# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `600471` · 2006-10-22 · 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:** 23,000
- **Speed:** 30 mph
## Narrative
WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 AWD PASSAT WAGON WITH MYSELF AND TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR, THE DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE.  AT THE TIME IT CAUGHT FIRE, THE HEATED SEAT WAS ON SETTING 3 FOR NO MORE THAN 5 MINUTES.  LUCKILY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, EXIT THE VEHICLE, AND TURN OFF THE HEATED SEAT BEFORE HE WAS BURNED AND/OR A LARGE FIRE ERUPTED.  *NM
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*