Dramatic images have emerged online after a Vauxhall Zafira burst into flames while making its way around a McDonald’s drive-through in Newcastle.
A family of five managed to escape the car just in time and an off-duty fire fighter evacuated the restaurant.
Eyewitness, Katie Davies said: “I saw smoke coming from the car next to McDonald’s.
“The family said there was steam coming through the air vents at the front of the car.
‘Burning smell’
“There was a burning smell and everyone got out.
“They just opened the doors and bailed out of the car.
“As they were doing it I saw the flames come from under the bonnet.
“Within a matter of seconds the fire was touching the roof of McDonald’s.
“I heard the tyres exploding.”
‘First fix fails’
More than 234,000 Vauxhall Zafiras are being recalled for a second time after the VM’s first fix was found to fail.
The latest recall will involve ‘improving the overall robustness of the system’ rather than simply replace the resistor and its fuse, which Vauxhall started doing last year.
GW reader, Ian of Bratton Garage said: “Vauxhall should be made to make a public apology to the independent garages that they claim caused the problem by performing inappropriate repairs.”
Peter also commented on Vauxhall’s latest recall saying: “It probably doesn’t help that the element type of resistor they use is inside the car.
“I would say that type of resistor belongs outside the car or use a semi conductor type resistor instead, I know it has a thermal fuse but it clearly doesn’t work once the fan motor drags it just starts pulling the amps.”
Do any of your customer drive a Zafira? Are they concerned about their car? Share your comments and experiences in the comments below.
Les
Do we have wait until one goes up in filling station for Vauxhall to sort out this fault or buy all these cars back?
Les
Do we have wait until one goes up in filling station for Vauxhall to sort out this fault or buy all these cars back?