We’d all like to think we’re invincible, but unfortunately, that’s just not the case. And our vehicles aren’t safe metal boxes either, no matter how comfortable we may feel in them.
There were 46,027 fatalities from motor-vehicle crashes in 2022, according to the National Safety Council.
There’s always risk while on the road. Some vehicles, however, may be safer than others.
Recently, the iSeeCars search engine for motor vehicles analyzed fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System and compiled a ranking of the most dangerous vehicles. They reviewed data from vehicles with 2018-2022 model years.
“Most of these vehicles received excellent safety ratings, performing well in crash tests at the IIHS and NHTSA, so it’s not a vehicle design issue,” said Karl Brauer, an iSeeCars executive analyst, in a summary of the findings. “The models on this list likely reflect a combination of driver behavior and driving conditions, leading to increased crashes and fatalities.”
Here are the models that landed on top of the iSeeCars ranking for vehicles with the most frequent occupant fatalities.
23. Toyota Venza
Fatal accident rate for this model: 5.6 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.0 times the average rate for all models)
The 2022 Toyota Venza previously had issues with its Skid Control ECU software. The software’s failure means it didn’t comply with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Owners of this vehicle were able to get the software replaced free of charge, though.
21. Infiniti Q50 (tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 5.8 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.0 times the average rate for all models)
Drivers have reported that the 2019 Infiniti Q50 has had cruise control issues and inaccuracies with the back-up cameras, according to Lemberg Law. Owners have also complained about issues with steering that cause the car to drift.
21. Tesla Model S (tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 5.8 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.0 times the average rate for all models)
Tesla has a history of recalls, and the Model S is no exception. Cars manufactured between 2017 and 2021 have reportedly suffered from phantom braking. The vehicles would autonomously slam on the brakes without there being any external reasons for doing so. It would sometimes do this while drivers were traveling on highways.
20. Toyota Prius
Fatal accident rate for this model: 5.9 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.1 times the average rate for all models)
When the Toyota Camry made its debut four decades ago, it was considered to be a compact car. Over the years, it grew into a midsize car and is now one of America’s most popular sedans.
19. Dodge Charger
Fatal accident rate for this model: 6.1 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.1 times the average rate for all models)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that muscle cars — specifically mentioning the Dodge Charger — have a certain image and marketing that contribute to high crash rates. Some of that marketing focuses on its “ground-shaking” power and “racing-inspired” high-performance brakes.
18. Ford Bronco Sport
Fatal accident rate for this model: 6.2 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.2 times the average rate for all models)
The 2022 Ford Bronco has had a few recalls, including one regarding incorrectly manufactured brake linings. There have also been issues with the power train that can make cars stall or struggle to keep up with traffic, leading to a higher crash risk.
17. Ford Bronco
Fatal accident rate for this model: 6.6 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.3 times the average rate for all models)
The 2022 Ford Bronco has had a few recalls of note. For certain vehicles, the passenger-side rear door could be opened from the inside despite the child lock being turned on. Another recall noted that the right or left side impact sensors for airbags may not have been properly secured in certain vehicles.
16. Kia Seltos
Fatal accident rate for this model: 6.8 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.4 times the average rate for all models)
Certain 2022 Kia Seltos vehicles have had issues with stalling, both while at a stop and while accelerating. The 2021 model may be prone to transmission failure, according to the law firm Timothy Abeel & Associates.
15. Kia K5
Fatal accident rate for this model: 7.1 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.5 times the average rate for all models)
Past recalls on the 2022 Kia K5 show that some vehicles may not have had side curtain airbags installed properly, leading them to not deploy correctly in a crash. Other issues include the transmission, which could result in a complete loss of drive power.
14. Nissan Versa
Fatal accident rate for this model: 7.2 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.5 times the average rate for all models)
The Nissan Versa arrived in U.S. dealerships in 2006, and by the following year it had won Consumers Digest’s “Best Buy Award.” It has a reputation for comfort and usability.
