Problems with 2001 Acura MDX SEATS

The 2001 acura mdx touring is equipped with front driver and front passenger heated seats controlled by three-position rocker switches (one switch to control driver seat a second switch to control passenger seat) in the center console allowing passenger to choose between low-off-high temperature settings. the seats are designed to warm the seat cushion and the lumbar cushion of both front driver and front passenger seats. currently, the front passenger seat works as designed. the front driver seat, however, only heats the lumbar cushion when the heater is engaged and the seat cushion does not heat. while cleaning the vehicle i noticed white rubber underneath the driver seat. the rubber looked like wire insulation and some of the pieces looked to be charred. i suspect that the heating element could have broken or shorted somehow causing the wire insulation to crack and over time to disintegrate. my concern is that a break in the heating element and/or circuitry could result in a short or spark or even a fire which could cause harm to the driver if sitting in that seat were such an event to occur and potentially cause a hazardous situation if such an event occurred en route where a driver's reaction to shock, smoke, burning smell, or fire could endanger the driver, passengers, and other vehicles/passengers on the road. even if the vehicle is used without intentionally engaging the seat heating system, the design and location of the rocker switches allow them to easily be engaged inadvertently.

Complaint received via e-mail. i would like to document what i believe is a safety hazard in my vehicle. the second row of passenger seats is split whereby the end seat folds down and slides forward for entry to the rear row of seats. we have a six month old baby who rides in a car seat which is attached to the center of the second row of seats. she rides in the car seat facing rear, and she can stick her arms out on either side. when went to exit the vehicle, our older son slid the second seat forward, and it hit her out stretched arm, bending it backwards. she screamed and we immediately removed her from the seat. she appeared to be fine, but i am concerned for the future. there would be no danger to a passenger facing forward because the worse thing that could happen is the right arm would be bumped forward. however, with a rear facing baby, any impact from the forward sliding seat, can cause the arm to bend backward and break.*ak *tc