Audi RS3 Seat Heater Failure: Common Fix Revealed

Having dealt with a similar seat heating issue on my 2020 Audi S3, I can share some relevant experience. After diagnosing multiple fault codes related to the heating elements, my workshop identified defective heating mats in both front seats as the root cause. The automotive repair involved removing the seat cushion covers to access and replace the heating mats. The problem showed identical symptoms, controls appeared normal but no heat was produced. After testing the circuits, they confirmed the heating elements had failed, rather than it being a wiring issue. The complete repair, including parts and labor, cost me 390 Euro. This covered replacement of both seat heating mats and reinstallation of the seat covers. The fix resolved the problem completely. To provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Have you noticed any intermittent heating function before complete failure? Are there any visible damages to the seat surfaces? Did you get specific fault codes from the diagnostic scan? Is your vehicle still under warranty? This information would help determine if your heater failure matches the same pattern I experienced with my S3.

Thanks for the helpful information. I should mention my car has 61742 KM and just had its annual service last month. The thermal sensor diagnostic showed error code P0483 for both seats, with occasional intermittent function before complete seat heater failure. The seats look perfect with no visible damage. Unfortunately, the warranty just expired two months ago. I will contact my workshop to check the heating mats and get a repair quote. Good to know the heating elements can be replaced without changing the entire seat assembly. The 390 Euro cost reference helps set expectations for my repair budget.

Thanks for providing those additional details. Since both our Audis showed the same P0483 error code and similar symptoms with the seat heating, it is very likely you are facing the identical heating mat failure I experienced. The intermittent function you mentioned before complete heater failure exactly matches my situation. When the seat warmers started acting up in my S3, they would occasionally work for short periods before stopping completely. This is a typical pattern when the heating elements begin deteriorating. The timing post warranty is unfortunate, but the repair cost should be comparable to what I paid, especially since your seat cushions are undamaged. The temperature control system appears functional, which further supports that the heating mats are the core issue rather than wiring or control modules. A helpful tip from my repair experience: have the workshop check the seat heater connections and wiring harness while they have the seats open, even though this likely is not the primary issue. This preventive inspection costs nothing extra during the heating mat replacement and can help avoid future temperature control problems. Keep in mind that both front seats should be repaired together, as the second seat warmer will likely fail soon if only one is replaced.

Based on your detailed explanation and repair experience, I will schedule the heating mat replacement next week. Good point about fixing both seats, no sense risking another heater failure soon after. My service advisor just quoted 410 Euro for the complete repair including diagnostics, parts and labor for both front seats. Just slightly higher than your cost which seems reasonable. They confirmed they will inspect all seat heater wiring and connections during the repair as you suggested. They mentioned the seat heating elements in these models tend to fail around 60000 KM, which matches the timing of both our issues. At least the temperature control system and seat covers remain intact, keeping the repair costs manageable compared to a full seat replacement. Thanks again for sharing your experience. The specific details about the fault codes and repair process helped confirm this is likely the same heating mat failure you encountered. Will update once the repair is completed.