DRIVING MY 2003 PASSAT FOR 1-2 MINUTES, I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WAS GETTING EXTREMELY WARM. I CHECKED THE SEAT HEATER SETTING, IT WAS ON 1 (OF 5). I TURNED THE SWITCH OFF, BUT CONTINUED TO SMELL THE BURNING SMELL AND FEEL THE HEAT. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED A HOLE IN THE DRIVER SEAT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HEAT HAD BURNED A HOLE THROUGH MY PANTS AS WELL. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND PARTS WERE ORDERED TO REPLACE THE ELEMENT AND SEAT COVER. I ALSO REPORTED THE FAILURE TO VWOA.*AK