# 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `638710` · 2007-09-15 · 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
- **Miles at failure:** 24,000
- **Speed:** 40 mph
## Narrative
A COUPLE MINUTES AFTER TURNING ON MY HEATED DRIVER'S SEAT, I FELT SOMETHING STINGING MY LEFT LEG.  SHORTLY AFTER, I BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL, AND SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN.  I COULD NOT PULL OVER AS I WAS ON A BUSY STREET.  I PUT MY HAND DOWN THERE AND FELT A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND THE HEAT OF THE WIRE.  I TURNED THE HEATED SEATS OFF, AND PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE SEAT.  WITH THE SEAT HEATER ON I COULD SEE THE LIGHT OF A WIRE BURNING IN THERE THROUGH A DIME-SIZED BURN HOLE.  *JB
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*