2004 XC70 seat heater malfunction story on CTV News

[coastal]

Just came across this story on CTV News here in Canada where a family from Ontario's XC70 driver's side seat heater burned through the leather. Here's the Cole's Notes:

Car is a 2004 XC70
Seat Heater burned through the leather at the driver's side rear base of the element
Volvo Canada is paying for seat replacement and $200 to pay for clothing damage
They have had zero reports of issues on 2005+ models

Video here!
http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=529092

[Forkster]

Interesting. But what about 2001-2004?

[JRL]

That IS an 04

[Leto Atreides II]

I think he means: Volvo said they have zero reports of issues with 2005+ models. How many reports of issues are there for 2001-2004 models?

[coastal]

Good question... They kinda skirted the big question on MY 2004 and older. :S

[sanfelice]

Hmm. My 04 does not get overly warm (in fact, could be a tad warmer), but my 00 V70R roasts my hiney! Yikes. I have to modulate that one and keep an eye on it.

[JRL]

The seat heat is adjustable by VIDA
Your seats could be set on low and at low it's not so hot
I ALWAYS have my P2s set to full hot, I can always turn it down a click if need be (I never "need be")!

[lexefx]

I actually have this problem in in my 2004. It is in the same wire in the edge of my driver's seat. It gets hot enough to blister you. It just started last winter. I just stopped using the heated seat. Hmmm...

[lexefx]

VCNA basically told me there is no recall, and I have not had a failure - so this should be addressed by a dealer as a need for a repair. There is little point imo in turning the seat temp down, that is not a repair.
I have had it on for short periods of time, and it begins to smell like electrical melting/fire. I guess I should go leave it on for a dealer to see, but I'd rather not destroy my seat voluntarily.

[skibo]

I had this problem on my '04 - it developed a hot-spot when it was 7 or 8 years old - probably a short in the heater pad - eventually it stopped working all together - I assume the conductor burned through or just fatigued and broke.