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Opel Ireland has confirmed that it will begin recalling some of the 8,000 Zafira B models sold between 2005 and 2014 in this country to rectify badly repaired air conditioning systems that have been causing fires.
A number of Opel Zafira models across Europe and the U.K., and one in Cork, have caught fire because of the issue. This is a voluntary recall though as it's not about an original manufacturing fault. Opel has traced the problem to either faulty repairs or incorrect parts used in the ventilation system of Zafira B models equipped either with manual air conditioning or no air con unit at all. Those with optional climate control, 1999 to 2005 Mk1 Zafira models and 2011 onwards Zafira Tourer models are unaffected.
Opel Ireland is currently working with the vehicle registration office to determine which cars need to be recalled and customers will be notified as soon as possible. Anyone with a Zafira B model who is concerned is advised to contact Opel Customer Assistance in Ireland by telephone on 01 533 9818 or by emailing opel.ireland@gm.com. There is also a dedicated webpage at http://www.opel.ie/zafira-customer-advice.html
Gillian Whitall, Opel Ireland's marketing and PR manager, confirmed the voluntary nature of the recall to us, saying that: "the most important thing is to make sure our customers feel safe in their cars."