Opel recalls 8,000 Irish Zafira B models over fire risk

Opel Ireland is to recall up to 8,000 cars over a potential fire risk in the ventilation system. The recall concerns Zafira B models built between 2005 and 2014.

The alarm over the fires was first raised when a group of concerned parents in the UK formed a Facebook group publicising the issue.

The problem has been linked to the heater van and ventilation system, and affects those cars fitted either with manual air conditioning or no air conditioning at all.

Opel is working with the office of vehicle registrations to get contact details on the 8,000 Irish Zafira B owners. Some owners have already had the work done, as owners were initially invited to come in for a free inspection when news of the story first broke. One Irish car has been reported as suffering the problem, when a fire broke out in a Zafira B in Passage, Co Cork, but a final evaluation on that car has not yet been delivered.

Zafiras fitted with optional climate control are not affected, nor are Mk1 Zafria models (built up to 2005) or the newer and larger Zafira Tourer, introduced in 2011. Owners can see a guide as to how to identify if their cars are part of the recall at an Opel customer advice webpage.

"We will carry out the repairs at no cost the customer," Gillian Whittal, marketing and PR manager for Opel Ireland told The Irish Times. "The most important thing is to make sure that our customers feel safe in their cars."

Ms Whittal said that while the fault lies with either incorrect repairs or incorrect parts used, and has not yet been traced to an original manufacturing fault, the recall was being issued on a voluntary basis by Opel to ensure its customers remain safe.