The Vauxhall Zafira was conceived as the ultimate family car. Hence, it had seven seats that all folded in a manner that would make an origami master proud. It was roomy, cheap to run and well kitted out. Ideal. Err, not quite. Because it was decidedly uncool. No kid wanted to get out of one at the school gates for fear of ruthless ridicule. Then along came the Zafira C, or the Zafira Tourer as it was better known. It was every bit as practical as the previous two generations, but had a whole load more style into the bargain. Suddenly, daddy was cool again.
It was based on the underpinnings of the Astra Mk6 (aka Astra J), so was dependable and didn’t cost a fortune to run. But it wasn’t perfect. So, it suffers a number of annoying glitches that are irritating but easy enough to sort out yourself, which means you can avoid costly garage labour costs. And if you invest in the Haynes Autofix product for the Zafira C, we’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. Buy now, don’t pay later.
What recalls has the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer been subject to?
The Vauxhall Zafira C isn’t immune to the dreaded recall notice, so if you’re thinking about buying one, it’ll pay to make sure all the required fixes have been carried out.
The hill-hold function caused the first recall, because it wasn’t releasing quickly enough. The 20,447 examples were recalled because the fixed roof luggage rails could become loose.
Loose third-row seats and second-row seatbelts were the cause of another recall notice in 2016.
However, that’s it as far as recalls are concerned, so there isn’t a great deal to be worried about.
What common problems does the Vauxhall Zafira C have?
The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is car designed to get bums on seats, but it can have problems if those seats are heated, because sometimes it packs up.
The rear end of the Zafira Tourer has also been known to vibrate under braking, which is caused by a faulty rear brake caliper vibration damper.
The brakes at the back of the Zafira C can also seize up, causing extra noise and wearing out the brake pads early.
This model is also known to suffer from seized gearshift cables, which means you won’t go anywhere, and a squeaky engine. Yes, really.
Why don’t the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer heated seats work?
Heated seats are a wonderful thing. You get in, start the engine and press the button, and within a minute your backside and spine are gently simmering. Tremendous in winter.
However, if you press the button and nothing happens, well that’s the very definition of disappointment – with a side helping of hypothermia.
The problem lies with the wiring looms for the seat heating system, so your first task is to download the Haynes Zafira Tourer Autofix, and find out how to remove the affected seat.
Then it’s a case of purchasing the repair kit (part number: 134 427 03) plus some heat shrink sleeving, and replacing the connectors for the seat-heating control unit. After that, simply refit the seat to the vehicle and a toasty posterior will be the order of the day once more.
Is your Vauxhall Zafira Tourer vibrating?
You generally want your Vauxhall Zafira Tourer to drive smoothly. After all, how are you supposed to get the kids to drop off and let you drive in peace? But that isn’t going to happen if the back end of your car starts to shudder every time you depress the brake pedal.
This is an issue to be sorted sooner rather than later, but the good news is that it doesn’t take much effort. A failed rear brake caliper vibration damper is the cause, so you’ll need to remove the rear wheel on the affected side, then remove the old vibration damper before fitting a new one (part number: 13437038) and affixing it with a new bolt (part number: 13581864).
Again, the Haynes Zafira Tourer Autofix will guide you through the major tasks associated with the job, so get your tools together and get cracking!
Does the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer have rear-brake problems?
The rear brakes on the Zafira C can be affected by corrosion, and can then seize.
The corrosion happens on the caliper guides, so you’ll need to unbolt the calipers, remove the guide plates, then clean up the guide pins before lubricating them. And while you’re doing all this, it’s only common sense to fit a new set of brake pads.
The good news is that removing the caliper, cleaning up the guide pins and fitting a new set of brake pads is all covered in your Haynes Zafira Tourer Autofix. Just follow the procedures we’ve laid out and all will be fine.
Why is your Vauxhall Zafira Tourer stuck in gear?
It appears that the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is no fan of winter. And it is so turned off by chilly temperatures that it can sometimes refuse to go anywhere. This is because the cold climate can cause its gearshift to seize up.
The problem is that some of its gearshift cables have been poorly sealed, and can allow water in, which then corrodes the cables, causing them to seize up.
The only way to fix the problem is to replace the faulty gearshift cable (part number: U3 301 43 with the M40 gearbox, or U3 301 44 with the F32 ’box). The Haynes Zafira Autofix will be able to guide you through the major tasks associated with the job, so just follow the step-by-step guide and the job will be easy enough.
What’s that squeaking noise from Zafira Tourer engine?
A number of owners of the Vauxhall Zafira C have reported that models with the 1.4-litre petrol engine can generate a squeaking noise when the engine is running.
Normally, this would tend to be from one of the external components, but not in this case. It’s easy to diagnose – just start the engine, then listen for the squeak. Then remove the dipstick. If the squeaking stops then it’s a faulty crankshaft oil seal that’s the cause.
After that, you just need to invest in a new seal (part number: 25193519) then allow Haynes Zafira Tourer Autofix to guide you through replacing it.
