Jeep owners on hot seat as DCX recalls 111,000 Grand Cherokees

Owners of some 2003 and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees can be expecting a recall letter sometime in July; that is, if they haven't already experienced charred backsides urging them to return to their dealers. DaimlerChrysler will be performing a campaign on the vehicles to address an issue with the vehicle's heated seats, which can malfunction and lead to a fire. The problem is said to be related to the company's use of a "thin film" carbon resistive element, which replaced the traditional wirewound heating elements.

Approximately 111,000 vehicles are said to be affected, and there have been 32 instances of fire reports so far, with "a few" injuries.

[Source: BusinessWeek]