The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML55. While driving 60 mph he engaged the seat heater. The front and rear seats became extremely hot. He was unable to turn the heater off. He pulled over and noticed smoke and sparks. He poured water over the seats and the sparks stopped. The seat heater did not go off until the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the coils malfunctioned. The current and failure mileages were 28,000. The consumer stated the dealer replaced seat and electrical components but will not provide consumer with any documentation or information pertaining to the defect and repair. Updated 09/18/07

- Pasadena, CA, USA

The heated seat in my 2003 Mercedes ML320 burned through my leather seats and leaving a small mark on my left thigh. My injury healed; however, there is still a burnt mark on my seat. After explaining it to Mercedes and my extended warranty service, both decided to help me stating it was a cosmetic defect. Now I'm stuck with a driver side seat that has 3 cm hole in it along with heated seats that Mercedes suggest that I should never turn on, even though I paid extra for it.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

I own a 2003 Mercedes ML320, while I was driving w/the heated seats on I started to notice a burning odor. The odor got stronger & it smelt like burning plastic. I noticed my rear was starting to get a tad too warm so I put my hand down on the seat & almost burn my hand. I immediately turned off the seat warmer & called Mercedes the following morning to arrange for service. When I arrived at Mercedes the manager informed me that this was not the first incident & that a gentlemens suit had been replaced B/C it burnt through his clothing. I asked why Mercedes had not put out a recall & he informed me that it was cheaper to just replace the one's with problems. My seats where replaced free of charge & the old one's discarded by Mercedes.

- South Ozone Park, NY, USA

Driver's seat heater shorted out while vehicle was being driven. The event ocurred so quickly and was so severe that it burned through the leather seat upholstery and a very heavy pair of denim jeans I was wearing almost imediately and unexpectedly. The consequences are pretty much obvious and could range from severe burns, to the vehicle burning to causing a serious accident because of the spontaneous happening. No response from Mercedes Benz to date.

- Chesterfield, MO, USA

While driving driver's heated seat caught on fire. Manufacturer offered to replace the vehicle with a newer model.

- Denver, CO, USA

While driving the vehicle heated seats caused second degree burns to the driver's bottom. There was no damage to the vehicle's seat. This problem also cause some redness to another driver's bottom. After visiting doctor for treatment of burns, took vehicle to dealer the same week. Was informed by three different mechanic's problem could not be found or resolved. "pictures enclosed" the vehicle seats were heated.

- New York, NY, USA

The heated passenger seat over heated and burned a hole on the far right edge of the leather captain seat.

- Pawcatuck, CT, USA