These are some of the most dangerous cars ever sold in America
Throughout automotive history, certain vehicles have earned infamous reputations for putting drivers and passengers at serious risk. Whether due to design flaws, poor manufacturing, or inadequate safety features, these cars became cautionary tales that ultimately helped shape modern safety standards.
Ford Pinto
Perhaps the most infamous American car, the Ford Pinto, had a very significant design flaw that led to a recall in 1978. The vehicle’s fuel tank was located near the rear bumper. A slight fender bender or rear impact would cause the car to burst into flames. In the mid-70s, exploding Pintos took 27 lives. Ford’s cost-benefit analysis argued that Ford should not make an $11-per-car improvement that would prevent 180 fiery deaths a year.
Chevrolet Corvair
The Chevrolet Corvair, featured in Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed, had a rear-mounted engine that sometimes released toxic fumes into the car’s cabin. Thanks to a design that kept the rear wheels perpendicular to the car rather than the road, the Corvair was liable to experience truly awful handling issues. After easily selling 200,000 units in each of the first six years of production, the Corvair only sold 14,000 by 1968.
Ford Explorer
With about 240 deaths attributed to rollover problems, it was discovered that the tread of Firestone tires would sometimes separate while the Explorer was driving. The 1990-2002 Explorer made drivers 16 times more likely to die in a collision compared to all other SUVs. This led to lawsuits, the firing of the CEOs of both Ford and Firestone, and Congressional investigations.
Pontiac Fiero
With its cool look and pop-up headlights, the two-seater Fiero was in high demand upon its debut in 1983. During the five years the vehicle was in production, there were 260 reported cases of the engine bursting into flames. Oil leaks and overheating issues caused some Fieros to burst into flames while driving.
Chevrolet Cobalt
The Cobalt produced in the mid-2000s was beset with issues. Faulty ignition systems would literally turn the car off while driving, causing 13 deaths and a $35 million fine. The switches caused sudden power loss, disabling airbags, brakes, and steering.
Wrap up
These vehicles proved that automotive safety requires constant vigilance. Their failures led to improved regulations and saved countless lives through lessons learned.
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