Vauxhall Zafira reliability
The Vauxhall Zafira fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 46% of 126,537 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
15 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Zafira
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Vauxhall cross carline Driver’s Airbag - Takata
On affected vehicles the chemicals in the Takata airbag inflators may deteriorate over time. This may cause the inflators to rupture with too much force in a crash leading to serious injury or death in a worst-case scenario.
Fix: Replace the driver airbag module.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA C · 51,422 vehicles
The fixed roof luggage carrier rails may become loose
The vehicle�s fixed roof luggage carrier rails may become loose.
Fix: Check and replace the fixed roof luggage carrier rails if necessary
Recalled models: ZAFIRA C · 20,447 vehicles
Movement of wiring harness connector to fan speed resistor may lead to connector plug terminals becoming heat damaged
Movement of the wiring harness connector to the fan speed resistor can in rare circumstances lead to electrical stress.
Fix: Replacement the heating & ventilation system wiring harness with a redesigned connector plug and additional mounting points.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA B · 234,931 vehicles
Software issue with hill start assist feature
The hill start hold feature exceeds the correct time specification.
Fix: A Software Update to the Electronic Brake Control Module.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA C · 42,603 vehicles
Potential melting and fires within the blower motor regulator
Zafira B Right Hand Drive (RHD) - Electronic Climate Control (ECC) a small number of incidents of potential melting and fires within the blower motor regulator of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit of Zafira B RHD vehicles with Electronic Climate Control (ECC). There is a small risk that in rare circumstances melting and fire incidents may occur in the HVAC system
Fix: Vauxhall Authorised Repairers are instructed to Carry out the following rework steps according to the instructions: A Install the water deflector B Replace the blower motor C Replace the heater fan motor regulator D Replace the wiring harness of the HVAC housing.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA B · 47,280 vehicles
3rd seat row seats and 2nd seat row shoulder belts may be insecure
3rd row seat retaining bolts and 2nd row seat belt shoulder anchor retaining bolts may not be tightened to the correct specification
Fix: Re-tighten the 2nd rear seat shoulder belt bolts the 3rd row seat bolts and the 3rd row seat shoulder belt buckle bolts to the correct specification .
Recalled models: ZAFIRA C · 131 vehicles
Front seat side airbag may deploy incorrectly
A front seat side air bag may not deploy as intended
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the airbag module assembly
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 289 vehicles
Possible loss of steering control
The thread on the swivel pin of the track rod end might not be to specification. Therefore when the nut was tightened onto the thread the correct clamping force may not have been attained. After high mileage damage might occur and develop. If not attended to there is a possiblility that the component might fail and steering control would be lost.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the thread on the swivel joint of the track rod end. Where it does not conform to specification replace the track rod end.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 537 vehicles
Risk of fire
In the event the heater fan resistor thermal fuse is affected by a combination of several factors there is a possible risk of fire.
Fix: Replace the resistor fuse with modified type. Fit new moulding to base of windscreen and where not already done so replace heater motor assembly.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 231,572 vehicles
Risk of fire
Vauxhall has conducted an in depth investigation of fires in Zafira B models. Vauxhall has presented the evidence to DVSA and analysis has determined the root cause is improper repair to heater blower motor resistors. These actions are outside of Vauxhall�s design specifications and authorised maintenance processes.
Fix: At the request of DVSA Vauxhall is now reclassifying its ongoing rework activity to a safety recall. The recall entails replacing the resistor pack and any other faulty components to return the heating and ventilation system to its original design condition.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 234,921 vehicles
Steering may fail
The steering column intermediate shaft may have a loose press fit on the upper joint yoke. If left increased free play and a knocking noise will develop which if ignored could lead to loss of steering.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a new intermediate steering shaft.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 8,854 vehicles
Incorrect torque applied to trailer hitch fitting bolts
It has been identified that during production an incorrect torque was applied to the trailer hitch fitting bolts.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the trailer hitch bolts replaced and tightened to the correct torque.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 22 vehicles
Possible contamination of brake fluid
As a result of a production process concern a specific batch of brake calliper pistons may release hot hydrogen gas into the braking system fluid.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled for on the brake calliper batch numbers. Vehicle equipped with calliper units from the affected batch will have these replaced with quality assured examples.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 2,437 vehicles
Potential fuel leak
Defective crimping of fuel return hose to metal pipe connector may result in a fuel leak.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit a quality assured replacement pipe.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 605 vehicles
Possibility of fuel leakage
The diesel engine fuel feed and return metal pipes may fracture and leak if the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the original fuel pipes with ones of improved specification.
Recalled models: ZAFIRA · 262 vehicles
Checking a Vauxhall Zafira before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.