I owned a 2003 Buick Regal with 13,000 miles that I purchased new at a dealer in indianapolis in July of 2003. As I was driving home on February 4, 2005 from running errands, my seat heater in the driver seat became so hot that I had to pull over and put my winter coat down to sit on in order to finish the drive home. When I arrived at my home, I pulled into the garage and turned the car off. A short time later, I smelled something burning. I could not find anything in the house that was on fire. I looked out into the garage and the inside of my Buick was on fire. I called the fire department that was located about one block from my home. They came immediately and put out the fire as well as disconnected the electrical system so that my home would not catch on fire. I immediately contactacted GM roadside assistance. I was told that a wrecker would come within two hours and pick up the car and take it to the nearest dealer. The wrecker did pick up the vehicle on Feb. 4th and transported it to eric dickerson Buick in indianapolis. A diagnostics was run on Monday February 7th. It was determined by the dealer that there was a short in the wiring for the seat heater. As a result, the entire car was totaled. I filed a complaint with Buick and asked that the car be replaced. After many weeks of being put off by GM, we were offered a settlement by GM to not sue them. I was allowed to purchase a new 2005 Buick lacrosse, however, I had to give them my car and $3,528.62 of my savings. GM did pay for my car rental for the time I needed one. I believe GM should have replaced my car with a new one at no cost to me. They left me no choice. I had to have a car. Plus, they are not recalling this vehicle. I think all of them should be checked. This was very upsetting to me as I am nearly 80 years old. But, this incident scared me and left me with a depleted savings account. But, it was cheaper than going out and buying a new or used car similar to my 2003.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA