Front Seat Heater/cooler problems of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat

Nine problems related to front seat heater/cooler have been reported for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2005 Passat.

1 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 12/19/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Passat . The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph , the seat heater burnt a hole in the passenger seat and passenger coat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. Jw.

2 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 10/20/2011

On 10/20/11, I started my car and turned on the driver seat heater to 2, to warm the seat. I proceeded to drive to a 9 am appointment within 2 miles from my home. After driving just a couple blocks, I smelled a slight burning smell, but thought it normal since I had not used the seat heater in quite some time; it was just like turning the heat on in a home after several months of non-use. Within a few short blocks, I felt a sting in my left leg and thought it could have been a pine needle, so I shifted my body position to alleviate the issue. After a couple more short blocks, another stinging sensation. At the next stop sign, I reached down with my hand to feel what could be causing the stinging of my leg. I felt a hot spot in the left side of my seat and turned off the seat heater since my seat had warmed enough to be comfortable, but I did not think my seat was burning, so I continued on to my appointment. I went in to my appointment and came out to my car an hour and a half later. I noticed what looked like a small cigarette burn in the seat and a horrible smell in the car. I returned home and told my boyfriend about the incident.

3 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 04/25/2011

The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated the driver side seat warmer ignited a fire and burned through the seat. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the repair. The manufacturer was contact who stated that they would discuss the repairs with the dealer and give him a return call on the repair costs. The failure mileage was 81,500.

4 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2010

I drove on a cold day to a meeting and as a result I got a 2nd degree burn on left buttock after leaving seat heater on number five for one hour and twenty minute drive. I am a partial paraplegic thus, I was unaware of temperature and unaware of increased temperature.

5 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 02/06/2010

I own a 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS. The factory installed seat heater malfunctioned the other day producing smoke, burning my buttock (and finger when I reached down) and burning two pea sized holes on the drivers seat. The local vw dealer was aware of the issue. I also called the district vw office at 1-800-822-8987 and notified them of the problem. Apparently vw is covering the cost of repair on some but not all vws. I was told the 2005 Passat is not covered under any kind of extended warranty. However, the district office is investigating the issue and promised to get back to me by days end tomorrow. To me this is a safety issue. Other then minor burns to my buttocks and fingers, I was able to safely pull over and turn off the seat heater. The heat and smoke went right away. When I asked about the safety, the vw dealers service department suggested I not use the heaters until they are repaired. I asked about disabling them via a fuse of something but they said unfortunate the fuse controlled other functions in the car. However, I believe this is a safety issue with the 2005 Passat GLS. Im okay but others may not be so lucky. Also, im concerned how the vw dealers service department suggested I just not use it again. What if someone else uses the car and I forget to tell them? the repair bill was estimated at $900+ for the drivers seat only.

6 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2009

Seat heater remained on after switched to the off position. Heat increased to uncomfortable level, in-dash switch became too hot to touch, and smell of burning plastic filled cockpit (no smoke though).

7 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 01/26/2009

I had a 2005 vw Passat heated leather seat burn my leg and seat. Caused by faulty seat heater.

8 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2009

The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the heated seats on the driver side of the vehicle caught fire. He was able to extinguish the fire. The dealer stated that they would notify the contact if there was a related recall and he has not received a response from the dealer. The failure mileage was 70,000.

9 Front Seat Heater/cooler problem

Failure Date: 12/29/2007

(1) turned on drivers-side seat heater while driving (2) smoke began filling the vehicle, and (3) I turned off the heater, but a hole was burned through the left side of the driver's seat and through my left rear pant pocket as well.


Other Seats related problems of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat

Front Seat Heater/cooler problems
9
Seats problems
4

Safety Ratings of Passat Cars
Fuel Economy of Passat Vehicles
Passat Service Bulletins
Passat Safety Recalls
Passat Defect Investigations