Heated seats are one of those features you don’t think much about until they stop working. Then suddenly, on a cold winter morning, you realize just how much you’ve come to rely on them.
Whether your seats aren’t heating at all or only work sometimes, this guide will help you understand what might be wrong, how much it could cost to fix, and how the type of car and seat affects things.
See Also: Car Hard to Start When It’s Cold? (Here’s Why)
Common Causes of Heated Seat Failure
1) Blown Fuse
A blown fuse is often the simplest and most common reason heated seats stop working. The heating elements draw significant electrical current, which can cause fuses to blow if there’s any surge or short in the system.
Check your owner’s manual to locate the correct fuse for the heated seats (it’s usually labeled “seat heater” or “heated seats”). If you find a blown fuse, replace it with one that has the identical amperage rating.
If the new fuse blows immediately, there’s likely a short circuit somewhere in the system and professional help will be necessary.
2) Faulty Seat Heater Switch
The switch that controls your heated seats can wear out over time from repeated use. Sometimes the switch itself fails, while other times the electrical contacts inside become corroded or loose. You may realize all of a sudden that the switch feels different when you press it, or the indicator light doesn’t illuminate like it should.
If your heated seats work intermittently or only at certain temperature settings, this often points to a bad switch. The switch may work when pressed at certain angles or require multiple presses to activate, which are clear signs it needs replacement.
Read Also: Symptoms of a Bad Heater Core
3) Broken Heating Element
Heated seats use one of two types of heating elements – a thin wire that runs in a zigzag pattern, or a flat heating pad like what’s shown in the image below. This pad design contains conductive elements embedded within it that create heat when electricity flows through them. Over time, these elements can fail from the repeated stress of people getting in and out of the seat.
If your heating pad develops a problem, you might notice only part of the seat feels warm while other areas stay cold. This typically means the internal elements have failed at specific points. Weight and movement are especially hard on these heating elements, which is why they commonly fail in the bottom cushion before the seat back.
In most cases, you can’t repair just the heating element and replacement in necessary. Since the wire or pad is typically attached to the seat foam and upholstery, this sometimes means replacing several components together, which contributes to the higher repair costs.
But in many cases, the adhesive used may allow simple removal, with the replacement element being affixed to the seat in the same manner.
4) Damaged Wiring
The wiring that connects your heated seats to the car’s electrical system can become damaged, disconnected, or corroded. Since seat wiring has to flex every time you adjust the seat position, these wires are particularly vulnerable to wear and damage.
Common spots for wiring problems include the connections under the seat and where the wires pass through the seat frame. If you’ve recently had work done on your seats or adjusted your seat mounting, there’s a chance some wires got pinched or disconnected in the process.
5) Bad Temperature Sensor
Most heated seats use temperature sensors to maintain the right level of warmth and prevent overheating. When these sensors fail, the system may shut off completely as a safety measure instead of allowing the element to heat to unsafe levels.
It may feel like the seat is getting way too hot or shutting off unexpectedly when the sensor isn’t working as it should. In some cars, a faulty temperature sensor will trigger a warning light on the dashboard or prevent the heated seats from turning on at all.
6) Failed Control Module
Modern heated seats rely on a control module to manage the heating elements and temperature sensors. This module can fail due to age, electrical issues, or exposure to moisture. When the control module goes bad, it may not send the proper signals to activate the heating elements.
Control module failures often affect both seats since many vehicles use a single module to control both the driver and passenger heated seats. If you have rear seat heating, a separate control module will usually control those seats. You may also notice other electrical features in the seats acting strangely, like power adjustments or memory settings.
7) Worn Out or Damaged Seat Covers
While less common, problems with seat covers can affect how well your heated seats work. Tears, water damage, or excessive wear in the upholstery can expose or damage the heating elements underneath. This is particularly true for leather seats that have developed cracks or splits.
If the seat cover is damaged, you might feel hot spots or notice uneven heating. In some cases, exposed heating elements can create a safety hazard and automatically shut the system off.
Diagnosing and Repair Costs
The cost to fix your heated seats varies significantly based on the underlying problem and whether you’re comfortable doing some basic diagnostic work yourself.
Basic Diagnosis Steps
Before heading to a shop, check the fuse box first – this is something most car owners can handle. A replacement fuse typically costs $5-10, making it by far the cheapest potential fix.
