NHTSA Complaint #10452073 — 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issue reported to NHTSA

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Fire

Complaint Details

ODI Number	10452073
Vehicle	2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Component	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Date of Incident	March 8, 2012
Date Filed	March 17, 2012
Mileage	85,400 miles
Crash	No
Fire	Yes
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	IL

Consumer Description

I HAD BEEN DRIVING MY CAR FOR FEWER THAN 15 MINUTES WITH THE SEAT HEATING ELEMENT ON. I NOTICED AN ACUTE BURNING HEAT NEAR MY UPPER LEFT LEG, AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER NOTICED A HOT/BURNING/MELTING SMELL. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. AFTER BEING TURNED OFF FOR 10 MINUTES, THE BURNING SMELL WAS STILL HANGING IN THE CAR AND MY SEAT WAS STILL EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE GRAY LEATHER NEAR THE OUTER LEFT EDGE OF THE SEATING SURFACE IS EMBLAZONED WITH A SINGED, BROWNISH BURN MARK, AND A HOLE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE LEATHER. I HAVE NOT TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATING ELEMENT SINCE THIS INCIDENT, BUT AM QUITE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND FIRE HAZARD. *TR

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