A trio of concerned mums have prompted Vauxhall to launch an investigation after their Zafiras burst into flames.
Sue Freemantle, from Ivybridge, Devon, Claire Wheatley, from Plymouth and Jade Hellewell,from Preston, Lancs, joined forces after their 2005-2012 Vauxhall Zafira models unexpectedly caught fire with children and pets inside.
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Owners reported that thick, black smoke had filled the cabin through the dashboard with many having children or pets on-board at the time. Some drivers had purchased their car just days before it ignited and gutted the interior.
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Sue told Auto Express: “I started the group to raise awareness about these car fires after Vauxhall essentially washed their hands of my plight. I’m gobsmacked by how many others have been through what my family have had to endure.” She added that the group has been set up not to gain compensation but in order to save lives in the future.
Following the complaints Vauxhall confirmed that it was launching an internal investigation as a matter of urgency. A spokesman said: “We are aware of reports concerning vehicle fires involving right-hand drive versions of the previous-model Zafira and have begun an internal investigation to determine the root causes of these fires.
“The safety of our customers is our number one priority and, for the time being, we have no reason to assume a general safety concern.”