[Bodacious]

Yes , the Harrier crashes, yes, pilots die. People die going to the corner store for milk. The Marine Corps never claimed to be safe.
I helped assembly one of the first Harrier Trainers at Cherry Point, and worked on and around the Harrier for over 12 years in 3 states and 4 countries. It is a go fast, unforgiving airplane that requires concentration to fly. Many corrections have been made to the airframe for safety and reliability, but nothing will ever make flying 100% safe. Semper Fi.....

[PokeyJoe]

The AV-8A was a beast to hover and transition to forward flight, thus the danger and bad reputation. Swing those nozels during combat, however, and NOBODY can outturn you. (including Argentinian AAM's)

The AV-8B Harrier II is a different beast, with many automated tasks. Some of the technologies in the AV-8B are in the new "Joint Strike Fighter", - hover mode is "hands-off". Try that in an AV-8A and your widow will thank you for the VA home loan at your grave.

As for combat, During the Desert Storm ground war, AV-8Bs were based as close as 35 nautical miles (40.22 miles) from the Kuwait border, making them the most forward deployed tactical strike aircraft in theater. The AV-8B flew 3,380 sorties for a total of 4,083 flight hours while maintaining a mission capable rate in excess of 90%. Average turnaround time during the ground war surge rate flight operations was 23 minutes.

source = Harrier