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Known Faults Database

Vauxhall Zafira problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Vauxhall Zafira, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 26 known faults for this model, 25 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Vauxhall Zafira reliable?

The Vauxhall Zafira has 26 known faults in our database across 3 generations, 25 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (failed timing belts on the 1.9 CDTi, often due to a seized water pump) and engine (failed inlet manifold swirl flaps on the 1.9 CDTi engine). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Vauxhall Zafira years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Zafira A, 1999 to 20057 high severity
7 known faults, the serious ones in the engine, electrics, fuel system
Zafira B, 2005 to 201417 high severity
18 known faults, the serious ones in the engine, gearbox, brakes, fuel system, electrics
Zafira Tourer (C), 2011 to 20181 high severity
1 known fault, the serious ones in the engine

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2004 to 2010, 1.9 CDTi (Z19DT 120hp and Z19DTH 150hp), in the Astra H, Zafira B, Vectra C and Signum: failed timing belts on the 1.9 CDTi, often due to a seized water pump
  • 2004 to 2010, 1.9 CDTi (Z19DTH 150hp), in the Astra H, Zafira B, Vectra C and Signum: failed inlet manifold swirl flaps on the 1.9 CDTi engine
  • 2010 to 2015, All automatic transmissions: automatic transmission failures are notorious
  • 2005 to 2014, Manual transmissions (all engines): manual transmissions are prone to failure from around 4 years old
  • 2004 to 2010, All models with ATE/Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP: brake Pressure Sensor problem in the ATE/Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP module
  • 2009 to 2012, All models with electric handbrake: electric handbrakes releasing unexpectedly, leading to rollaways

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 37 known faults · 4 good notes

Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 to 2005) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Genuine oil consumption problem on 2.0 DI and 2.2 DI 16v diesel engines, possibly due to bores machined with too high a gloss. This can be exacerbated by incorrect oil dipping procedures (oil collects in the head and takes time to drain back, leading to false low readings and overfilling).

Rough guide
£1500-3000

Typical symptoms

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Blue smoke from exhaust
  • Engine running rough or sludged up

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 DI 16v / 2.2 DI 16v diesel
Typical mileage:
50000-100000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity📝 Editorial

Engine Control Units (ECUs) of Isuzu diesels are prone to failure, often due to dry solder joints. This can lead to significant running problems.

Rough guide
£500-800

Typical symptoms

  • Engine cutting out intermittently
  • Poor starting or non-starting
  • Engine hesitation or limp mode
  • Check engine light illuminated

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.7 TD / 1.7 DTI (Isuzu-derived diesels)
Typical mileage:
80000-120000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Timing chain lubrication problem on the Z22SE 2.2 litre engine, caused by an undersized oil spray nozzle that could block, starving the chain of oil. This was modified from March 2002 (engine number 11065400 onwards).

Rough guide
£1000-2000

Typical symptoms

  • Loud rattling noise from engine on startup or at idle
  • Engine warning light
  • Engine misfires or runs rough
  • Catastrophic engine failure if chain snaps

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.2 Z22SE petrol
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

The 2.2 16v Z22SE petrol engine is prone to timing chain failure due to the lubrication jet becoming blocked, often as a result of extended oil change intervals or dirty oil. This starves the chain of oil, leading to premature wear and potential snapping.

Rough guide
£1500-2500+

Typical symptoms

  • Loud rattling noise from the engine, especially on cold start
  • Engine management light illumination
  • Loss of power or rough running
  • Engine failure if chain snaps

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.2 16v Z22SE petrol
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Fuel SystemHigh severity📝 Editorial

The Siemens fuel injection pump and pressure sensor on the 2.2 direct injection petrol engines are prone to failure, leading to significant running issues. This was a widespread problem reported in autumn 2008, with parts shortages and a typical repair cost of £545.

