Jeep Grand Cherokee scores four-star crash test
Safety body urges maker to implement running changes to the back seat of a popular model after an issue was found in a recent crash test.
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Jeep has brushed off claims it needs to repair faulty seatbelts in its new Grand Cherokee four-wheel-drive following crash tests that saw the model fall short of the five-star standard.
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program found inconsistencies in the seatbelt performance of Jeep’s latest wagon when testing five- and seven-seat models.
Data from a crash test dummy in the back of the five-seat V6 model showed passengers were not adequately protected from chest injuries in a front-on collision. Hybrid and seven-seat models performed better, earning five-star safety ratings.
ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg called on Jeep to revisit the seatbelt system in the Grand Cherokee.
“The poor level of chest protection recorded for short-wheelbase petrol variants however, is an area we’d encourage Jeep to address,” Hoorweg said.
“We strongly encourage Jeep to implement a production change to improve the safety performance of the rear outboard seatbelts.”
The Jeep scored zero points for rear passenger chest protection, limiting its maximum score to four stars.
A Jeep spokeswoman said the brand “takes customer safety very seriously”.
“The new Jeep Grand Cherokee has more than 110 available safety and security features, meets Australian safety requirements, and is compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADR),” she said.
“As the Grand Cherokee Short Wheel Base five-seat petrol variant meets seatbelt safety and design requirements we won’t be retrofitting the existing product.
“However, modifying the rear outboard passenger seatbelts for future productions is something we are actively considering.”
Jeep has had a rough run in safety testing in recent years.
European testing of the Wrangler in 2018 saw the model slapped with a one-star rating, a result the EuroNCAP testing body described as “truly disappointing”.
Updated versions of the Jeep Wrangler four-wheel-drive and Jeep Gladiator ute both returned three-star safety ratings in 2019, losing points for occupant protection, safety assist technology and vulnerable road user protection.
The Wrangler also rolled onto its side during “small overlap” tests in America in 2020.
Originally published as Jeep Grand Cherokee scores four-star crash test
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