VW Transporter Massage Seat Failure & Troubleshooting

Having some experience with VW vehicles, I encountered a similar massage seat issue on my 2013 VW Passat. The symptoms were nearly identical, with the massage function failing completely. After checking with the workshop, they diagnosed a faulty cable connection in the massage chair system. The wire harness connecting the seat control module to the massage components had worked loose over time, a relatively common issue in car upholstery with massage functions. The repair involved accessing the seat wiring through the car upholstery and replacing the damaged connector. Total cost was 95€, including diagnostic and labor. The massage setting has worked flawlessly since the repair. For a more accurate assessment of your specific case, could you share: Have you noticed any other electrical issues with the seat functions? Does the seat adjustment still work normally? Are there any unusual noises when trying to activate the massage function? Which specific error code is showing up? This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if it might be a different underlying problem.

Thanks for sharing that experience. In my case at 114389km, the seat motor and massage functions stopped simultaneously, suggesting it might be more than just a loose connection. During my last service, they did check all electrical components but somehow missed this developing issue. The error code in my case is 01287, which from what I understand relates to the seat control module itself. When attempting to use the massage function, there is a faint clicking noise but no movement. The seat adjustment features are also now completely unresponsive. Based on your repair cost reference, I am wondering if this electrical issue might require a full module replacement rather than just a connector fix. Has anyone faced similar complete system failures in their luxury car massage seats?

Your situation does sound more complex than what I initially experienced. While my issue was resolved with a simple wire harness repair, the complete failure of both the massage function and seat motor, coupled with that specific error code, points to a more serious electrical issue. After my connector repair, I had another problem develop about 6 months later with similar symptoms to what you are describing. The clicking sound and total loss of function turned out to be a failed seat control module. The replacement cost was significantly higher at 485€ for the part plus labor. The automotive seats in these VW models integrate multiple systems through the control module. When it fails, it typically takes down all powered functions simultaneously. The clicking noise you are hearing is often a telltale sign of a module trying to respond but failing to execute commands. Some questions to consider before proceeding with a module replacement: Have you checked the fuses specifically related to the seat functions? Is there any correlation between the failure and recent exposure to moisture? Are any other electrical systems showing intermittent behavior? A full diagnostic scan might reveal additional codes that could help pinpoint whether this is purely a module issue or if there might be other contributing factors in the seat electrical system.

Based on those additional details, I better understand the scope of my electrical issue. The clicking sound and complete system failure match what you experienced with the failed control module. Since both the seat motor and massage functions died at the same time at 114389km, a module replacement seems the likely fix. I did check all the relevant fuses and they are fine. The issue started during a dry spell, so moisture is not a factor. No other electrical systems are showing any problems. I will have the workshop run a full diagnostic scan to confirm if the 01287 error code is the only one present. Given the repair costs you mentioned, I should budget around 500€ for the module plus labor. While expensive, it seems this is a known weakness in these luxury car massage seats after extended use. I will schedule the repair and update once I know if the module replacement resolves both the seat adjustment and massage function issues. At least I now have a clearer picture of what to expect at the workshop.