Launched in the 1970s, the Ford Pinto aimed to be an affordable and fuel-efficient vehicle. However, it soon became infamous for a critical design flaw that transformed it into a potential death trap. The placement of the Pinto’s fuel tank made it vulnerable to explosions during rear-end collisions.

MotorTrend reports that the investigation by NHTSA found that 27 occupants of the Pinto died in such accidents. Additionally, 24 others suffered non-fatal burn injuries. Despite being aware of the dangerous design, Ford chose to prioritize cost savings over safety, opting to settle lawsuits rather than rectify the issue.