Rough guide
£500-600

Typical symptoms

  • Engine cutting out or failing to start
  • Loss of power
  • Engine management light on
  • Rough idling

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.2 Direct Injection petrol
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Timing belts and tensioners on 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 petrol engines were re-scheduled from 80,000 to 40,000 miles due to premature failures. The water pump, also driven by the belt, is prone to shedding impeller blades and seizing, which can cause the belt to fail and wreck the engine. The tensioner bolt can also fracture.

Rough guide
£800-2000+

Typical symptoms

  • Engine suddenly stops or fails to start
  • Loud squealing or grinding noise from the belt area
  • Overheating (due to water pump failure)
  • Engine damage if belt snaps

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6, 1.8, 2.0 petrol engines
Typical mileage:
40000-60000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity📝 Editorial

The ignition key assembly can collapse and short out the starter motor. The ignition barrel, made from poor quality plastic, can overheat, making the key difficult to remove and preventing it from returning, leading to starter motor burnout. Typical repair bill is £510.

Rough guide
£500-600

Typical symptoms

  • Key difficult to remove from ignition
  • Key does not return after starting
  • Starter motor continuously engages or fails to engage
  • Burning smell from ignition area

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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What owners like about the Zafira A

4 notes
  • The Zafira offers seven seats in a body similar to an Astra hatchback, with rearmost seats folding into the floor for a flat load bay.
  • This model features impressive build quality, a solid feel, and no rattles, even on a 10,000-mile example, with a 12-year anti-rust guarantee.
  • A 2003 facelift brought three-point safety restraints for every occupant and ISOFIX child seat anchors for the outer rear seats.
  • Vauxhall models generally had below-average warranty repair costs in the 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index.
End of the Zafira A section.Pick another year ↑Check a Vauxhall Zafira advert →
Generation 2 of 318 known faults · 11 owner reports · 2 good notes

Vauxhall Zafira B (2005 to 2014) problems

ElectricalHigh severity🏛️ Official recall

The Zafira B heater blower (HVAC) system catches fire. DVSA recall R/2018/214 is explicit: "There is a small risk that in rare circumstances melting and fire incidents may occur in the HVAC system", and a second recall R/2019/082 covers movement of the wiring harness connector to the fan speed resistor causing electrical stress. This is the fault behind the widely reported Zafira fires, and the fact that TWO separate recalls were needed matters: cars fixed under the first action were not necessarily protected

Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)

Typical symptoms

  • heater blower only working on the highest setting, or on some settings only
  • burning or hot plastic smell from the vents
  • blower stops working altogether

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
any miles
6 more owner reports back this up
  • November 2019A 2007 Zafira B could not have its heater motor wiring recall completed because parking sensors were wired into the harness.
  • May 2016A second stage fix was announced for 2005-2010 Zafira B models to replace the heater fan motor resistor with a tamper-proof version.
  • December 2015Letters were sent to Zafira owners detailing two corrective actions for the heater fan fire risk, including a warning label and redesigned scuttle plate.
  • November 2015A Zafira B heater problem was linked to an improperly replaced scuttle shield, allowing water into the heater motor and causing resistor overheating.
  • October 2015Choked pollen filters were identified as another cause of Zafira B wiring fires, leading to fan motor resistor overheating.
  • October 2015Vauxhall announced a possible recall for Zafiras after several fires, potentially due to an overloaded accessories socket or a heater motor relay fault.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2017

Failed inlet manifold swirl flaps on the 1.9 CDTi engine. The flaps can break off and be ingested by the engine, causing severe damage. Sooting up and seizing of the secondary butterflies is also common, leading to hesitation and power loss.

Rough guide
£800-2000

Typical symptoms

  • Engine smoking
  • Sudden loss of power or limp mode
  • Hesitation while cruising
  • Engine warning light

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.9 CDTi (Z19DTH 150hp), in the Astra H, Zafira B, Vectra C and Signum
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 6 owner reports, 2013

Failed timing belts on the 1.9 CDTi, often due to a seized water pump which is driven by the belt. The tension of a new belt can rapidly wear the water pump bearing, leading to seizure and belt failure, potentially wrecking the engine. Replacement of belt, tensioner, pulleys, and water pump is crucial every 40,000 miles.

