Zafira fires

I currently own a 2003 Vauxhall Zafira which is reliable and faultless and in daily use. I wish to buy a replacement but am concerned about the issue causing these cars to catch fire.

How new do I need to buy in order to not run the risk of a Zafira which may catch fire. Does the latest model suffer from the problem or has it been fixed?

Asked on 25 July 2016 by Rich

Answered by Honest John
The problem mainly affects RHD Zafira Bs from 2005 to 2010. They don't just catch fire. This only happens if they have been interfered with. The problem is that the heater blower fan is laid horizontally rather than vertically and if a front screen has been replaced and the screen moulding not properly re-installed, water from the screen drips into the heater motor. It then may only work on the highest speed, so a bodge fix was to bridge the resistor so the heating speeds could still be controlled. Since the resistor no longer worked as a fuse, the wiring could then overheat and the car could catch fire. A second stage recall in now in progress to fit a tamper proof wax resistor, a better shielded heater motor and a new mounding to prevent water dripping into the heater motor. It's all detailed in the Zafira B entry in www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycer
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