# 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `513810` · 2004-12-27 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** VOLKSWAGEN
- **Model:** JETTA
- **Year:** 2002
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- **Miles at failure:** 46,950
## Narrative
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN MY 2002 VW JETTA GLS 1.8T BEGAN SMOLDERING THIS MORNING. I STARTED MY CAR TO WARM IT UP AND BEGAN TO CLEAN THE SNOW FROM THE WINDSHIELD.  WHEN I ENTERED THE CAR I NOTICED A STRONG "BURNING" SMELL.  I QUICKLY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS SMOKING.   I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE BURNING BY TURNING OFF THE HEATED SEAT AND PUTTING SNOW ON THE AREA.  I WAS SURE IT WAS THE HEATED SEAT WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO BURN BECAUSE A PORTION OF THE HEATING ELEMENT IS EXPOSED AND IT WAS SPARKING.  I NOW HAVE A HOLE THE SIZE OF A PENNY ON THE SEAT.*AK
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*