Rough guide
£1000-2000

Typical symptoms

  • Sudden loss of engine power
  • Engine stops running
  • Metallic noises from engine bay
  • Coolant leaks

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.9 CDTi (Z19DT 120hp and Z19DTH 150hp), in the Astra H, Zafira B, Vectra C and Signum
Typical mileage:
40000-60000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

Joints of the heat exchanger in the radiator header tank can fail, allowing coolant to mix with the automatic transmission fluid, which can wreck the transmission. This is a very expensive repair.

Rough guide
£4000-5000

Typical symptoms

  • Automatic transmission slipping or shifting poorly
  • Contaminated transmission fluid (milky or discoloured)
  • Overheating transmission
  • Coolant loss without obvious external leak

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Torque converter automatics, especially the diesels (Astra H, Zafira B, Vectra C and Signum)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity📝 Editorial

Common failure of the CIM (Steering Column Module), leading to various electrical issues including starting problems and faults with lights/wipers.

Rough guide
£400-800

Typical symptoms

  • No or hard starting
  • Lights or wipers malfunctioning
  • Intermittent electrical faults
  • Steering column controls not working

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All models
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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BrakesHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2013 to 2014

Brake Pressure Sensor problem in the ATE/Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP module, similar to issues found in VAG cars and some Fords, Volvos, and Mazdas. This can lead to ABS/ESP failure.

Rough guide
£225-600

Typical symptoms

  • ABS/ESP warning lights illuminated
  • Loss of ABS/ESP function
  • Brake pedal feel changes

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All models with ATE/Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP
Typical mileage:
70000-100000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2012 to 2013

Failures of the Easytronic automated manual transmission are on the increase, often requiring expensive replacement of the throttle body and Motronic control unit.

Rough guide
£1700-2500

Typical symptoms

  • Gearbox warning light
  • Difficulty selecting gears
  • Car refusing to start or engage gear
  • Jerking or harsh shifts

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Easytronic automated manual transmission
Typical mileage:
50000-90000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2015 to 2016

Heater blower fan only working on the highest setting (typically 4th) or failing completely. This is often due to a failed resistor pack, but the underlying cause is often water ingress into the fan motor, which can lead to overheating and a fire risk if the resistor is bridged or a higher-rated fuse is fitted.

Rough guide
£200-500

Typical symptoms

  • Heater fan only works on max setting
  • Heater fan stops working entirely
  • Smell of burning plastic
  • Water ingress in passenger footwell

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All models with manual air conditioning
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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BrakesHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2012 to 2016

Electric handbrakes releasing unexpectedly, leading to rollaways. Production from August 2012 was fitted with lever and cable handbrakes instead. The EPB can also release very suddenly when reversing uphill.

Rough guide
£500-1000

Typical symptoms

  • Car rolling away when parked
  • EPB releasing unexpectedly with slight accelerator touch
  • EPB failing to hold on inclines

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All models with electric handbrake
Typical mileage:
5000-50000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2016 to 2017

Automatic transmission failures are notorious, with GM reportedly on its 3rd variation of the transmission. Symptoms include noises and jerking when selecting reverse, or complete failure. Repair or replacement is very expensive.

Rough guide
£2400-5000

Typical symptoms

  • Noises and jerking when selecting reverse
  • Transmission slipping or shifting poorly
  • Transmission warning light
  • Complete loss of drive

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All automatic transmissions
Typical mileage:
30000-60000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2016

Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) failure on 1.6 petrol models, often leading to clutch judder and requiring expensive replacement of both the DMF and clutch. This was an admitted problem on pre-June 2007 production (for Astra H/Zafira B) and continues to be reported on Astra J.

