Dodge Dakota vs Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is more fuel-efficient at 23 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Dodge Dakota. At EPA assumptions that is about $300 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Dodge Dakota | Ford Ranger | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 161 | 145 |
| Most reported problem | Transmission | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 11 and 5 | 10 and 25 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 75,000 miles | 100,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 2 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 21 MPG | 23 MPG |
| City and highway | 18 and 24 | 21 and 26 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,200 | $2,900 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 161 complaints for the Dodge Dakota and 145 for the Ford Ranger. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Dodge Dakota, 2 for the Ford Ranger.