TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE HEATED SEAT IN ACTIVATION. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT, IN WHICH THE HEATER OVERHEATED AND CAUSED A BURNED HOLE IN THE CUSHION AND PADDING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MINOR BURN TO THE LEFT HIP AS A RESULT OF THE EXCESSIVE HEAT PENETRATION. THERE WERE NO FLAMES PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE HEATED SEAT WIRE WAS DISENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.