We told you about Vauxhall Zafiras catching fire, and there's been another incident in Swansea.
Jason Williams was driving with his three-year-old daughter, when he smelled burning. Alarmingly, Jason and his child couldn't get out of the car, because the fire burned his electrics, which caused the central locking to freeze. He had to smash his window to get out.
That's a picture of Jason's car on the right.
Speaking to BBC Watchdog, Vauxhall said they're looking into the problems with a number of Vauxhall Zafira B models.
Williams said: "I pulled up... and took the seat belts off my daughter and tried to get her out. The doors were basically locked and I couldn't get her out at all. I was punching at the glass to try and break the window. I had hold of my daughter's hand because at one point the smoke was quite thick in the car."
"There's a release button on the dashboard which opens the central locking. Obviously because of the fire, electrics burning, it wasn't working…terrifying, really petrifying."
Again, Vauxhall don't seem to have any urgency in this matter, and there's been a lot of complaints about huge delays in trying to get their vehicles inspected. Vauxhall, when contacted by Bitterwallet, posing as a customer, said that a recall would happen "when appropriate." We suspect people's cars setting on fire is as appropriate as you can get, Vauxhall.
What to do?
If you're worried, and want to find out whether or not you have one of the cars that might be affected by this, you need to find out if you have a Zafira B model, made between 2005 and 2014. It has to be the one that has manual air conditioning (not Electronic Climate Control). Vauxhall have images of what to look for on your dashboard. If it has an 'AUTO' button, then you don't need to worry.
If you have concerns about using your car, because there's unusual activity with the heating and ventilation, or a squeaking noise coming from the dash, or if your fan doesn't work in positions 1, 2, and 3, then you should have your car inspected. Until then, put your fan at position zero, and if you need to demist the inside of your car, whack it on level 4.
Vauxhall will inspect your vehicle free of charge, but as we've said, there's long waits while the company get their finger's out. Find your nearest dealer by clicking here, and contact them accordingly.
Update 05/11
More than 220,000 Vauxhall Zafira B models are now being recalled following reports of fire
As we mentioned earlier, the potential issue only relates to vehicles with manual or no air-conditioning and those models built between 2005 and 2014- the Mk2 Zafira, known as Zafira B.
The first generation and the current Zafira Tourer model aren't affected by the recall; nor are Mk2 Zafiras with "AUTO" air-con.
Vauxhall will writing to relevant owners next week. If you own one of the vehicles affected can also contact the Vauxhall Recall helpline on 0800 026 0034 or email [email protected]
TOPICS: Motoring How To Guides Recalls
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