Heated seats recall details

[KiwiKeith]

Can someone tell me exactly what is/was covered by the seat heater recall?
Last summer the dealer in Burlington told me the recall had already been done on my 2004 Jetta Wagon and would not do anything for free. (the passenger seat kept coming on hot by itself even when switch was off!!) So this winter when it stopped coming on when I did want it to, I just bought a new switch.
Now the driver seat has just burnt a hole in the cover and in the coat my wife was wearing!! It seems to me the side heating pad is over heating but the centre pad is not on.
I find this surprising as I recall reading or hearing that the seat heater recall involved disconnecting the side heating pad. So if it was done, why is it still overheating in that area?
Just trying to get more information before I go back to see what the dealer will do on Tuesday.

 

[newtdidave]

Hey Keith
I recently brought my car in for the recall/extended warranty as my driver's side warmer was not working as it should. They tested both drivers and passengers switch and heating elements. Turns out the driver's side switch was the issue, and VW told me they cover only passenger's side seat warmer switch, but would have covered the heating elements on both sides if they had issues. This is what they told me and i am relating to you, but i have not seen any recall bullentins myself.

Can someone tell me exactly what is/was covered by the seat heater recall?
Last summer the dealer in Burlington told me the recall had already been done on my 2004 Jetta Wagon and would not do anything for free. (the passenger seat kept coming on hot by itself even when switch was off!!) So this winter when it stopped coming on when I did want it to, I just bought a new switch.
Now the driver seat has just burnt a hole in the cover and in the coat my wife was wearing!! It seems to me the side heating pad is over heating but the centre pad is not on.
I find this surprising as I recall reading or hearing that the seat heater recall involved disconnecting the side heating pad. So if it was done, why is it still overheating in that area?
Just trying to get more information before I go back to see what the dealer will do on Tuesday.

 

[2004STARWARSTDI]

Heater seat recall

Just call VWGoA, give them your VIN #, they will tell you if recall was done. Also explain your problem. Suprisingly they sometimes will be on your side. 1-800-822-8987 Don't trust the dealer in what they say.

 

[EMSbyDay]

Does anyone know what years were affected in the recall? I'm picking up an '05 later in the week.

 

[JB05]

My 05 Golf had the heated seat recall.

 

[mk3]

Kiwikeith, they need to something for you (fix everything for free!) and I bet they will if you explain the situation clearly.

It seems that your car did NOT have the recall, doesn't it?... regardless of what their paperwork shows.

It might work out better to go to a different dealer than the one that supposedly did the recall the first time.

My 03 Jetta is about to have the Passenger side switch and seat element changed under this special extended warranty. In my case the symptom is no function at all... and neither of the seats heats on the side.

 

[mikey141414]

I had the passenger seat in my 2003 Jetta start smelling bad and then a thin plume of smoke before I turned it off! Took it to the dealer and they replaced the entire cushion, no charge. Even gave me a loaner 08 Turbo Gasser!

A year later(last month), same thing with the drivers. They replaced it while I waited, no loaner.

I just called same Dealer about my new 2000 to check on recalls. They said it is due for the brake switch, hazard switch, and something else..can't remember. I asked if there was a recall for the heated seats and they said there was a warranty replacement if they were faulty, but not going back as far as 2000. My guess is if I told them it was smoking, they "might" check it and switch it out for me. Not sure. Might chance it as my drivers side is intermittent.

2 cents...

mikey141414

 

[KiwiKeith]

Thanks for comments everybody - once the dealer saw the burnt holes in the seat they replaced cover & foam/heating element under warranty. (too bad about the hole in wife's coat though.)

 

[spacepod]

Warranty extention to June 30, 2010

2004STARWARSTDI - Just call VWGoA, give them your VIN #, they will tell you if recall was done. Also explain your problem. Suprisingly they sometimes will be on your side. 1-800-822-8987 Don't trust the dealer in what they say.

I just bought a 2003 Jetta, and the passenger side seat heater doesn't work. I called the VW customer service center, and they said that the car had had the recall service performed in early 2006. They also said that there is a warranty extension for this issue that goes until June 30, 2010. We'll be taking the car in to the dealer to see if they can fix it under warranty...

Thanks for the phone number 2004STARWARSTDI.

 

[neburex]

Hi fellow TDI'ers. I posted this same on other threads about seat heater issues. I'm going to try the 800# for VOA and see if they back up what the dealer said.
Just got back from the dealership to have a right side seat heater inop issue taken care of before the campaign ends in June 2010 for my car according to the letter I received from VOA.
The dealer tells me that there are no replacement parts available anymore, implying that if your seat heater is broke you will not be able to get parts for it.
Anyone out there run across this? I thought that a mftr had to have parts for 10 yrs. ***
Mine is a 2004 Golf GLS TDI.

 

[neburex]

Spoke to customer rep at VOA. Told me that they will get back to me by business end tomorrow.
We shall see.