To test if your seat heater switch is the problem, listen for a clicking sound when you press it. If you don’t hear anything, the switch may have failed. Switch replacement usually costs $50-150 for parts and $100-200 for labor.
For more complex issues, a professional will need to perform electrical testing. Expect to pay $100-150 for diagnostic time at most shops.
Repair Cost Breakdown
- Fuse replacement: $5-10 (DIY)
- Switch replacement: $150-350
- Heating element replacement: $400-800
- Wiring repair: $200-500
- Temperature sensor replacement: $250-400
- Control module replacement: $300-600
- Seat cover replacement: $500-1,200
Labor costs make up a significant portion of these repairs because accessing the components often requires removing the entire seat or even the seat cover. Some repairs may be covered under warranty, especially for newer vehicles.
Temporary Solutions While Waiting for Repairs
No one wants to drive around in a cold car while waiting for repair. Here are few ways to stay warm if not having heated seats is a hard adjustment.
Portable Heated Seat Cushions
A good quality 12V heated seat cushion plugs into your car’s power outlet and provides warmth similar to built-in heated seats. These typically cost $30-70 and can be a good permanent solution if you decide not to fix your factory heated seats. Look for one with multiple heat settings and an auto-shutoff feature for safety.
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Traditional Seat Covers
A thick, plush seat cover or sheepskin cover can add considerable warmth, especially if you pre-warm your car before driving. While not as effective as heated options, they’ll be cheaper ($40-150) than the repairs and can be used long-term.
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Other Ways to Stay Warm
- Start your car 5-10 minutes early to let the cabin heat up (use your remote start feature if you have it).
- Keep an emergency blanket in your car.
- Use the car’s climate control strategically (e.g., aim floor vents toward your seat).
- Wear warmer clothing during your commute.
Special Considerations
Leather vs. Cloth Seats
Leather and cloth seats handle heating elements differently. Leather seats typically take longer to feel warm since leather is denser than cloth. However, once warmed up, leather seats often maintain heat better (similar to how the thickness of cooking pans works).
If you’re experiencing slow heating with leather seats, this might be normal operation rather than a problem.
Memory Seat Systems
Cars with memory seating positions often have more complex wiring and additional connections that can fail. If your heated seats stopped working after using the memory position buttons, the issue might be related to the memory system rather than the heating elements themselves. This is rare but possible.
Ventilated Seat Combinations
Many modern cars combine heating and ventilation in the same seat. These dual-function seats are more complex and can be more expensive to repair. Sometimes what seems like a heating problem might actually be related to the ventilation system interfering with proper heat distribution.
Troubleshooting Tips for Different Vehicle Types
Age-Related Considerations
Older vehicles (10+ years) often develop heating element failures due to normal wear and tear. Newer vehicles might have more complex electronic issues but are more likely to be covered under warranty.
Technical Service Bulletins
Check if your manufacturer has issued any TSBs or open recalls for heated seat problems. A dealer can tell you if your vehicle has any open TSBs that might cover your specific issue. In some cases, repairs might be covered even if your warranty has expired.
Common Vehicle-Specific Issues
Some vehicles are known for specific heated seat-related issues:
Chevrolet Equinox (2010-2017)
- Issue: Heated seats fail to warm due to electrical faults, defective heating elements, or issues with the memory seat control module.
- Recall/TSB: TSB
- Source: Car Complaints
Volkswagen Jetta (2002-2004)
- Issue: Heated seats can malfunction, causing excessive heat in a small area, leading to burns or damage.
- Recall/TSB: Recall
- Source: Guide Auto Web
GMC Sierra (2014-2015)
- Issue: Heated seats may turn off after a short period due to a faulty heating element or control module.
- Recall/TSB: TSB
- Source: NHTSA
Toyota Camry (2006-2011)
- Issue: Damage to the seat heater wiring due to compression of the seat cushion, leading to electrical shorting and potential fire hazards.
- Recall/TSB: Recall
- Source: NHTSA
Nissan Altima (2013)
- Issue: Incorrect wire pin placement in the seat sub harness affects heating functionality.
- Recall/TSB: TSB
- Source: NHTSA
Ford Fusion (2013-2020)
- Issue: Heated seats may fail due to faulty heating elements or issues with the seat control module.
- Recall/TSB: None documented, but multiple user reports indicate common failures.
- Source: Reddit
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