# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `544195` · 2005-07-14 · 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:** 2003
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- **Miles at failure:** 32,000
- **Speed:** 50 mph
## Narrative
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 VW PASSAT DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN DALLAS MORNING RUSH HOUR.  I TURNED MY HEATED SEAT ON AND I WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD BY AN EXTREME HEAT ON MY BACKSIDE/LEG.  I DID NOT KNOW IF THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE OR WHAT.  THE SEAT HAD MELTED LEATHER AND LEFT A SUPERFICIAL BURN ON MY REAR END.  THE SEAT WILL SPARK AND SMOKE IF THE HEATER IS TURNED ON.  I WANT OUT OF THIS LEASE!!! THE CAR IS NOT SAFE AND UPON RESEARCH THIS IS HAPPENING A LOT.
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*