Consumer Complaint Detail

VOLKSWAGEN / PASSAT / 2003

Recalls
0 Injured
Investigations
0 Death
Complaints
Yes Fire
Components - Details
NHTSA Complaint Number: 006085249 Incident Date: Nov, 12 2006
Consumer's City: SEWICKLEY Consumer's State: PA
Vehicle Transmission Type: AUTO Manufacturers Name: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Model Name: PASSAT Model Year: 2003
Vehicle Involved in a Crash: No Component's Description: Seats:front assembly:head restraint
Vehicle Involved in a Fire: Yes Persons Injured: 0
Vehicle's VIN#: WVWPD63B33P Date added to File: May, 23 2021
Date Complaint Received: Nov, 12 2006 Complaint Type: IVOQ
Incident Reported To Police: Yes Purchase Date: -
Was Original Owner: Yes Anti-lock Brakes: Yes
Number of Cylinders: 0 Date of Manufacturer: -
Was Vehicle Towed: - Description of the Complaints: 2003 vw passat driver leather seat caught on fire while operating car. it burned through the seat & scorched/damaged my coat. fortunately, i was only driving a few blocks & had pulled into a parking lot. i contacted vw consumer relations & was shocked at the response. it seemed routine to the manager. they "may give me the replacement value of my coat if it needs to be replaced". i was told that a car would be given to me to drive at no charge while mine is being repaired. i explained that i do not feel safe to drive my car with an electrical malfunction under me and i was told that a tow would be provided at no charge. i will hold vw responsible the repair/replacement of the front seats & warmer electrical system, the costs of a rental or loaner car while mine is in repair, the cost to replace any damaged clothing, & any other costs associated with the incident yet to be determined. it is very upsetting to me to think that i was sitting on a fire while operating my car. what if my coat caught on fire??? i drive a very busy interstate to & from work. it was fortunate that i was on my lunch break driving a very short distance & not driving home. *jb