# 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `599062` · 2006-10-10 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** VOLKSWAGEN
- **Model:** PASSAT
- **Year:** 2002
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
- **Miles at failure:** 92,030
## Narrative
AFTER TURNING ON THE HEATED SEAT OPTION OF MY CAR I STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING.  AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE I FELT SOMETHING STING THE LEFT SIDE OF MY BUTTOCKS TOWARDS THE SIDE. WITH IN SECONDS I REALIZED THAT IT WAS MY SEAT BURNING MY BOTTOM.  NOT ONLY MY BOTTOM, BUT A WHOLE RIGHT THROUGH THE SEAT AND MY JOGGING PANTS.  I QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE HEAT TO MY SEAT.  LOOKS LIKE A CIGARETTE BURN.  MY HUSBAND AND I WERE AFRAID TO LEAVE THE CAR IN THE GARAGE IN CASE IT WAS STILL SMOLDERING AND POTENTIALLY START A FIRE.  I CALLED OUR DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS  NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.  PAST MILEAGE.  THEY SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER WHICH I HAVE NOT DONE QUITE YET.  I AM AFRAID TO TURN IT ON AGAIN OF COURSE!  *JB
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*