The front passenger seat heating element in my 2022 Mazda Model, CX-9 malfunctioned, failing to regulate temperature and creating an immediate thermal safety and fire hazard. While operating the vehicle normally with the passenger side seat heater turned on, the system rapidly reached temperatures far exceeding normal comfort parameters. The heat became intense enough to cause smoke to fill the car, a flame to appear on the seat, and a giant burned hole in the seat. To prevent an active vehicle fire, I had to immediately turn off the control switch, unplug the seat and put out the fire that caused a pillow to ignite in flames. A localized failure of this nature presents an active electrical and fire risk while driving, which could lead to a crash or severe personal injury. No prior warning lights or error codes were triggered on the dashboard before the thermal event. The seat heater is currently disconnected, unusable and the seat cannot be used, and the vehicle interior has sustained permanent thermal damage. I am filing this complaint to request that NHTSA formally investigate this recurring thermal safety defect in modern Mazda vehicles.