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Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004: Crash Test and Safety Ratings

Crash test and safety ratings make it easy to determine if a vehicle is right for you. Read on to find out how well the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ performed in crash tests.

By Charlie Gaston - August 26, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a reliable vehicle that comes loaded with a range of cutting-edge safety features and specialized options packages. Under the hood, you can expect a 195-horsepower, 4.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine. A 230-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 engine is optional, and it does guarantee a higher towing capacity and a stronger transmission/axle. Both engines achieve competitive gas mileage, bringing in about 15 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. Largely considered a safe vehicle, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a non-profit organization that works to reduce automotive collisions. Here are the IIHS' most recent crash test ratings for the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Crash Test and Safety Ratings

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed ratings across a number of crash tests. The vehicle received a "good" rating in two areas: Moderate overlap front (chest and head/neck). Restraints receive a "marginal" rating, as did the overall structure of the vehicle. Bumpers received one of the lowest ratings: "poor."

Poor
Marginal
Acceptable
Good
Chest
Head/Neck
Left leg/foot
Overall front
Restraints
Right leg/foot
Structure/safety cage
Bumpers
Head restraint

Front Overlap (1994-2004)

When it comes to "moderate overlap front," the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a consistent rating of "marginal." However, starting in 2005 and continuing through 2015, the vehicle received a "good" rating, one of the highest ratings awarded by the IIHS.

Poor
Marginal
Acceptable
Good
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999

Figure 1. Overall, the Jeep WJ performed marginally well in crash tests.

Common Questions

What safety features are available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ?

Safety features include side airbags and anti-lock brakes. Front and rear head curtain airbags are optional on 2002 models.

Have any safety recalls been issued for the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

In 2013, Chrysler recalled 1.56 million Jeeps because of a faulty fuel tank, which the NHTSA linked to fatal crashes. An aftermarket trailer hitch was installed to recalled vehicles to resolve the safety issue.

Figure 2. The fuel tank is vulnerable in the event of a rear-end collision.

How safe are the brakes on the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The brakes on this Jeep are safe; however, issues of rust and other forms of corrosion have been reported. To combat engine failure due to rust, clean your engine block one to two times per year using a professional-grade engine cleaner and degreaser.

What are the most common problems to affect the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The truth is the Jeep is built to last well beyond the 300,000-mile mark. Some drivers might experience some problems with their transmission and head gasket; however, these are problems that usually will not come up for many miles down the road, if at all. Your best bet is to keep your fluids clean and topped up, per your regular maintenance schedule, as well as have all needed repairs made in a timely manner.

Featured Video: Crash Test Jeep Grand Cherokee 1994-2001

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