11. Chevrolet Camaro (three-way tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 7.3 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.6 times the average rate for all models)
The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro doesn’t have any recalls, and it has an 84 out of 100 J.D. Power Quality and Reliability rating. Nevertheless, it still manages to make the iSeeCars list for vehicles with the highest fatal accident rates.
11. Toyota Corolla Hybrid (three-way tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 7.3 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.6 times the average rate for all models)
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is another vehicle on this list whose 2022 model doesn’t have any government-issued recalls. It’s a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but it was given the “marginal” ranking (a step above “poor”) with regard to its seatbelt reminders.
11. Kia Soul (three-way tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 7.3 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.6 times the average rate for all models)
The 2022 Kia Soul doesn’t have any recalls yet, but the 2021 Kia Soul does. Certain vehicles of the 2020 and 2021 model years may not have had their piston oil rings properly treated, ultimately resulting in engine damage and increased crash and fire risk.
10. Buick Envision
Fatal accident rate for this model: 8 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.8 times the average rate for all models)
Certain 2021 Buick Envision vehicles were recalled because the airbag malfunction indicator light didn’t indicate airbag issues to drivers when necessary. There was another recall regarding exterior lighting issues that could increase crash risk.
9. Kia Forte
Fatal accident rate for this model: 8.1 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 2.9 times the average rate for all models)
Certain 2021 and 2022 Kia Forte vehicles were recalled because a bolt in the steering column may not have been properly secured. For affected vehicles, this could lead to the steering column detaching and the driver losing steering control.
8. Buick Encore GX
Fatal accident rate for this model: 9.8 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 3.4 times the average rate for all models)
Certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX vehicles were recalled because the emergency jack, if not positioned correctly, could fracture while in use and cause the vehicle to collapse. Still, the 2022 model is an IIHS top safety pick.
7. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Fatal accident rate for this model: 10.1 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 3.6 times the average rate for all models)
The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 doesn’t have any recalls. The G4 does still lack in certain areas of the IIHS’s safety report, however. The institute tested a 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage model, but says this rating applies to 2017-24 models. The area in need of improvement was the structure and safety cage.
6. Tesla Model Y
Fatal accident rate for this model: 10.6 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 3.7 times the average rate for all models)
The 2022 Tesla Model Y currently has 17 recalls. Certain 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles were recalled because the hood could unlatch while driving. Certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles would fail to provide seatbelt alerts. And certain 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles were recalled because the self-driving system would navigate the car into intersections, fail to stop at stop signs and not properly follow speed limits.
4. Honda CR-V Hybrid (tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 13.2 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 4.6 times the average rate for all models)
The IIHS gives the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid a good rating overall. However, it scored “poor” (the lowest rating) in one key area: chest injury prevention for rear passengers. The vehicle received a moderate rating for head and neck injury prevention for rear passengers. It did receive top marks for injury prevention for the driver, though.
4. Porsche 911 (tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 13.2 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 4.6 times the average rate for all models)
The 2022 Porsche 911 has six recalls. A handful of vehicles were recalled because the seatbelt would not secure properly, potentially detaching during a crash. And three vehicles from the 2020 and 2022 models were recalled because the body of the car wasn’t properly welded and so did not provide occupants proper protection in a potential crash.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage (tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 13.6 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 4.8 times the average rate for all models)
Neither the 2021 nor 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage has recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It did, however, receive a poor rating from the IIHS for its driver lower leg and foot injury protection measures and a moderate rating for its structure and cage safety.
2. Chevrolet Corvette (tie)
Fatal accident rate for this model: 13.6 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 4.8 times the average rate for all models)
About two dozen 2021 and 2022 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles were recalled because of missing ball bearings that could lead to an unexpected loss of drive power. A much larger number of 2021 vehicles were recalled because of the airbag malfunction indicator’s failure.
1. Hyundai Venue
Fatal accident rate for this model: 13.9 fatal accidents per billion vehicle miles (which is 4.9 times the average rate for all models)
Certain 2020-2022 Hyundai Venue vehicles have been recalled for various seatbelt issues. The front driver-side and/or passenger-side seatbelt pretensioners (the things that tighten up a seatbelt’s slack in a crash) could explode and project metal fragments around the vehicle.
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