# 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `560298` · 2005-10-27 · 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:** 2004
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
## Narrative
TURNED ON SEAT HEATER TO 1 WHILE WAITING FOR CAR TO WARM UP. NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND FELT A HOT BURNING SENSATION ON MY BUTTOCKS. TURNED OFF SEAT HEATER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THERE WAS A 5/8' HOLE BURNT THROUGH THE SEAT WITH SOME SMOKE STILL COMING OUT OF IT. THE SEAT HEATER HAD BEEN ON LESS THAN 1 MINUTE. WILL CONTACT DEALER LATER TODAY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. CW.   *NM
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*