Vauxhall slammed for poor response to fire recall scandal

Government report claims lives were put at risk by manufacturer

VAUXHALL showed a “reckless disregard for safety” during the Zafira fire recall, by allowing families to continue to drive cars at risk of bursting into flames, according to a damning Government report.

The British maker was “sluggish” to recall vehicles, and too quick to blame improper repairs rather than identifying the real cause of some cars being entirely destroyed by fires. No efforts were made to trace the poor repairs, either, the report alleged.

More than 230,000 Zafira B models sold between 2005 and 2014 with manual or no air-conditioning were affected, and the Transport Select Committee report also criticised Vauxhall for delays calling in a second recall. The report stated: “We can only conclude commercial considerations and the need to avoid reputational damage were put ahead of safety; this is unacceptable and morally reprehensible.”

The Vauxhall inquiry also highlighted serious failings in the UK’S recalls process, and the committee called for wide-ranging changes to restore driver confidence in the system. It found the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) was too reliant on manufacturers, and should instead encourage drivers and other specialists to flag problems.

The report also recommended giving more power to the DVSA to seize vehicles for fire investigations and threaten prosecution for makers failing to comply with recalls. Proposals should be brought forward, too, to make it impossible to tax or MOT a car that has an outstanding recall on its record, the report stated.

Louise Ellman, committee chair, said: “Vehicle fires are terrifying for occupants and other road users. Drivers and their families were needlessly put at risk.”

Vauxhall said there were “lessons to be learned” and changes had already been made following the recall that has so far seen 183,172 Zafira B models repaired. A spokesman said: “We apologise to anyone who has experienced anguish or distress as a result of this incident. Nothing is more important to us than safety.”