Rough guide
£1000-1500

Typical symptoms

  • Clutch judder, especially when pulling away
  • Vibrations through the clutch pedal or drivetrain
  • Shaving noises when depressing the clutch pedal
  • Difficulty engaging gears

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 petrol manual
Typical mileage:
40000-70000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

The 1.9 CDTI engine is highly prone to issues with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), EGR valve, and inlet manifold swirl flaps, especially with prolonged slow running. Swirl flaps can soot up, seize, or even break off and be ingested by the engine, leading to severe damage. DPFs can choke, and EGRs fail, leading to expensive repairs.

Rough guide
£350-2500+

Typical symptoms

  • Loss of power or 'limp home' mode
  • Excessive black or white smoke from exhaust
  • Engine management light or DPF warning light
  • Rough running or misfires

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.9 CDTI diesel
Typical mileage:
50000-100000 miles
2 more owner reports back this up
  • February 2020A 2007 Zafira 1.9 CDTI experienced an increasing oil level, likely due to failed diesel particulate filter regeneration cycles.
  • June 2015The DPF of a 2007 Zafira 1.9 CDTI failed and was replaced with an aftermarket part incompatible with the engine's regeneration system.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

The timing belt on the 1.9 CDTI engine drives the water pump, which is prone to premature failure (as early as 40k miles), causing the belt to be flung off and wrecking the engine. It is crucial to replace the belt, tensioners, pulleys, and water pump before 4 years old or 50,000 miles.

Rough guide
£800-2000+

Typical symptoms

  • Engine suddenly stops or fails to start
  • Loud squealing or grinding noise from the belt area
  • Overheating (due to water pump failure)
  • Engine damage if belt snaps

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.9 CDTI diesel
Typical mileage:
40000-60000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • April 2014The water pump of a 2008 Zafira 1.9 CDTI 150 seized, causing the timing belt to detach and wrecking the engine.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2016

The 2.2 Z22YH petrol engine suffers from timing chain failure, often due to the chain tensioner breaking or the oil feed to the tensioner becoming blocked by contaminants. This can lead to the chain jumping sprockets and destroying the engine, resulting in very high repair costs or an economic write-off.

Rough guide
£2000-6000+

Typical symptoms

  • Loud metallic rattling from the engine
  • Engine management light illumination
  • Loss of power or rough running
  • Engine failure

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.2 Z22YH petrol
Typical mileage:
70000-100000 miles
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Fuel SystemHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2012

The Siemens fuel injection pump and pressure sensor on the 2.2 direct injection petrol engines are prone to failure, leading to significant running issues. This was a widespread problem reported in autumn 2008, with parts shortages and a typical repair cost of £545. A TSB was issued to replace the regulator.

Rough guide
£500-600

Typical symptoms

  • Engine cutting out or failing to start
  • Loss of power
  • Engine management light on
  • Rough idling

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.2 Direct Injection petrol
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

Diesel automatics and torque converter automatics are vulnerable to failure of the heat exchanger in the radiator, which can admit coolant into the automatic transmission fluid (ATF), wrecking the transmission. This is a design/manufacturing problem, with one report of a 6-speed auto failing at 30,000 miles. Repair costs can be up to £4,000.

Rough guide
£2000-4000

Typical symptoms

  • Jerky gear changes or slipping transmission
  • Transmission warning light
  • Loss of drive
  • Coolant loss with no external leaks

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Diesel and Torque Converter Automatics
Typical mileage:
30000-80000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • December 2011A 2008 Zafira CDTI automatic with 30,000 miles had a failed 6-speed automatic transmission just 2.5 months out of warranty.
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2013

Manual transmissions are prone to failure from around 4 years old, with reports of gearbox bearing whine and planetary gear failure. Clutch judder is also common on both petrol and diesel manuals, often linked to Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) trouble, which was an admitted problem on pre-June 2007 production.

Rough guide
£1000-2000+

Typical symptoms

  • Whining or grinding noises from the gearbox
  • Difficulty selecting gears
  • Clutch judder or slipping
  • Loss of drive

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Manual transmissions (all engines)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • September 2014A 35,000-mile 2011 Zafira 1.7 CDTI 6-speed manual developed a gearbox bearing whine.
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2011

Alternator failure is common, particularly after around 5 years and 20,000 miles, especially with short run usage. This can lead to battery drain and vehicle breakdown.

