I had an mid '80s Jetta that used to give off this strong maple syrup smell whenever the heater was turned on. Turned out, there was a recall at the time that replaced something to do with the heat exchange unit and that is what was causing that smell. If not addressed, it potentially caused hot liquid to enter the driver's leg compartment. It was a good thing to fix IMOO.

Well, I just bought a new 2008 Komfort edition Passat.It barely has 1000 miles on itand I smell that same maple syrup smell when the heat is turned on. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or maybe I "smell" a recall coming.

M