It should come as no surprise to hear that not all vehicles on the road are safe. But what might surprise you is if you learn that the car, truck, or SUV you drive is among the vehicles navigating roads and freeways that probably should be.
You Might Own a Dangerous Vehicle…Without Even Knowing It!
Whether you don’t pay much attention to recall notices that come in the mail or don’t read car reviews, a car in your driveway or garage might be a safety hazard for you and others. Keep reading to learn about 14 popular vehicles that are actually dangerous.
Ford Explorer (1991-2001)
While the Ford Explorer SUV is an icon, that doesn’t mean it has a perfect track record. Some earlier models are prone to rollovers.
One source cites the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, saying the 1999 to 2002 Ford Explorers, specifically the two-door, two-wheel-drive varieties, “had the fourth highest rate of driver deaths among 47 SUVs in the study.” In other words, drive one at your own risk.
Chevrolet Cobalt (2005-2010)
If you’re shopping for a used vehicle and see a Chevy Cobalt, according to CoPilot for Car Shopping, you should stay away from the 2005 to 2010 models. They’re dangerous cars that, thankfully, had a relatively short production run.
The 2006 model year is plagued with power steering problems, including lock-up, rendering it just about impossible to steer.
Ford Pinto (1971-1980)
If you previously owned a Ford Pinto, you’re excused if the very mention of the vehicle brings up PTSD. A rear-end crash could trigger fuel leakage and, unfortunately, fires. MotorTrend examined a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration focusing on rear-end crashes involving Ford Pintos and Mercury Bobcats (rebadged Ford Pintos) for the 1970 to 1976 model years. It found that 27 Ford Pinto occupants died in these types of collisions, and an additional 24 Ford Pinto occupants suffered non-fatal burn mishaps.
Suzuki Samurai (1985-1995)
Carbuzz refers to the Suzuki Samurai as “famously unsafe,” which sums the situation up nicely. It adds that Suzuki admits to “having knowledge of 213 deaths and 8,200 injuries as the result of rollover, and would settle some 200 lawsuits.” While the Suzuki Samurai looks the part, it’s known for tipping over during sharp turns and should be avoided.
Dodge Neon (1995-2005)
The Dodge Neon is another popular car with a negative safety record. Crash test performances are poor for the 1995 to 2005 models. That is especially true in rollover and side-impact tests. Safety ratings from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2005 models leave much to be desired. There are too many “marginal” and “poor” ratings to be comfortable recommending a used Neon.
Chevrolet Blazer (1995-2005)
According to Chevrolet Problems, in 2021, Blazer owners made hundreds of complaints—629 over 19 model years. It adds that the brand comes in 24th place out of 40 Chevy models for reliability.
RolloverLawyer.com notes that Blazers and Jimmys “both posed considerable rollover risks, as neither was designed with rollover safety as a top priority.”
Ford Escape (2001-2004)
Early models of the Ford Escape are dangerous. RepairPal refers to the horrific recalls for the Ford Escape’s 2001 to 2004 models, including one for an electrical short that could trigger ABS malfunctions. Another recall for the same model years refers to the potential for a stuck throttle leading to high vehicle speeds, rendering it challenging to slow down or stop the vehicle.
Nissan Pathfinder (1995-2004)
Nissan Pathfinders from 1995 to 2004 have poor results in their side-impact crash test ratings.; and that doesn’t include its rollover risk. For the 2004 model year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the SUV a “marginal” rating for its 40-mile-per-hour frontal offset collision test.
Jeep Liberty (2002-2012)
If you’re into the Jeep Liberty brand, do yourself a favor and give the 2002 to 2012 model years a wide berth due to undesirable crash test performance and a lack of standard safety features. Referring to the 2002 model year, CoPilot for Car Shopping says issues related to the airbag system, seat belts, and overall safety are of concern.
Chevrolet Tahoe (1999-2006)
Chevrolet Problems notes that Chevy Tahoe owners have launched 1,178 complaints over 27 model years. It ranks the vehicle in the 28th spot out of 40 Chevy models for overall reliability. Among the many problems is the Takata recalls involving faulty and dangerous Takata airbag inflators that can hurl shrapnel if activated. Inadequate rollover protection is also an issue.
Chrysler PT Cruiser (2000-2010)
While the Chrysler PT Cruiser has attractive retro looks, one person’s “retro” is another’s “ugly.” Besides the divisive aesthetics, the vehicle has poor crash test performance results and has had various recalls over the years due to safety issues. In reviewing the 2010 model year, Edmunds comments on its “low safety scores.”
Toyota Tercel (1991-1999)
While Toyota vehicles past and present have a generally solid reputation, the Toyota Tercels from 1991 to 1999 have poor crash test performance ratings—particularly in head-on collisions. Edmunds says 1991 models have no side-mounted or head airbags. So much for safety!
Toyota Echo (2000-2005)
Early Toyota Echos don’t exactly impress in crash test results. Meanwhile, Car Problem Zoo says the Echo has issues with airbags that don’t deploy when they should. Another issue is the braking system; the vehicle can struggle to stop efficiently, increasing the risk of collision.
Fiat 500 (2011-2015)
The Fiat 500 has a checkered history as far as reliability is concerned. One of the worst model years, according to CoPilot for Car Shopping, is the 2015 variety because of “questionable reliability ratings and poor crash test scores.”
Do You Have Any of These Vehicles?
These are some vehicles that, while popular, aren’t the safest. Some are downright dangerous and should probably be retired—not resold but taken off the road.
If you own one but haven’t experienced any of the issues mentioned, that’s great. But it’s still better to be safe than sorry.
The List Could Go On
These are just 13 of the most popular vehicles that are actually dangerous. Before buying a used or new car, check the online reviews to ensure you know what you’re doing before buying it. One of the worst regrets any consumer can have is buyer’s remorse.
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