How safe are Dodge Darts?
The Dodge Dart, a compact car produced from 1960 to 1976 and revived from 2012 to 2016, has a mixed safety record. While some models performed well in crash tests, others raised concerns about occupant protection. The safety of Dodge Darts depends on the specific model year and safety features included.
Dodge Dart Safety Overview
The Dodge Dart has been produced in several generations, each with varying safety characteristics. The earlier models from the 1960s and 1970s were built to less stringent safety standards and lacked modern safety features. Newer Dart models, such as the 2012-2016 generation, incorporated more advanced safety technologies but still had some areas of concern. Overall, the safety of Dodge Darts can be considered average to below-average compared to modern compact car standards.
Safety Ratings and Crash Test Performance
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has evaluated several Dodge Dart models, with mixed results. The 2013-2016 Dodge Dart received a "Good" rating in moderate overlap front and side impact tests, but a "Marginal" rating in the small overlap front test, indicating potential issues with occupant protection in certain types of crashes. The earlier 1960s and 1970s Dart models were not subjected to the same rigorous testing, but generally performed worse in crash tests compared to modern vehicles.
Safety Features and Technology
Newer Dodge Dart models, such as the 2012-2016 generation, included a range of safety features, including:
- Airbags: Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Electronic stability control
- Antilock brakes
- Rearview camera (available as an option)
However, some safety features were not standard or were only available on higher trim levels, which may have limited their availability and effectiveness.
Conclusion
The safety of Dodge Darts varies depending on the model year and specific safety features included. While newer Dart models incorporated more advanced safety technologies, they still had some areas of concern in crash test performance. Older Dart models generally performed worse in terms of occupant protection. Consumers should carefully research the safety ratings and features of any Dodge Dart they are considering purchasing to make an informed decision.
Are Dodge Darts safe?
One way that you know you can rely on the Dodge Dart is because it's been deemed a safe vehicle. It received a perfect five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also earned the highest rating of Good in four tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
What issues do Dodge Darts have?
Transmission Problems Significantly Impact Dodge Dart Longevity and Reliability. Transmission problems are a significant concern for Dodge Dart owners, often leading to costly repairs and reduced vehicle longevity. Common issues include hard shifting, transmission slipping, and sudden loss of power.
How long do Dodge Darts usually last?
200,000-250,000 miles
According to getjerry.com, a Dodge Dart should last 200,000-250,000 miles with proper maintenance.
What year to avoid Dodge Dart?
Q: What are the Dodge Dart years to avoid? A: If you're considering purchasing a used Dodge Dart, it's best to steer clear of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years. These particular years have been known to have more reliability issues compared to the final model year.
