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Following on from as rash of vehicle fires last year, Opel is recalling Zafira 'B' models in Ireland to ensure that they're safe. The problem, which caused several vehicles in the UK and Ireland to catch fire, was traced back to the heating system, and either improper repairs to it, or the use of non-original parts.
A voluntary recall was issued for the cars last year for inspection and, where there was found to be a problem, replacement of components, but now the cars are being called in again for further work to make sure the problem can't re-occur. The work consists of a new resistor, a new fan motor and a new moulding at the base of the windscreen to prevent water getting into the system.
"These improper repairs, which may have been conducted without the owners' knowledge, can lead to overheating of the system's electrical components and the potential for a fire. Resistors should never be repaired; they should only be replaced" said an Opel spokesperson. "Since then we have been conducting a recall programme designed to return vehicles to their original condition. This has involved replacing the resistor in every vehicle we have inspected and the blower motor and the pollen filter in many thousands of vehicles. All of this has been free of charge to the customer."
However, while the Zafira fires may have been put out, Opel has other heat to contend with, coming from the German Ministry of Transport. Following a meeting this week with German Transport Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, Opel has been forced to admit that it has a system in the software of some models that shuts down the emissions control equipment, leading to increased emissions of nitrogen oxides, the dangerous gases at the heart of the recent emissions evasion scandals.
Mr Dobrindt has said that "shut-off devices are fundamentally illegal unless it is truly necessary to safeguard the engine. The investigating committee has doubts about whether this practice is completely justified by the protection of the engine."
Opel maintains that its engines and software comply with all current legislation and that it hasn't been using a 'defeat device' as did Volkswagen and in that respect, it may be strictly legally true - the current rules for the emissions and fuel economy test do allow the electronics to shut down the emissions equipment in order to protect the engine and maintain reliability, but it has been left up to the car makers to decide on the precise interpretation of that rule.
The car maker now has 14 days to return to the ministry with further technical data and has also been asked to confirm whether or not similar systems were being used on the Astra and other models.