my 01 had the elements sewn into the covers. I could see the burn like in other threads, but I didnt want to jerry rig it so I called about getting a new cover, the new leather woulda been nice. They don't even make them anymore, so I got the seat element from napa, it came with the hog rings. It was very easy and straight forward, took me about an hour or so. good luck
Yes, there is a recall on the seat heaters. I remember reading somewhere that the replacement heaters only produce about half the heat the origionals put out. The recall was because the heaters got too hot. The article I read suggested that had the owner known the new heaters only put out half the heat, he would not have gone to the dealer. The idea of fixing your own may be a good idea if you have the origional heaters. My Jeep already went thru the recall when i got it. The heaters do work, but compared to what I had in the previous car, they are not worth turning on.
They didn't recall my 2002 heaters and they almost set the seat on fire. Wires between front section and bottom section of the seat portion wore out on the metal bar inserted in the upholstery. I repaired it and protected it. here is a picture of what I found when I opened it up.