# 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `438251` · 2003-10-30 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** CHRYSLER
- **Model:** TOWN AND COUNTRY
- **Year:** 2000
- **Manufacturer:** Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- **Component:** SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
## Narrative
ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2003,WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AROUND TOWN ON ERRANDS WITH OUR FOUR CHILDREN, SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.  ULTIMATELY, A HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AS A RESULT OF A MALFUNCTION/FAILURE IN THE HEATED SEAT SYSTEM. LUCKILY, MY WIFE HAD THE PRESENCE OF MIND TO SHUT OFF THE SEAT AND GET EVERYONE OUT OF THE CAR IN TIME TO AVOID A FULL BLOWN FIRE.  HOWEVER, THIS SITUATION WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND A TRAGEDY WAS AVERTED ONLY BY HER QUICK REACTION.  A SEAT HEATING SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT HAVE A MECHANISM TO SHUT ITSELF OFF BEFORE IT GETS THIS HOT IS UNREASONABLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE.  *LA
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*