TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES ML350. WHILE DRIVING 50MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE, SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SMOKE DISTRACTED HER AND CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE ARRIVED. A REPORT WAS FILED AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT BE DUE TO THE HEATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 24,000.