The Dodge Dakota, a mid-size pickup truck produced from 2005 to 2011, underwent various safety evaluations to assess its crashworthiness. Understanding these safety ratings is crucial for potential buyers, especially those considering a used Dodge Dakota. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Dodge Dakota‘s performance in key crash tests, based on evaluations from reputable safety organizations.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Good Rating for Dodge Dakota
The moderate overlap front test simulates a frontal collision between a vehicle and another vehicle or a fixed object. In this test, the Dodge Dakota Crew Cab SLT 4×2 model received a “Good” overall evaluation, the highest rating possible.
During the test, critical aspects of the Dodge Dakota‘s performance were assessed:
- Structure and Safety Cage: The structural integrity of the Dodge Dakota held up exceptionally well, earning a “Good” rating. This indicates that the safety cage effectively maintained its shape during the crash, providing crucial survival space for occupants.
- Driver Injury Measures: All injury measures for the driver were rated as “Good,” signifying a low risk of significant injuries in a real-world crash of similar severity. This included assessments for:
- Head/Neck: Minimal risk of head and neck injuries.
- Chest: Low chest injury risk.
- Leg/Foot (Left & Right): Good protection for lower extremities.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: The Dodge Dakota‘s restraint system, including seatbelts and airbags, performed effectively in controlling the dummy’s movement during the crash, also achieving a “Good” rating.
Post-crash analysis revealed minimal intrusion into the driver’s space, and measurements confirmed low leg and foot injury risks. The dummy’s head contact with the B-pillar during rebound was negligible, further highlighting the vehicle’s safety performance in this frontal impact scenario.
Side Impact Crash Test: Mixed Results for Dodge Dakota
The side impact test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side collision. The Dodge Dakota received a “Marginal” overall rating in the original side test for 2005-2010 models. It’s important to note that the tested vehicle was a 2008 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab SLT 4×2 without optional side airbags. Side airbags became standard in 2011 models and were optional in earlier models.
- Structure and Safety Cage: The structural performance in the side impact test was rated “Acceptable,” indicating some room for improvement in maintaining occupant space.
- Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Rated “Good,” suggesting good protection for the head and neck.
- Torso: Rated “Poor,” indicating a higher risk of torso injuries in a side impact.
- Pelvis/Leg: Rated “Good,” showing good protection for the lower body.
- Driver Head Protection: Rated “Marginal.” In the 2008 test (without side airbags), the dummy’s head was not directly hit, but remained unprotected from external contact. In a 2010 test (with optional side airbags that failed to deploy), the dummy’s head hit the window sill. Both scenarios indicated inadequate head protection in side impacts.
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck, Torso, Pelvis/Leg: All rated “Good.”
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: Rated “Marginal.” In both tests, the rear passenger dummy’s head struck the window frame and pillar, indicating inadequate head protection for rear occupants in side impacts.
The side impact tests revealed a potential vulnerability for the driver’s torso and inadequate head protection for both front and rear occupants. The lack of side airbags in the tested 2008 model and the airbag non-deployment issue in the 2010 model highlight the importance of side-impact protection systems.
It is crucial to note that Chrysler Corporation addressed the airbag non-deployment issue with production line changes and a customer service campaign for models built before March 2010. For Dodge Dakota models built after March 2010, or 2011 models with standard side airbags, side impact protection may be improved.
Roof Strength Test: Marginal Rating for Dodge Dakota
The roof strength test measures a vehicle’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. The Dodge Dakota Crew Cab 2wd model received a “Marginal” overall evaluation in this test.
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: The Dodge Dakota achieved a strength-to-weight ratio of 3.23. This means the roof could withstand a force 3.23 times the vehicle’s weight before significant crush. While this is a moderate ratio, it resulted in a “Marginal” rating, suggesting that roof strength could be better for rollover protection.
Head Restraints & Seats: Acceptable to Poor Ratings Depending on Seat Type
Head restraints and seats are evaluated for their ability to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The Dodge Dakota‘s performance in this area varied depending on the seat type.
- Seats without Adjustable Lumbar: These seats received an “Acceptable” overall evaluation.
- Dynamic Rating: “Acceptable.”
- Seat/Head Restraint Geometry: “Good,” indicating proper head restraint positioning.
- Seats with Adjustable Lumbar: These seats received a “Poor” overall evaluation.
- Dynamic Rating: “Poor.”
- Seat/Head Restraint Geometry: “Good,” geometry was still well-positioned, but dynamic performance was lacking.
The difference in ratings suggests that the design of the Dodge Dakota‘s seats with adjustable lumbar support may not provide adequate protection against whiplash in rear-end collisions compared to seats without this feature.
Conclusion: Dodge Dakota Safety – A Balanced Perspective
The Dodge Dakota demonstrates a mixed safety performance based on these crash test evaluations. It excels in frontal crash protection, achieving a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test. However, it shows weaknesses in side impact protection and roof strength, receiving “Marginal” ratings. Head restraint and seat performance also vary depending on seat type, ranging from “Acceptable” to “Poor.”
For potential buyers of a Dodge Dakota, especially used models, it’s essential to consider these safety ratings in conjunction with other factors like price, reliability, and intended use. Prioritizing models with side airbags (standard in 2011 and optional in earlier years) and understanding the limitations in side impact and rollover protection is advisable. Always check the vehicle’s build date, especially for 2010 models and earlier, to be aware of the airbag recall and customer service campaign.