Rough guide
£300-500

Typical symptoms

  • Battery warning light on dashboard
  • Dimming headlights or interior lights
  • Difficulty starting the car
  • Battery draining quickly

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
20000-60000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • August 2015A 2007 Zafira CDTI experienced alternator failure, possibly due to an undersized battery, with some repairs covered by warranty and others costing £888.
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What owners report on the Zafira B

11 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Fuel system · February 2017A 2010 Zafira 1.9 CDTI automatic achieved only 23 miles per gallon, indicating poor fuel economy.
  • Cooling · December 2016A 2010 Zafira B 1.9 diesel automatic lost coolant, with an empty expansion tank and no heater function, suggesting a fractured transmission oil cooler.
  • Engine · May 2016A 55,000-mile 2008 Zafira petrol had a noisy start-up, diagnosed as collapsed inlet manifold swirl flaps, with potential engine damage.
  • Electrics · August 2015A Vauxhall Zafira B caught fire and burned out within minutes after an adaptor for a child's toy was plugged into the cigar lighter.
  • Engine · April 2015A 2009 Zafira 1.9 diesel at 73,000 miles experienced turbo failure, then engine failure requiring replacement, followed by transmission failure.
  • Electrics · September 2014Xenon headlights, where fitted, are prone to failure and are very expensive to replace, costing around £1,400.
  • Bodywork · May 2014Mirror glasses fell out of two 56/57 plate Astras and two 56/57 plate Zafiras owned by the same family.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2013An 1.8i Easytronic transmission failed, with a quoted repair cost of £1,000 for a new clutch and £1,000 for a new ECU.
  • Engine · March 2012Throttle position sensors on 1.8i petrol engines may fail after around seven years of operation.
  • Bodywork · January 2012There appears to be a general problem with rust affecting the Zafira model.
  • Exhaust · January 2012A Zafira 1.7 CDTI experienced poor fuel economy and Diesel Particulate Filter problems, despite averaging 12,000 miles annually.

What owners like about the Zafira B

2 notes
  • September 2018A Vauxhall Zafira A covered 461,000 miles with minimal issues, and a Zafira B achieved 471,000 miles, also proving very reliable.
  • The Zafira achieved a 5-star NCAP occupant crash safety rating, indicating high levels of protection.
End of the Zafira B section.Pick another year ↑Check a Vauxhall Zafira advert →
Generation 3 of 31 known fault · 9 owner reports · 1 good note

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer (C) (2011 to 2018) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2018 to 2020

The 1.4T petrol engine can suffer from sudden and severe oil loss, leading to engine damage. Symptoms include a slight rattle, loss of power, and eventually white smoke before the engine dies. This can occur even with regular servicing.

Rough guide
£2000-5000+

Typical symptoms

  • Engine management light indicating low oil
  • Sudden loss of power
  • Rattling noise from the engine
  • White smoke from the exhaust
  • Engine seizing

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.4T petrol
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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What owners report on the Zafira Tourer (C)

9 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Engine · August 2019A 48,000-mile 2016 Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI needed a new AdBlue module and pump costing £1,400, with Vauxhall refusing contribution.
  • Electrics · November 2018A 23,000-mile 2012 Zafira Tourer failed its MoT due to an intermittent LED running light in a non-replaceable assembly.
  • Bodywork · March 2018The electric rear hatch lock of a 2014 Zafira Tourer intermittently unlocked while driving, raising safety concerns about ejected cargo.
  • Exhaust · February 2018An exhaust sensor on a 2015 Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTI failed repeatedly shortly after purchase, leading the dealer to offer a car swap.
  • Cooling · January 2018A 2016 Zafira Tourer suffered an intermittent misfire with water dripping from the engine area, possibly due to a fractured coolant pipe.
  • Engine · November 2017Glowplug number 4 failed in a 2015 Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTI at 36,000 miles, requiring replacement under warranty.
  • Electrics · September 2017A 2015 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer was reported to have very poor headlight performance.
  • Engine · February 2017The EGR cooler failed on a 2014 Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTI, causing oil to mix with the coolant and requiring warranty repair.
  • Electrics · December 2012A Zafira Tourer experienced continuous electrical problems from three weeks old until eight months of ownership.

