Vauxhall Zafira B fires prompt recall of 220,000 cars

AFTER a number of fires in Vauxhall´s Zafira B cars, the car company has announced a recall of 220,000 of the cars.

The move comes two weeks after over 130 fires were made known to the company. The cars are right hand drive Zafira B models between 2005 and 2014. The fires are said to have started in the heating and ventilation system behind the glove box.

The news was announced by Rory Harvey, the chairman and managing director of Vauxhall, who apologised “for the situation that has arisen”, before giving more details on the incidents and giving guidance for what buyers can do next.

Harvey said that investigations revealed “improper repair of the blower motor resistor and its thermal fuse”.

The car company is going to send letters to 220,000 owners with advice to contact their local dealer.

The car owners will then be offered a free inspection and any repairs necessary.

Vauxhall said that because most of the vehicles they examined were damaged “beyond investigation,” it had taken more time than usual to look into the issue

Harvey added that they were investigating “very thoroughly and with the utmost urgency”.

Letters will start going out to owners from November 12 and drivers are advised not to use the heating or air conditioning system until further clarity is achieved.