Seat heaters were replaced due to recall, but heaters malfunctioned after replacement. Dealer won't take responsibility. The consumer received recall 02V314000. The driver and passenger seat heaters were fully functional and the consumer had no problems. Once the dealer did the recall repairs the seat heaters no longer functioned. The consumer informed the dealer of the problem. The dealer indicated that only the wiring was re-routed, therefore they were not responsible.

- Wakefield, RI, USA

After recall repairs on the seat heater it no longer work sproperly. Dealer will be notified.

- Haverhill, MA, USA

The consumer received a recall notice #02V314000, electrical seat heater, in March of 2003. The consumer has made several appointments to have to recall remedied. The dealer has cancelled all appointments made stating the parts were unavailable.

- Gambrills, MD, USA

I am the owner and driver of a 1996 Volvo 850. On Sunday March 16th 2003, the driver and myself were stopped in a drive through restaurant when my drivers seat caught on fire. The car started smoking from the seats, then we turned around to look where it was coming from we noticed flames coming out from under the seat into the back seat area. We yelled for a fire extinguisher that the driver used to put out the fire, while putting it out he sustained injury. The local fire department was notified and a report was taken. They had advised me not to drive my car. I was confused on what had happened so I decided to research "electrical wiring problems in Volvo's" when I found different articles recalling my make and model of my car that as of December 2, 2002: 65,000 1996, 850 Volvo's were being recalled because the seat heaters could short circuit and catch fire. In many of the articles it has stated that either Volvo hasn't started a campaign yet to notify their consumers or that Volvo would not return calls to comment on recalls. I contacted the nearest vovlo dealership to me and they were very confused on what to do. The man on the phone first told me that he hasn't heard of a recall for that but a few minutes later he said they recently serviced his boss' 1996 850 Volvo for the same recall, he said he would research and call me back. Early afternoon, I contacted Volvo cars of North America to complain. I told the above story, where they thought they weren't liable for this. One man said just because it's recalled doesn't mean that is what happened with my car. I then spoke with his supervisor who told me that I needed to tow my car to the dealership which is approximately 45 miles away, I have to foot the bill and that's where an adjuster from Volvo will inspect the car. In the meantime I can not drive my vehicle and they will not pay for a rental while my car is out of commission. Livid at the fact that my safety and the safety of my passengers was compromised!

- Huntington, WV, USA

1996 Volvo 850 - drivers side seat, hole burned in seat due to heated seat failure.

- Lancaster, PA, USA

After starting the engine, I switched the seat heater on and drove away. Within 2 minutes of driving, a sharp pain developed in my right buttock. Within seconds a trail of dark smoke rose from the same area. After lifting my bottom off of the seat and realizing the smoke was coming from the seat I shutoff the seat warmer. The result of the incident left a burn mark on my pants and a cigarette sized hole in my seat cushion. I immediately took the vehicle to the dealer and after investigation I was informed that the part was not under warrantee. The cost of the new seat warmer and replacement of the seat cushion was 770 us dollars. I refused to pay and asked the dealer to simply disconnect the seat warmer.

- Irivine, CA, USA

While in motion the heaters in the seat caught on fire and caused the car to catch on fire. Claim #13-7210-322

- Batavia, IL, USA

Vehicle 1 noticed smoke and then saw a flame as he pulled out of a parking slot. The determined cause of malfunction was the driver's seat heater. Insured replaced the wiring for the heater about a year ago. Claim# 37-3190-422.

- Portland, OR, USA

Vehicle 1 noticed smoke and then saw a flame as he pulled out of a parking slot. The determined cause of malfunction was the driver's seat heater. Insured replaced the wiring for the heater about a year ago. Claim# 37-3190-422.

- Portland, OR, USA

While in motion the heaters in the seat caught on fire and caused the car to catch on fire. Claim #13-7210-322

- Batavia, IL, USA

Whil driving driver's seat caught on fire due to seat heater. Dealer has seen vehicle, and said it was not a manufacturer's defect. Although the manufacturer's inspector indicated that there was defect, the manufacturer agreed to look into the problem seriously.

- Evanston, IL, USA