 

[vplow]

seat heater "settlement"

The driver side seat heater in my wife's car burned out while I was driving, leaving a hole in the seat foam, the seat cover, my jeans, and a melted spot on my cellphone, which was in my back pocket. We brought it to a dealer, who said it would be warrantied. They called back shortly thereafter saying we would need to call VWoA. Long story short- VWoA says they no longer have ANY replacement seat covers. They would not accept any push-back from us, such as sending us a different fabric color....they simply said they cannot help. All they would do is offer us $1200. They sent us some paperwork to fill out to basically get them off the hook after we accepted the agreement of a $1200 "settlement". I will add that it took them about 2 months of back and forth to arrive at the point of telling us they can't help us at all.

I'm left extremely frustrated. Furious actually. We have 2 VW's in the family and I want to sell them both! We're left high and dry due to a dangerous issue that they admit was a problem. Really, all we would like is for the seat to be fixed....and they say they cannot fix it. (!?!!?!?!)

So my question to you, friends, is this: What can we do as far as fixing our problem now? Sure, we'll have the money....but what can we do with it? What options can you think of to repair or replace the broken driver seat? I dread the hassle of trying to track down a replacement via an auto dismantler. And further, if I did find a replacement, wouldn't it also potentially be faulty (due to the original warranty repair)?

Thanks so much for any input on this!

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

The recall notice I received for my 2003 Jetta wagon says that it's rare for the malfunction to occur with the pasenger side seat heater, which is what doesn't work in my car. I'm going to take it to my local dealer for a fix even though I really detest them. I doubt they can disprove my claim that the seat got extremely hot and then stopped working.

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Did they?

Spoke to customer rep at VOA. Told me that they will get back to me by business end tomorrow.
We shall see.

 

[FlyBoyOz]

Glad I used the search function before just submitting

I had an identical encounter yesterday with my 2003 Jetta. Took it in for the extended warrenty heated seat deal, since my passenger side had stopped working and the driver side had two settings: off, and burn a hole in your bottom). They called a couple of hours later saying they replaced the passenger side switch, 'something else' (can't remember), and that my upper driver-side heating element was bad. However, the driver-side upper element isn't covered by the warranty and it will cost $500 + tax to have them repair it.

One would assume that a "Heated Seats Warranty" would apply to the entire heated seat system, but perhaps I'm mistaken. I voiced this concern, to which I was told, "That's not apart of the warranty." I said I would give him a call back. He asked what I wanted to do, to which I replied, "I'll tell you after I get off the phone with VWoA." He asked if he could get his manager for me... too late, you already passed the ball to me.

VWoA was surprisingly very nice to deal with. Explained the situation, and was put on hold for a minute and than told my case was being forwarded to the regional manager and I would hear from him tomorrow. So we shall see what indeed happens. I'm not crushed about not having an upper seat element (I didn't even realize I had one, because it never worked).

I will update when I hear something.

 

[thebigarniedog]

The driver side seat heater in my wife's car burned out while I was driving, leaving a hole in the seat foam, the seat cover, my jeans, and a melted spot on my cellphone, which was in my back pocket. We brought it to a dealer, who said it would be warrantied. They called back shortly thereafter saying we would need to call VWoA. Long story short- VWoA says they no longer have ANY replacement seat covers. They would not accept any push-back from us, such as sending us a different fabric color....they simply said they cannot help. All they would do is offer us $1200. They sent us some paperwork to fill out to basically get them off the hook after we accepted the agreement of a $1200 "settlement". I will add that it took them about 2 months of back and forth to arrive at the point of telling us they can't help us at all.

I'm left extremely frustrated. Furious actually. We have 2 VW's in the family and I want to sell them both! We're left high and dry due to a dangerous issue that they admit was a problem. Really, all we would like is for the seat to be fixed....and they say they cannot fix it. (!?!!?!?!)

So my question to you, friends, is this: What can we do as far as fixing our problem now? Sure, we'll have the money....but what can we do with it? What options can you think of to repair or replace the broken driver seat? I dread the hassle of trying to track down a replacement via an auto dismantler. And further, if I did find a replacement, wouldn't it also potentially be faulty (due to the original warranty repair)?

Thanks so much for any input on this!

Well, your public profile has you owning a 2004 Golf (you fail to mention the vehicle in your post or the type of seat). So, assuming you have cloth seats, take the settlement and buy some GTI Recaros from vendor Bleached Bora.

 

[vplow]

thanks for that info! Gives me something to work with. You're correct- the car has black cloth seats. It's a 4-door model.

Those Recaro seats are sweet, however they don't have heaters in them. I'd have to have heater elements added, or do so myself. Has anyone done that themselves before, and how difficult is it?

Thanks so much for all the info here. Such a great resource.

 

[Chris Thomas]

Heated Seats

I have had the displeasure (auto tech.) of doing just that (using used parts) 3 or 4 5KTQ(audi), couple of 300SD(mercedes), and a couple of GM products. It is possible, but, you need a couple special(not really, but, not everybody owns hog ring pliers or a right angle radiator hose pick) and a couple of really strong hands..... Dorman(aftermarket supplier) is introducing replacement elements(was told about this from a Carquest Rep.) Hope this helps

 

[neburex]

Well VOA got back to me today. Long story short, they are washing their hands of the whole seat heater mess. They offered $1200 cash to forget about the whole thing. They will send the forms out for me to sign. I'm sort of stunned and it's still soaking in, I guess.

