More than 220,000 Vauxhall Zafira B models are being recalled, after a few customers reported fires breaking out in the dashboard.
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The investigation was launched after two Plymouth mums set up a campaign when both of their Vauxhall Zafiras spontaneously set on fire, putting their families’ lives in danger.
The Zafira B was produced between 2005 and 2014.
“We fully understand the seriousness of the situation and your personal concerns about safety”.
The 2007 Vauxhall Zafira was bought earlier this year and Ms Taperek said she was unaware of a recent spate of similar incidents, as reported by the Swindon Advertiser.
Letters will be sent out to owners of Vauxhall Zafira B models from 12 November asking them to visit a dealer to have their vehicle’s heating and ventilation systems examined.
A Facebook group with more than 6,000 members was started by an affected owner, through which Vauxhall came to know of at least 133 fire-related cases.
“We will check all components and replace any suspect parts free of charge”, said Harvey.
Vauxhall says its investigations into the problem – first highlighted on social media last month – have identified that the source of the fires is either the car’s blower motor resistor or the thermal fuse which is created to protect the system.
“We will be transparent with our findings which must rely on facts”, said Mr Harvey.
“A cross-functional task force was established immediately after we were alerted to the scale of the fires”.
“And please be assured that we will not rest until we are fully confident that we have resolved this issue”.
Owners are being advised to contact their local dealers to have their vehicles checked for possible defects in the heating system. However, Vauxhall has suggested that the problem only manifests itself when improper repairs have taken place.
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“We know that Zafiras have gone up in flames which were fitted with nothing but genuine Vauxhall parts”.
