# 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `473802` · 2004-05-03 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** VOLKSWAGEN
- **Model:** PASSAT
- **Year:** 2002
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- **Miles at failure:** 22,000
- **Speed:** 20 mph
## Narrative
IN LATE JANUARY, THE HEATED SEAT ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT COVER.  IT ALSO BURNED THROUGH MY PANTS AND GAVE ME A MINOR BURN.  VOLKSWAGEN REPAIRED THE PROBLEM, BUT THE MECHANICS INFORMED ME THAT I WAS THE THIRD SUCH PROBLEM IN A 48 HOUR PERIOD.  THE OTHER TWO CARS WERE JETTAS.  ANOTHER MECHANIC SAID THAT THE HEATED SEATS RAN TOO HOT ON THE HIGHEST SETTING AND WEREN'T MEANT TO RUN ON SETTING 5 FOR TOO LONG.  THE REPAIR DOCUMENTATION I RECEIVED FROM MY LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO FAULTY WIRING.  I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND OUT FROM VOLKSWAGEN WHAT STEPS THEY PLAN TO TAKE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND I AM CONCERNED THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY SUFFER A FAR MORE SERIOUS ISSUE IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED.  I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO VOLKSWAGEN, BUT THEY APPEAR UNCONCERNED.  I HOPE THAT YOU WILL HAVE MORE LUCK THAN I HAVE.*AK
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*