# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `524688` · 2005-03-05 · 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:** PASSAT
- **Year:** 2003
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- **Speed:** 65 mph
## Narrative
DRIVING MY 2003 VW PASSAT I HAD THE SEAT WARMER ON.  I SIMULTANEOUSLY SMELLED BURNING AND FELT BURNING IN MY BUTT.  I TURNED OFF THE SEAT WARMER IMMEDIATELY.  I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WIFE AND 7 YEAR OLD SON.  WE WERE NEAR AN EXIT AND EXITED THE HIGHWAY.  I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE EXIT RAMP AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HEATING ELEMENT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT.  THE HOLE WAS A BIT SMALLER THAN A DIME.  THE SMELL WAS PUNGENT BUT CLEARED OUT WHEN WE OPENED THE WINDOW.*AK
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*