# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
> NHTSA complaint `657933` · 2008-02-17 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **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:** 80,000
- **Speed:** 25 mph
## Narrative
DEFECT WITH THE DRIVER SIDE HEATING COIL IN THE SEAT - TODAY DURING A 5 MINUTE DRIVE I BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING ON THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR AND FELT A BURNING SENSATION ON MY LEG. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF TO INVESTIGATE. UPON EXISTING THE VEHICLE I SAW BURNING EMBERS ON THE SEAT AND A 1/4" HOLE. I WAS FORCED TO SMOTHER OUT THE FIRE. I HAVE SINCE TURNED OFF THE HEATERS AND REFUSE TO USE THEM UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS RECTIFIED. *TR
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*