# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `559868` · 2005-10-24 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **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:** 54,800
- **Speed:** 25 mph
## Narrative
AFTER TURNING ON DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER TO 5, WITHIN 2 MINUTES NOTICED BURNING SMELL, FELT HOT BURNING SENSATION ON LEFT BUTTOCK AND SMELLED AND SAW SMOKE. ONE CENTIMETER BURN HOLE IN SEAT. TERRIBLE BURNING SMELL IN CAR. TURNED OFF SEAT HEATERS IMMEDIATELY, SEAT SMOKED FOR 10 MORE MINUTES.  *NM
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*