Some minivan head restraints judged inadequate by insurance industry testers

By Jim Greene

Published on September 20, 2005

Two minivans from DaimlerChrysler, four from General Motors, and one from Toyota were ranked poor. Two Ford model got high ratings; one Daimler Chrysler model was ruled acceptable, and the Honda Odyssey was judged marginal.

In the tests, the minivans were struck from behind with a force equivalent to being rear-ended by another vehicle traveling 20 miles per hour. Ratings were based on the ability of the head restraints to contact a test dummy's head with minimal travel and reduce pressure on the neck and acceleration of the body.

Poor scores went to 2004-2006 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country models, the 2005-2006 Toyota Sienna, and 2005-2006 Chevrolet Uplander, Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana SV6, and Saturn Relay. A version of the Chrysler models with adjustable lumbar and head restraints scored acceptable.

A DaimlerChrysler spokesperson countered that the Chrysler models scored well in government front and side impact tests. A GM spokesperson said the IIHS tests are subject to variations that can result in different results for the same vehicle. Toyota's spokesperson said the company's design stresses rear-impact protection.

An IIHS spokesperson said minivans are a favorite with mothers, and that women are more vulnerable to neck injuries than men.

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