Opel to recall 8,000 Zafira Bs in Ireland over fire risk

Opel Ireland has confirmed it is to recall 8,000 Zafira B models to ensure the vehicles are not at risk of going on fire.

Opel is still investigating what has led to the cars bursting into flames.

In Britain, where a recall of 220,000 of the Vauxhall version of the Zafira was also announced yesterday, 130 fires have been reported.

In Co Cork last week, a car was about to board the Passage West to Cobh ferry when a fire started in its dashboard area.

The driver managed to escape unhurt but soon the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames and it was destroyed.

That incident prompted another Cork man to recall how, in September 2013, his family’s Zafira car went on fire while his wife and their children, then five, three, and one, were bringing the oldest child to school in Carrigaline.

The car was destroyed by the ensuing blaze, which started with smoke issuing from the air vents. The car was too badly damaged to identify the exact cause of the fire.

Opel says the problem it is now examining originates in the heating and ventilation system and it is focusing its probe on the cars’ resistors, pollen filters and heater fan motors.

In Britain, Vauxhall’s chairman and managing director Rory Harvey said in a message to its customers: “Our investigations have found evidence of improper repair of the blower motor resistor and its thermal fuse which is designed to protect the thermal motor system.”

The manufacturer in Ireland confirmed it is working with the Vehicle Registration Office to identify the owners here so that it can write to them directly.

The Zafira Bs affected by the recall were manufactured between 2005 and 2014, are right-hand drive and equipped with manual or no air conditioning. Opel said those with electronic climate control are not affected.

“These Zafira owners will be asked to visit their Opel dealership for a free inspection of their vehicle’s heating and ventilation system,” the company said.

“Any parts that need to be replaced will be changed at no cost to the customer, returning their vehicle to a safe operating condition.”

A spokeswoman said the owners of the affected cars here will be given a free hire car while their car is being repaired.

Those owners who have concerns about their car or are awaiting their call for an inspection should set their fan speed to zero on the heating and ventilation system.

“If necessary they should use Level 4 only for the time needed to demist the windscreen,” the company said in a advice document on its website.

For further information, customers can call Opel Customer Assistance on 01 533 9818 or visit www.opel.ie/zafira-customer-advice.html