What owners like about the Zafira Tourer (C)

1 note
  • The Zafira Tourer was awarded 'Best MPV' in the annual 2012 Towcar Awards, highlighting its suitability for towing.
End of the Zafira Tourer (C) section.Pick another year ↑Check a Vauxhall Zafira advert →

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

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Vauxhall Zafira recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 10 DVSA recalls for the Zafira, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ December 2025Cars built February 2011 to July 2016

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.

Put right by: Replace the driver airbag module.

DVSA R/2025/51151,422 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2019Cars built November 2011 to May 2018

The fixed roof luggage carrier rails may become loose

The vehicles fixed roof luggage carrier rails may become loose.

Put right by: Check and replace the fixed roof luggage carrier rails if necessary

DVSA R/2019/28620,447 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2019Cars built November 2004 to November 2014

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.

Put right by: Replacement the heating & ventilation system wiring harness with a redesigned connector plug and additional mounting points.

DVSA R/2019/082234,931 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2019Cars built May 2009 to January 2014

Software issue with hill start assist feature

The hill start hold feature exceeds the correct time specification.

Put right by: A Software Update to the Electronic Brake Control Module.

DVSA R/2019/05942,603 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2018Cars built March 2005 to January 2014

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

Put right by: 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.

DVSA R/2018/21447,280 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2017Cars built July 2016 to February 2017

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

Put right by: 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.

DVSA R/2017/158131 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2017Cars built August 2016 to December 2016

Front seat side airbag may deploy incorrectly

A front seat side air bag may not deploy as intended

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the airbag module assembly

DVSA R/2017/027289 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2016Cars built April 2016 to April 2016

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.

Put right by: 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.

DVSA R/2016/138537 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2016Cars built February 2005 to October 2014

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.

Put right by: Replace the resistor fuse with modified type. Fit new moulding to base of windscreen and where not already done so replace heater motor assembly.

DVSA R/2016/104231,572 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2015Cars built February 2005 to October 2014

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 Vauxhalls design specifications and authorised maintenance processes.

Put right by: 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.

DVSA R/2015/245234,921 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: October 2026

Vauxhall Zafira buying questions

What are the most common Vauxhall Zafira problems?

Three stand out. Engine: failed timing belts on the 1.9 CDTi, often due to a seized water pump which is driven by the belt (typically 40000 to 60000 miles). Engine: failed inlet manifold swirl flaps on the 1.9 CDTi engine (typically 60000 to 100000 miles). Gearbox: automatic transmission failures are notorious (typically 30000 to 60000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Vauxhall Zafira years should I avoid?

No Vauxhall Zafira year is a write-off, but the Zafira B (2005 to 2014) carries the most serious faults: engine, gearbox, brakes, fuel system and electrics. The Zafira A (1999 to 2005) and Zafira Tourer (C) (2011 to 2018) have high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Vauxhall Zafira?

Ask the seller about the engine and gearbox faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for sudden loss of engine power, engine smoking and noises and jerking when selecting reverse. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 26 known faults before you travel. Check a Vauxhall Zafira advert →

Are there any recalls on the Vauxhall Zafira?

The DVSA lists 10 safety recalls for the Vauxhall Zafira issued between 2015 and 2025. The most recent, from December 2025, is "Vauxhall cross carline Driver's Airbag - Takata". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Vauxhall Zafira?

Owners report 37.9 mpg on average across the Vauxhall Zafira engines with data, about 81% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 1,404 owner submissions. Vauxhall Zafira Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Vauxhall Zafira right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Vauxhall Zafira fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Vauxhall Zafira owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Vauxhall Zafira goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min readHPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min readMOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read
All buyer's guides →

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