These dangerous American cars will send shivers down the spines of those for whom safety is a top priority!
America has sat at the forefront of vehicle excellence for years. Some of the most popular car brands from the West have been known for building jaw-dropping vehicles that have taken over the market and are still some of the most purchased pairs of wheels.
But not every venture has been exciting. Auto manufacturers in our country have had their fair share of struggles over the years, and it’s important to know about this type of thing before making a big purchase. That’s why we’ve decided to make a list of the most dangerous American cars available right now on the market.
Buying a vehicle is much less of a gamble these days than it used to be, thanks to all the easily accessible information. You can find out a car’s history right away just by entering its vehicle identification number on sites like Carfax. Even so, many people find themselves shelling out tens of thousands of dollars on a car with reliability and performance issues.
According to experts, this can easily turn into a mistake with today’s rising interest rates and high car prices. For example, this summer, the estimated typical monthly auto payment reached a new record high of $733, according to a recent study. The research also found that you need 42.2 weeks of median income to purchase the average new car—up 15% from the previous year.
Given the cost, it’s more paramount than ever to avoid sinking your hard-earned money into a vehicle that could keep emptying your wallet because of a poor resale or trade-in value or because of repair or maintenance issues. This being said, here are some dangerous American cars you should skip when thinking of purchasing a new pair of wheels.
1. Chrysler 300
In a recent study on vehicles you should avoid at all costs, the Chrysler 300 ranked in the sixth spot. According to that review, the car lags behind competitors in technology, features a design that may seem outdated compared to other new models, and doesn’t perform as well as other cars in its segment.
Moreover, last year, Chrysler-parent Stellantis urged owners of 276,000 older US vehicles to avoid driving their cars after three crash deaths linked to faulty Takata airbag inflators had been reported. Over the last decade, over 67 million Takata airbag inflators have been recalled in our country and more than 100 million worldwide.
More than 30 deaths worldwide and hundreds of injuries in different automakers’ vehicles are tied to these airbag inflators that can explode, unleashing metal shrapnel in cars and trucks. Experts warn that if left unrepaired, recalled Takata airbags are very dangerous, as the risk of an explosion spikes as vehicles age.
Since the Chrysler 300 has this type of airbag, it’s no wonder why experts consider it one of the most dangerous American cars available on the market. Moreover, they point out that the model is also more expensive than many of its rivals and that you might find it difficult to get replacement parts.
Overall, make sure you stay away from this one.
2. Ford Explorer
Here’s another example of why we can’t be proud of everything built in the US. According to a recent study, the Explorer is one of the most dangerous American cars ever made.
Experts explain that the manufacturer built this one with suspension and Firestone tires, which proved to be a deadly combo. This decision resulted in a car that is unstable and has a high tendency to roll over. Unfortunately, the Ford Explorer caused 330 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries from 1990 to 2004, making it one of the most dangerous American cars.
Both Ford and Firestone’s reputations were tarnished, and the fallout brought an end to the 97-year partnership. The debate continues over whether the frame or the tires are more to blame, but one thing is sure: the Ford Explorer was undeniably one of the most dangerous American cars in history.
Not only is this a poor choice compared with other SUVs, but statistics show that from 1990 to 2002, people driving this vehicle were 16 times more likely to die in an accident than in any other SUV.
3. Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX is next on our list of dangerous American cars. The vehicle’s practical and accessible luxury style made it the brand’s bestselling car for nearly a decade, until the Encore GX was launched on the market in 2020, unseating it.
The Buick Encore is undoubtedly a popular and good-looking luxury car, but it’s prone to serious and potentially dangerous malfunctions. Moreover, it was included on a recent list of the most unreliable car brands of 2023. According to an analysis conducted by Consumer Reports, it had a predicted reliability rating of 54 out of 100.
Experts agree that the 2023 Encore GX is one of the most dangerous American cars available on the market. Among the issues are high average maintenance costs due to problems with the vehicle’s fuel system, emissions components, engine, and brakes.
Read on to discover other dangerous American cars!
4. The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge vehicles are usually known for being safe and reliable, and the Grand Caravan is often a popular choice for families to take a weekend road trip. However, the 2018 model has had several consumer complaints and recalls, making it one of the most dangerous American cars people should avoid buying.
The 2018 Grand Caravan features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, 283 horsepower, and gets up to 25 mpg on the highway. These features make it a great choice for those who want a powerful and economical minivan, but you may want to think twice before making the purchase.
The 2018 Caravan ranks pretty high on the list of dangerous American cars to avoid, mainly because of its poor performance and fuel efficiency. Despite having a potent engine, experts agree the car has rather slow acceleration.
Moreover, its turning radius isn’t as sharp as some other comparable minivans, making it less maneuverable in general. This kind of poor turning capability also affects the car’s overall handling.
For any prospective car buyer, this is less than an ideal choice.
5. Cadillac XT4 Sport
The Cadillac XT4 was the first model year of the luxury brand’s smallest crossover. It’s a common belief that the first model year of a car is plagued with issues. A recent analysis from Consumer Reports seems to support that, as the publication recently listed the XT4 Sport as a crossover that people should avoid.
Experts agree this one falls among the list of dangerous American cars, adding that there’s no good reason to choose it over similarly priced but larger rivals such as the Lexus NX, BMW X3, and Genesis GV70.
The Cadillac XT4 has different issues, including a “thrashy” engine and a cramped cabin. While some experts say the car is “okay,” you’re probably better off picking a competing car unless your dealer is offering you a killer deal.
If you’re buying a car, don’t forget to also purchase a cover for it. Here are plenty of affordable options to choose from.
If you liked our article on dangerous American cars, you may also want to read Warning! Thieves Love To Steal These 9 Car Parts.
