# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `563736` · 2005-11-23 · 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
## Narrative
WHILE DRIVING WITH HEATED SEATS ON, NOTICED BURNING IN MY LEFT THIGH.  SMELLED SMOKE, BURNED MY INDEX FINGER IN SMOLDERING HOLE IN SEAT.  TURNED OFF HEATER AND NOTED JUST LIGHT SMOKE.  VW SAYS IT WAS A RECALL ITEM, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE (ORIGINAL OWNER).  THEY WILL REPLACE IT.  *JB
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*