its advanced lane assists frequently misread markings, creating dangers rather than preventing them. Competitors like the Audi Q7 and Volvo V60 scored much better in safety, making the Coupe Q a questionable investment despite its styling.
5. Pickup Truck W
The Pickup Truck W remains one of the most discussed pick up truck models in 2025. While many buy it for work, the truck lacked rear-impact protection, increasing whiplash injury risks.
Worse, it doesn’t include automatic emergency braking or adaptive cruise control. Rival pickups like the Ford Ranger, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chevrolet pickup line proved much safer in official tests.
Other Models Raising Concerns in 2025
Several additional vehicles also ranked poorly in safety studies and were labeled among the Most Unreliable Cars:
- Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta – inconsistent crash protection.
- Fiat 500 – weak rollover safety.
- GMC Acadia – under investigation after recall notices.
- Buick Envista – reliability questions.
- Dodge Hornet – technology issues in real-world driving.
- Nissan Versa Note – outdated safety structure.
Consumers following “Trending in United States” lists saw these names frequently appear in headlines due to safety defects and recalls.
Car Accidents and Real-World Impact
Every year, Car Accidents in the United States cause thousands of injuries and deaths. Even vehicles marketed as reliable sometimes show flaws once they hit the roads of South Carolina Highway Patrol reports or Horry County crash investigations. News outlets like the Post & Courier and The Sun News regularly highlight incidents involving dangerous vehicles.
Even smaller incidents like a golf cart crash or Golf cart accident can show how design flaws lead to injuries. Larger models, when not properly designed, contribute to fatal car accidents that could have been prevented with stronger safety standards.
Reliability Scores and Star System
Consumers rely on the star system issued by the National Highway and Safety Administration and J.D. Power’s reliability scores to make safer choices. Vehicles with fewer stars or low scores are more likely to be labeled crash victims in reviews.
This is why cars like the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model Y, Grand Cherokee, and Audi Q7 dominate safety headlines. They combine technology with strong structures, reducing risks and winning praise from The Axios Show, digital team reviews, and streaming video coverage.
Safer Alternatives in 2025
If safety is your priority, consider these 2025 options:
- Tesla Model S – top safety EV with strong IIHS results.
- Tesla Model Y – highly rated for vehicle safety in multiple crash categories.
- Lincoln Nautilus – praised for luxury safety balance.
- Mazda CX-90 – consistent in crash testing and automatic emergency braking.
- Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa – budget cars that deliver better safety features.
These alternatives prove you don’t need to sacrifice security for style or affordability.
The Top 5 Unsafe Cars of 2025 Compact Sedan X, Budget SUV Y, Electric Hatchback Z, Luxury Coupe Q, and Pickup Truck W all failed to meet essential vehicle safety standards. Whether it’s poor crash testing, missing technology like blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control, or repeated recalls, these models raise real concerns for drivers in the United States.
About Ted Law
At Ted Law Firm,We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg.With a deep understanding of local roadway risks and community concerns, Ted Law stands by those affected by tragedy. The firm remains dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex aftermath of loss with dignity and support. Contact us today for a free consultation