 

[FlyBoyOz]

VWoA e-mailed me back today:

Dear Mr. [FlyBoyOz]:

Thank you for your contact regarding your concerns with the seat heater in your Jetta. I appreciate the opportunity to respond. I have tried to reach you by phone, but I was not successful.

In order to research your request for assistance, I contacted the Service Manager of Northtowne Volkswagen, Jim. He explained they replaced the driver’s side seat bottom element and the passenger side seat heater switch. The seat back heater is not a part of the warranty extension. I regret I am not able to assist with the cost of repairing the seat back heater. I realize this is not the decision you were hoping for, and I apologize a more favorable outcome is not available.

Please know it is our intention to assist our customers whenever possible. I am sorry for the frustration this concern has caused you. I have documented your concerns within the company, so we have a record of them.

As a member of the Volkswagen family, your questions are important to us. If I may be of further assistance regarding this, or any other matter, please don’t hesitate to contact me again by e-mail at www.vw.com or through our Customer CARE Center at (800) 822-8987. If I am not available, one of my colleagues will be able to assist you.

Sincerely,


[Ms. Didn'tActuallyCallYou]

Regional Case Manager

Does anyone have a copy of the actual warranty extension program? The letter I received said heated seats, not the control modules, and seat-bottom heating element only.

 

[Uisge]

It won't help this thread much, since today is the last day of the warranty extension, but VWofCanada replaced the passenger-side heater with seat cover, along with the control switch. However, since they don't make the same black velour material anymore, they offered the seat covers that they use for the City Jetta. Since they don't match the old seat covers, they offered to replace ALL the seat covers under the warranty extension. I accepted.

While they were installing them, they noted that the driver's side leg bolsters were collapsing, and I could have them replace the seat cushion for the cost of the part, no labour charge. I accepted. I also replaced the floor mats at the same time (not OEM, but look and fit exactly the same).

Final tally:
- replaced passenger seat heater (warranty)
- replaced passenger heat seater switch (warranty)
- new seat covers on all seats (warranty)
- new driver's lower seat cushion (good to have the bolsters back) (my cost)
- new floor mats (my cost)
- cost: $200, and now the interior of the car looks much younger than its 8 years and 230000 km should.

I'm happy.

 

[73veedubya]

well my passenger side seat heater is not working and i just called the dealer and they said the replacement was performed in 05, so looks like im getting some seat covers so the leather dont freeze my passenger out in the winter

 

[myselfnjit]

so my drivers side LH bolster is REALLY getting hot one any setting in my 03 wagon. Is this something I should call my dealer about or is there even a wire I can disconnect if I am past any free help?

 

[iMac6]

So last weekend the seat heater burned through my passenger seat and scorched my father-in-law's pants. Called VW and they want it to be checked out at a dealer before they move on with the claim. Do I have any hope of having this covered? The fact that they didn't deny my claim immediately gives me some hope.

 

[dogdots]

Mine just burned a hole in itself and tried real hard to burn a hole in my pants. I bet I will be SOL since mine were a retrofit from an 04 Golf and the recall campaign is over.

 

[mafrif]

VW covered my drivers seat and the passenger switch. Parts just arrived last week, I haven't even taken it in yet.

I called in before I took it into the dealer, I called them back after I took it in and a regional VW person called a day later and said they would cover all of it.

I didn't know about the recall when I bought it and didn't find it until after it expired. I called in less then a month ago.

Good luck.

 

[iMac6]

Good to hear. I took the same route - called VW bevfore taking it into the dealer. Asked the dealer not to do any work until they spoke w/ VW. The car is there as we speak, so we'll see how it goes. Regardless, I'll be calling VW myself again before I pay for anything.

Glad it worked out for you!

 

[iMac6]

Good news!

According to the dealer, VW has extended the heated seat warranty indefinitely. However, they aren't making it public info - you only find out about the warranty if you bring your car in to get the heated seats fixed.

Regardless, I am getting the switch, labor, AND seat covers replaced free of charge!

Thank you, VWoA. That's the way customer service should be!

 

[79TA7.6]

So my drivers seat seems to work perfect, but my passenger does not work at all. Is this part of the warranty? I do not want to take it in to have them tell me it is not part of the warranty and charge me for looking at it. That is the way Appleway seems to roll here. Has anyone else had their seats fixed after the warranty has supposedly ended?

 

[iMac6]

So my drivers seat seems to work perfect, but my passenger does not work at all. Is this part of the warranty? I do not want to take it in to have them tell me it is not part of the warranty and charge me for looking at it. That is the way Appleway seems to roll here. Has anyone else had their seats fixed after the warranty has supposedly ended?

I would initiate the process by calling VW. Get a case number and bring it to the dealer when you get it checked out. I was told I would have to pay an $83 diagnostics charge regardless. Either way, once the dealer spoke with VW, they were informed of the extended extended warranty. This all happened yesterday (1/12/2011). Like I said above, everything including labor is being covered by VW - switch and seat covers. Good luck!