Our understanding of car safety has changed dramatically over time. Many old features on cars were once considered actual safety features, but time taught designers otherwise. From quirky seat belts to hazardous hood ornaments, these dangerous car features were once extremely common but have long faded away as knowledge of vehicle safety improved. We’re covering 19 car features that, while interesting and even well-meaning, were phased out for good reasons.
19. Wrist Twist Swivel System
In the 1960s, Ford’s Mercury brand introduced the wrist twist swivel system—a futuristic alternative to the steering wheel. Replacing the traditional wheel with rotating dials, the idea was to give drivers a more relaxed, easy steering experience. While it looked cool, it turned out to be more confusing than practical, with drivers struggling to adapt to the unfamiliar controls. It quickly became clear that the classic steering wheel was far safer, and by the 1970s, the wrist twist system had disappeared.
18. Side-Facing Jump Seats
Side-facing jump seats disappeared from most vehicles due to serious safety concerns. Tests showed these seats offered minimal protection in side-impact crashes, and passengers faced a high risk of neck injuries during sudden stops. Federal safety regulations made jump seats impractical for most automakers by requiring extensive structural reinforcement and airbag systems. While some luxury SUVs offer modern jump seats with advanced safety features, most automakers avoid them due to high development costs, safety certification challenges, and limited consumer demand.
17. Push-Button Transmissions
Push-button transmissions vanished from American cars in the late 1960s after widespread mechanical failures and safety concerns. Chrysler faced multiple lawsuits when their push button systems failed to properly engage park or reverse, leading to vehicle rollaway and accidents. The mechanical complexity of these early systems also made repairs expensive and difficult. Moreover, after years of using lever shifters, drivers often struggled to adapt to push-buttons, which created safety risks during emergency maneuvers. Modern push-button shifters exist, but they’re still disfavored because of their negative reputation and lack of driver familiarity.
16. Water Balloon Bumpers
Back in the mid-20th century, the idea of water balloon bumpers sounded promising. Designed to absorb impact by using water-filled chambers, major players like Ford and Chrysler jumped on the idea, hoping to make crashes less harmful. However, in practice, these bumpers were more gimmick than genius. While they did help reduce damage to a car during collisions, their effectiveness was limited to low-speed impacts, and their heavy design negatively impacted the car’s handling. By the 1970s, this quirky feature was abandoned as research showed it wasn’t providing the safety boost needed.
15. Non-Collapsible Steering Columns
Before the late 1960s, many cars had rigid, non-collapsible steering columns. In a crash, these columns often shot forward, posing severe risks to drivers. General Motors introduced the collapsible steering column in 1967, which could absorb impact and minimize injuries. This innovation became a turning point for vehicle safety, as non-collapsible columns were soon phased out, making way for much safer designs.
14. Swing Away Steering Wheels
Ford’s swing away steering wheels were all about convenience in the mid-20th century, allowing drivers to swivel the wheel out of the way when getting in and out of the car. It seemed like a great idea at first, but the mechanism wasn’t always reliable. Sometimes, the steering wheel wouldn’t swing back into place correctly, creating obvious safety hazards. This feature soon gave way to more stable, secure designs as safety took priority.
13. Pop-Out Windshields
In 1948, Tucker Automobile introduced pop-out windshields, which were meant to act as escape routes during accidents. While the concept was popular at first, it quickly became clear that the windshields posed risks of their own. In severe crashes, the windshield could release too quickly, potentially ejecting passengers. As safer, curved windshields gained popularity, the pop-out windshield faded into automotive history.
12. Metal Dashboards
Metal dashboards were once a staple of car interiors, offering no padding or protection during collisions. In accidents, passengers were met with unforgiving steel surfaces, which significantly raised the risk of injury. By the 1960s, the auto industry recognized the need for safer materials, leading to the introduction of padded dashboards. This marked the end of metal dashboards as manufacturers prioritized safety over aesthetics.
11. Lap Seat Belts
The introduction of lap seat belts in the 1960s was a major leap forward in vehicle safety, aimed at preventing passengers from being thrown from cars during accidents. But while lap belts kept passengers in place, they left the upper body unprotected, leading to severe injuries. By the 1970s, shoulder belts were introduced, offering better overall protection and marking the gradual phase-out of the lap-only belt.
10. Unsafe Fuel Tanks
The Ford Pinto is infamous for its rear-positioned fuel tank that was prone to crumpling during rear-end collisions, leading to devastating fires. This design flaw, exposed by several tragic incidents, led to a wave of lawsuits and damaged Ford’s reputation. The Pinto story became a turning point, showing the dangers of cutting corners on safety and prompting stricter design regulations across the industry.
9. Absence of Crumple Zones
Before crumple zones became standard, cars had no way of absorbing the energy from a crash, leaving occupants to take the full force of the impact. Engineers recognized the need to protect passengers by introducing crumple zones in the 1970s, designed to collapse on impact and absorb crash energy. This innovation was a major leap forward in vehicle safety.
8. No Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were initially used in aviation and railways but were absent in early cars, which made sudden braking a dangerous ordeal. Without ABS, drivers were more likely to lose control during abrupt stops. Over time, ABS became a standard feature, helping drivers maintain control and reducing the risk of accidents.
7. Hood Ornaments
Hood ornaments were once the pride of luxury cars, adding an extra flair of elegance. However, in accidents, these ornaments became dangerous projectiles. By the 1970s, safety regulations mandated collapsible hoods and blunter ornament designs, and over time, hood ornaments were phased out in favor of safety-first designs.
6. Lack of Headrests
Early cars lacked headrests, which left passengers vulnerable to whiplash in rear-end collisions. Once viewed as a comfort feature, headrests became crucial for reducing neck injuries and were eventually made mandatory, marking a significant advancement in passenger protection.
5. T-Tops
T-tops were all the rage in the 1960s, offering the open-air experience of a convertible without sacrificing the roof’s structure. But their popularity declined due to issues with leaks and safety concerns, particularly in rollovers. As convertibles regained their footing, T-tops were left behind, closing the chapter on this unique design.
4. Wooden Panels
Wooden panels once added a classic, stylish touch to cars but offered little in terms of safety. As manufacturers began favoring more durable materials, wooden panels were gradually replaced by stronger, safer options, marking a shift toward prioritizing practicality and protection.
3. Bench Seats
Front bench seats used to be common, allowing three passengers to sit comfortably across the front. But as car safety advanced, these seats became impractical, making it difficult to install modern safety features like airbags. Individual seats took their place, focusing on safety and functionality.
2. Two-Wheel Brakes
Early cars were equipped with only two-wheel brakes, which were inefficient and risky, especially at higher speeds. As the industry evolved, four-wheel brakes became the norm, significantly improving safety and control during braking.
1. Chrome Bumpers
Chrome bumpers were once a symbol of toughness and style. However, the plating process involved hazardous chemicals, and the rigid chrome structure wasn’t great in terms of safety. By the mid-90s, rubber bumpers became the standard, as manufacturers looked to safer, more environmentally friendly materials.
