Even the most prominent manufacturers sometimes make mistakes, and the number of dangerous or defective cars we’ve seen over the years is a testament to that.
While driving carries risks, you should be confident that your car is safe. Unfortunately, that wasn’t always the case with some of these vehicles.
Tesla Model S
While Tesla is considered a company at the cutting edge of technology, its push for advancement has sometimes been dangerous for drivers.
The Tesla Model S launched with a new Autopilot feature, which many drivers mistakenly believed made it a fully autonomous vehicle. Early versions of Autopilot struggled to detect road markings and hazards.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2011-2014 model of the Grand Cherokee was not Jeep’s finest moment.
The vehicle was plagued with transmission issues, which led to rollaway accidents, and there were widely reported problems with the braking system.
If that weren’t enough, this model’s higher center of gravity made it particularly prone to rollover accidents.
Ford Mustang
The Mustang’s horsepower, sports car image, and relative affordability have led to a high accident rate among young drivers.
Even the entry-level models have higher-powered engines than the average car, and combined with inexperienced drivers, Mustangs have been disproportionately involved in single-car accidents and accidents caused by speeding.
Before 2015, the Mustang lacked key crash protection systems, but those issues have since been addressed.
Hyundai Accent
The affordability of the Hyundai Accent was undeniable, but there were issues with older versions of this car.
Before major upgrades in 2012, there were serious concerns about the Hyundai Accent’s safety. Basic safety features weren’t standard, and its lightweight design made it especially vulnerable in collisions.
Thankfully, the newer models are far safer than before.
Suzuki Samurai
While the Suzuki Samurai was marketed as an off-road vehicle, it was widely adopted for day-to-day driving, to disastrous results.
The Samurai lacked essential safety features for commuting, and its lightweight design made it prone to rollovers.
After a string of reports about the Samurai’s safety issues, sales declined, and it was discontinued in 1995.
Kia Rio
The 2006–2011 models of the Kia Rio may have been affordable, but they lacked safety features.
The lack of side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control, combined with its lightweight design, caused it to perform poorly in crash tests.
Fortunately, the Rio’s safety was dramatically upgraded in 2012, and it’s a much safer car to drive today.
Dodge Ram 1500
If you are considering purchasing a second-hand Dodge Ram 1500, check the safety record of the model you are buying.
Before the 2000s, the Ram 1500 had limited safety features and was known for its suspension, brakes, and steering wearing out faster than expected.
Since the turn of the millennium, the Dodge Ram 1500 has been upgraded and is much safer to drive.
BMW X5
While the current model of the BMW X5 has been given the highest safety ratings, this wasn’t always the case.
When first launched in 1999, the X5 had braking and steering issues, and its high elevation made it prone to rollovers.
Today’s BMW X5 is a different story and has been praised for its safety features.
Nissan Versa
It’s smart to shop around, but sometimes you get what you pay for.
While the Nissan Versa is a safe car today, early models lacked key safety features to keep costs down. Basic safety features were lacking, there was a lack of stability at high speeds, and the Versa did not perform well in crash tests.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is a highly safe and popular minivan, but it hasn’t always been that way.
When first launched in the early 2000s, transmission issues caused drivers to lose control, and severe rusting was believed to compromise structural integrity in certain situations.
A 2017 redesign solved these issues.
Pontiac Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird is a beautiful car and a favorite of collectors, but the 1970s-80s models performed poorly in crash tests.
Issues with structural integrity, combined with the engine’s power, led to many high-speed crashes. It was an easy car to lose control of, particularly in poor weather.
Also, the long hood design prevented drivers from seeing hazards on the road.
Hummer H2
A gigantic car, the Hummer H2, was far from safe.
Despite its hefty frame, crash tests revealed significant weaknesses in the H2, and its size made it harder to stop in emergencies. This size also made for poor driver visibility and made the vehicle susceptible to rollovers.
The H2 was discontinued in 2009 due to declining sales.
Chevrolet Tahoe
A high center of gravity is not a driver’s friend, and the Chevrolet Tahoe is a great example.
The SUV was prone to rollovers, and sharp turns were difficult and sometimes dangerous. There were also issues with the braking system, steering, and tire blowouts.
Thankfully, the modern Tahoe is a lot safer.
Volkswagen Beetle
Featured in film and television, the Beetle is an iconic car.
However, the redesigned 1998-2010 models had significant safety issues. Driver visibility was poor, and essential safety features were missing. Additionally, the Beetle was at risk of rollovers for the first time.
This design iteration was retired in 2010, and a new version was introduced that addressed these concerns.
Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto has become a cautionary tale in the automotive industry.
The Pinto initially sold well, but its poorly placed rear fuel tank made it prone to explosion in collisions, while its lightweight design offered little driver protection.
The Pinto was retired in 1980 due to plummeting sales and a tarnished reputation.
