Vauxhall still unsure what is causing Zafira B cars to burst into flames

  • Consumer

Vauxhall today started to write to 220,000 owners warning of a fire risk in one of its most popular models.

The company has also given ITV News important new information on its recall.

New figures we've seen suggest there have been almost 200 fires involving the problem with Vauxhall Zafira B cars.

Video report by ITV News consumer editor Chris Choi:

Yet the company tells us it's still not sure what's causing the blazes. Until they find out, there's growing concern from drivers who are being told to carry on using their vehicles whilst awaiting repairs.

The picture below shows what we think was the latest fire involving a Vauxhall Zafira B.

It happened yesterday to the car of a childminder in Stockport.

A campaign group of worried owners has now collected 199 reports of similar incidents.

Although we can't be sure of the cause of each fire - Vauxhall admits it has a serious problem.

The problem concerns Zafira B models built between 2005 and 2014.

Vauxhall says it is "carrying out an investigation following reports of fire in the area of the heating and ventilation system"

The company told ITV News "some further analysis is ongoing ..to verify the root cause" of the fires

  • We've been told that Vauxhall has so far inspected 10,200 cars

  • But parts needed for repairs don't begin to arrive for another 10 days (November 23)

  • And it could be 10 weeks before all affected vehicles get a safety inspection

Vauxhall says it has so far inspected 30 Zafiras that were involved in fires.

It has faced problems because in many cases cars have been too badly damaged for inspection.

The firm is inviting people to take cars that may be affected in to local dealers free of charge.

A repair can be done - but the company still can't be sure that it will be the final fix of the problem.

Letters will be going out in batches - starting with the owners of older vehicles first, because these are thought to be most at risk.

So far Vauxhall has identified "improper repair" to components around the heating unit as a likely cause of the fires. See the full letter sent out to Vauxhall owners below.

Until the root cause is fully known, a design fault cannot be ruled out.

We have shared the fire service's advice on what to do if a fire breaks out in your car.

ITV News spoke to affected motorists

  • Laura Hayne

It was August Bank Holiday Monday this year, travelling in slow traffic.

I was travelling with my husband and two children. We suddenly saw smoke coming through the dash and got out as quick as possible.

The car went up in flames within one minute.

  • Sue Freemantle

Sue Freemantle was inside this Vauxhall Zafira with her children when smoke began coming through the vents.

  • Burty Burt

It started with smoke coming from the windscreen on the passenger side and burning plastic.

I pulled over and my girlfriend got out. While I was still sat inside I saw flames from the passenger footwell. As soon as I got out it just went up.

  • Tracey Senior

Usually there would be four children travelling as passengers in the car. Credit: Tracey Senior

My friend's Zafira was on the way to the garage.

Usually there would be two disabled children and two other small children travelling as passengers in the car.

  • Jo Harrop

The car was engulfed by flames within a couple of minutes. Credit: Jo Harrop

I was sat at Mansfield rugby club waiting for my 13-year-old daughter to finish training.

I smelt burning and at first thought it was from outside. I then noticed a small amount of smoke and got out of the car.

Within a couple of minutes my car was in flames.

Here is the letter Vauxhall has sent to affected owners: