Jeep recalls target cooling-fan blades, seat heaters

Harry Stoffer Automotive News, WASHINGTON -- The Chrysler group is recalling nearly 150,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees because cooling-fan blades may break and hurt people near the vehicle if the hood is open.The recall involves some 2000 and 2002 Grand Cherokees equipped with 4.0-liter, 6-cylinder engines.

The recall follows an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The automaker and the agency collected nearly 200 complaints about fan blades breaking.Dealers are to replace the fan modules. Robert Bosch Corp. was the supplier of the original equipment, according to NHTSA documents.Chrysler also is recalling about 112,000 2003-04 Grand Cherokees so seat heaters can be replaced.

The company found that some front passenger seats overheated. At least 32 vehicle fires have been attributed to the problem.

Hot carIn a small but unusual recall, owners of 433 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLarens built for the 2005-06 model years are being asked to return them so changes can be made to combat engine-compartment's overheating.

Mercedes-Benz USA LLC told NHTSA that under "hard operating conditions," engine-compartment temperatures can exceed those for which the alternator was designed. Mercedes said a shutdown of electrical functions and fire can result.The rest of the listHere are other recalls that automakers reported to NHTSA: