Unexpected fires involving Zafiras have been reported since last August, with one of the most recent happening only a few days ago, in Wootton Basset, Wiltshire. A young woman had just installed her 10-month-old son in the car seat when she noticed black smoke coming from the engine. She immediately got her son out of the car, less than a minute before the vehicle eventually burst into flames. This young mum's car was a Vauxhall Zafira B, a model reportedly involved in around 200 overheating issues and fires that happened in similar circumstances in the UK: the heating and ventilation system, behind the glove box, catching fire.
After an internal investigation, Vauxhall has announced a recall for safety check and repairs, with 220,000 owners to be contacted from November 12th. The model recalled is definitley the Zafira B, a popular family car, "produced between 2005 and 2014 and equipped with manual air conditioning (not Electronic Climate Control) or no air conditioning", as indicated by Vauxhall. According to the company's first investigations, “improper repair of the blower motor resistor and its thermal fuse" may be the cause.
If you think your car may be at risk, check the Vauxhall statement here and take your car to your nearest dealer for free inspection (30 to 60 minutes) and free repairs. In the meantime, don't use the manual air conditioning system or heater in your car.
*Photo: Vauxhall UK
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