"The Jeep Grand Cherokee lost marks because of structural issues with the driver’s seat and substandard child occupant protection. During Euro NCAP’s frontal impact test, the driver’s inboard seat rail almost broke in half and was mainly held together by the steel rod that controls fore-aft seat adjustments. The break resulted in additional forward movement of the dummy, causing the airbag to ‘bottom out’ (when the driver’s head makes contact with the steering wheel through the airbag fabric)."
The latest Grand Cherokee had previously been tested only in the USA by the NHTSA where it had achieved a 5 Star rating based on the 2010 test criteria. For 2011 models onwards the US testing has been made even more difficult to achieve a 5 Star rating and the 2012 Grand Cherokee has also only scored a 4 Star rating.
Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA has introduced tougher tests and rigorous new 5-Star Safety Ratings that provide more information about safety feature performance and crash avoidance technologies. Because of the more stringent tests, 2011-newer model ratings are not comparable to 1990–2010 vehicles.
The 2010 Jeep had also been awarded 'Top Safety Pick" by the NHTSA.
Euro Testing Vs USA Testing
The main differences between Euro Testing and US testing is that the Euro frontal test is off set which means the car impacts with a barrier that strikes only one side of the vehicle (drivers). The US testing is full frontal into a barrier that spreads the load across the front of the vehicle and the whole structure is stressed arguably giving a more realistic test. The US tests also includes roll over testing as well as ESC and side impact. The Americans will say their test is more rigorous and the Europeans will say theirs is best. Europeans also test for pedestrian impact and injury protection. At the end of the day the test results are similar and the rating is also similar so obviously there is room for improvement by Jeep.
Check Out The Details below and form your own conclusions.Euro Testing Vs USA Testing
The main differences between Euro Testing and US testing is that the Euro frontal test is off set which means the car impacts with a barrier that strikes only one side of the vehicle (drivers). The US testing is full frontal into a barrier that spreads the load across the front of the vehicle and the whole structure is stressed arguably giving a more realistic test. The US tests also includes roll over testing as well as ESC and side impact. The Americans will say their test is more rigorous and the Europeans will say theirs is best. Europeans also test for pedestrian impact and injury protection. At the end of the day the test results are similar and the rating is also similar so obviously there is room for improvement by Jeep.
Jeep has informed Euro NCAP it is investigating the cause of the seat rail failure and intends to improve the seat track design, but currently has no plans to re-work existing vehicles.
NHTSA 2010 Test 5 STAR
NHTSA 2011/12 Test 4 STAR
Euro NCAP 2012 Test 4 STAR
Australian ANCAP testing is not expected to be completed because the vehicle is tested in the USA and Europe. Right Hand Drive versions have not yet been tested.
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