Front passenger seat, seat heating element malfunctioned - created a small fire and smoke produced. Dealership diagnosed as 'a couple of hot spots that burned through the cover.' It is available for inspection. Fire hazard caused burn on passenger, smoke inhalation. Smoke/fire started while driving at 55mph, resulted in sudden breaking and pulling off the road. Yes, the dealer found hot spots that caused the burning - but take no responsibility for the issue as that car has 56000 miles. No, it has only been inspected by Ford dealership. No warning lamps, no symptoms until physical burning sensation prior to the smoke/fire.

- Monticello, IN, USA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned" It-??s not exactly failed or malfunctioned as much as it is just a flawed design. However, the problem is that the drivers seatbelt keeps getting wrapped up in the lever to recline the seat. This results in the handle getting pulled off of the seat constantly, the seat unexpectedly reclining when the driver pulls on the seatbelt too hard, or the seatbelt simply getting bunched up in the handle causing it to just become stuck and non functional. Is it available for inspection upon request? It is available for inspection anytime. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the drivers seat suddenly reclines or the seatbelt fails to engage due to being caught up in another component of the vehicle that-??s a problem. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No although I can duplicate that issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" No.

- Inglis, FL, USA

I was rear-ended while stopped at a red-light by an inattentive driver. The resulting impact cause the power driver's seat to drop to the end if it's track and the backrest to drop down onto the rear bench. If there was a passenger behind me at the time of the accident, they would have been crushed by the seat with the headrest potentially crushing their chest, while their legs would have been crushed due to the seat suddenly sliding so far back. Motors in seat still function, but cannot move seat. When attempting to lower the backrest a clicking noise can be heard.

- Odessa, TX, USA