Least Safe New Cars of 2026

Among current vehicles with a complete set of published IIHS tests, the 2026 Nissan Altima has the lowest score in our ranking at 39.1 out of 100. A low score reflects published test results only; a vehicle that IIHS has not finished testing is never counted as failing, so it does not appear in the ranked list. For real-world death rates by model, see our dangerous cars page.

24 current vehicles in our data have a Poor result in the updated moderate overlap front test or its rear-passenger restraint measure, which is the test that checks how well the back seat protects a passenger. They are listed in the first table on this page with the specific result marked.

Marginal is the second-lowest of the four IIHS ratings (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor). It means the vehicle showed a meaningful shortfall in that test, such as higher injury measures on the dummy or intrusion into the occupant space, but performed better than a Poor result. One Marginal result in an otherwise Good record is a reason to look closely at that specific test, not a reason to rule the car out on its own.

It depends on the test. A Poor in a primary crash test (small overlap, moderate overlap, or side) affects the people inside the car directly and counts heavily against the vehicle in our score. A Poor in headlights or seat belt reminders matters less and is often fixed by choosing a different trim. Check the vehicle page to see which test produced the result before deciding.