# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `511997` · 2004-12-14 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** VOLKSWAGEN
- **Model:** PASSAT
- **Year:** 2003
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- **Miles at failure:** 23,000
- **Speed:** 25 mph
## Narrative
SEAT HEATER WAS ON HIGH WHEN I FELT MY BOTTOM HEATING UP AND WHEN I LIFTED MY BOTTOM OFF OF THE SEAT THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. I DROVE STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP (LUCKILY UNDER WARRANTY) AND SURE ENOUCH THERE WAS A BURN IN MY LEATHER SEATS. THEY ARE ORDERING ME A NEW SEAT HEATER!!  DIDN'T SEEM TO MIND THE FACT THAT I WAS BURNED.*AK
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*