1997 Lexus ES300 Seats Problems

“The consumer stated the driver seat heater became uncomfortably hot. When the problem occurred in 2002 the consumer shut off the seat heater. The dealership replaced the heating unit because of a short in the heater wiring. In 2005 the passenger side seat heater overheated and burned through the seating material. The dealership found a short in the heater wiring. The heater was disconnected at the consumers request. Updated 02/28/06”

“For some time, the driver's side seat heater (left side of seat) would reach a temperature which was uncomfortable. So, I would turn it on for a few minutes to warm up, and then turn it off when it became hot. I decided to take it in to the dealership to be checked out and adjusted, if necessary. A few days before I my appointment, I was riding in the car and turned on the heater. When it became hot, I placed my scarf between the seat and my leg. At a certain point, it smelled as though something was burning. I turned off the heater. …”

“The contact owns a 1997 Lexus ES300. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver unknowingly fell asleep and crashed into a guard rail. The vehicle flipped over twice, causing the driver to be injured. The front passenger's seat was fully reclined on the track frame with the occupant being secured with the seat belt as the crash occurred. The front passenger was killed. The contact stated that the fatality was contributed to the front passenger seat feature, which allowed the seat to recline substantially as designed by the manufacturer. A police report was filed. …”