10 Most Dangerous Vehicles In America (2024)

Sep 22, 2023 | By Michael Zimmerman | Read Time: 3 minutes

With the post-COVID-19 pandemic world unfolding, people are engaging in more activities and traveling more.

As more cars enter the roadway, there is a higher risk of car accidents and fatalities.

The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., fights for car accident victims throughout Texas.

We treat our clients with compassion and professionalism, and respect the fact that the car accident affects their lives in many ways.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Texas, please contact our Waco car accident attorneys today. We are ready to fight for you!

What Are the 10 Most Dangerous Vehicles in America?

Understanding the top 10 most dangerous cars can help you, whether you are a driver or a passenger.

The National Highway and Safety Administration indicates that approximately 35,766 fatal car accidents occurred in 2020.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2020 report (the most recent available) details the most dangerous cars on the roadways for 2017 or comparable makes and models.

The report uses “registered vehicle years” (each year a vehicle is registered counts as one “registered vehicle year”) to measure accident and death rates.

From compact cars to pickup trucks, Hummers to hatchbacks, every vehicle carries the danger of an accident.

But ten vehicles top the list of most dangerous cars in America, according to the IIHS’s 2020 fatality report.

1. Ford Fiesta

The first of the most dangerous cars in America to drive on the IIHS’s list is the Ford Fiesta mini 4-door car. Its overall driver fatality rate was a tragic 141 per million registered vehicle years in 2020.

2. Hyundai Accent (4-Door Car)

Fatalities involving the Hyundai Accent 4-door car occurred at a rate of 116 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years in 2020.

Multi-vehicle fatal accidents occurred at 85 per million registered vehicle years.

3. Chevrolet Sonic

The Chevrolet Sonic, another 4-door car, ranked third most dangerous, accounted for 98 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years in 2020.

4. Nissan Versa Note

Ninety-six driver deaths per million registered vehicle years were attributed to Nissan’s 2017 Versa Note station wagon, earning it a rank of four on the list of most dangerous vehicles.

5. Fiat 500

Next is the Fiat 500, a 2-door car. Driver fatalities with this vehicle occurred at a rate of 95 per million registered vehicle miles.

It has a single-vehicle rollover crash fatality rate of 37 drivers per million registered vehicle years for all types.

6. Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte

The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte both carried a driver fatality rate of 89 per million registered vehicle years in 2020. Both vehicles are classified as small 2-door cars.

7. Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is the second Nissan on our list of the ten most dangerous cars in America.

A small 4-door car, the Nissan Versa’s fatality rating was 88 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years.

8. Kia Rio

One of five mini 4-door cars on our list, the Kia Rio involved 87 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years in 2020.

Its single-vehicle rollover crash fatality rate was the lowest, at 0 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years.

9. Ford Mustang GT Coupe, Hyundai Accent (Station Wagon), and Nissan Sentra

Three cars tied for ninth place on our list of most dangerous cars, according to the IIHS’s 2020 report.

The 2017 Ford Mustang GT Coupe, Hyundai Accent (station wagon), and the Nissan Sentra all carried a rate of 81 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years.

10. Chevrolet Sonic

Finally, our list concludes with number ten, the Chevrolet Sonic, a small station wagon. This vehicle resulted in a driver death rate of 74 per million registered vehicle years.

The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C.—Fighting for Texas’s Personal Injury Victims Since 1965

Experiencing a car accident can be a harrowing experience for anyone.

Those who survive are left to pick up the pieces and try to move forward, all while juggling the trials of day-to-day life, medical issues, and legal claims.

If you or your loved one experienced a car accident in Texas, call The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C. today at 254-752-9688 to schedule a consultation.

We won’t charge you a penny in legal fees unless we win your case, and you receive a financial award.

For over 85 combined years, our car accident lawyers have fought for Texans, providing unrivaled personal attention and client communication.

Michael Zimmerman

Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.