2004 Volkswagen Passat Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 12%of 279 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the seats of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 12% of the 279 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 13 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on a highway, the driver seat suddenly overheated (the seat warmer was turned on). It started with a burning smell. Excessive heat burned my leg a bit (some skin redness), before I realized what is happening and turned the seat warmer off. The seat leather now appears stiff and wrinkled (not soft and smooth like the rest of the leather) in the area where I felt the heat.”
NHTSA complaint #11373531, filed 2020-11, 132,400 miles“My car was part of a recall because the drivers side seat heater was overheating and melting through the seat. I took my car in for the recall and this issue should have been resolved. But yesterday I had that exact issue - within 4 to 5 minutes of turning on my drivers side seat heater it burned/melted through the seat and burned me.”
NHTSA complaint #10925021, filed 2016-11, 170,000 miles“My seat warmer on my 2004 Volkswagen Passat 1.8 turbo was turned to a setting of 2 . After just two minutes I smelled something burning and felt a burning sensation on my leg. I looked down and the seat warmer had burnt a two inch whole through my cloth seats, and burnt my jeans as well. It also left a small burn on my leg, like someone had bumped me with a cigarette.”
NHTSA complaint #10180879, filed 2007-01, 21,915 miles“While driving my vehicle, the driver's seat caught fire causing a hole to be burnt through the leather seats caused scorching to pants and a minor burn to the buttocks. A moderate amount of smoke was seen coming from the burning seat and filled the interior of the car. I immediately turned off the seat warmer, pulled the vehicle over, and turned off the engine. The seat continued to smoke profusely; I smothered the fire and contacted my local vw dealership immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #10500773, filed 2013-02, 101,938 miles“1)my heated seats got so hot they burned a hole in my seat and burned my leg. I'm not sure how that happened without me noticing, but it did. The burn was not severe but it did hurt for a day or two. 2. The seats continue to get that hot when turned on.... I no longer use the heated seat function. 3. Nothing has been done yet, I will have to buy a new seat cushion, new cloth for the seat and have someone fix the heated seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10310445, filed 2010-02, 81,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242997Dec 15, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 3 | 0% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 34 | 12% |
| 2003 | 97 | 15% |
| 2002 | 15 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 10 | 2% |
| 1998 | 11 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat
59 complaintsFuel system
57 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
38 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTires
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology