2003 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6

Summary:

Nightmare

Faults:

I have a Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 03 plate. I have had no end of problems with the car. I have had to have the EGR valve blocked off last year.

The problem with the car at the moment is the revs are always going up and down. I have had numerous mechanics try and fix the problem, but to no avail. The problem is now getting that bad I don't want to drive the car.

If I put my foot on clutch and brake when stopping, the revs go right down and the car stalls on me, which is not good when I am on busy roads. I can't seem to get the problem fixed, and when the mechanic takes a look, there is always another problem with the car, but nothing ever solves the problem with the revs.

Hopefully someone will find the problem soon before the car is too bad to drive.

General Comments:

No end of problems from day 1 with the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th September, 2009

10th Sep 2009, 07:51

Replace the throttle control valve, common problem.

10th Sep 2009, 09:20

Since you are in the UK, your country is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Take my advice & drop that piece of junk in there right now!

10th Sep 2009, 17:29

Have you tried to clean the throttle body? Sometimes if there's a lot of gunk in there, it can cause stalling. I've had that problem before with a different car.

25th Feb 2010, 05:03

I brought a Zafira 1.6 Club in 2006. It broke down so many times with the same problems; engine management light lit up, the cat has been replaced, and also the coil pack.

It has only done 33,000 miles. The engine has just been partially stripped down, and they say it's got slight wear to the rings. When it did run, it had high petrol consumption and used oil.

Has anybody else had these problems, and knows how to fix them please?

2003 Vauxhall Zafira Elegance 2.0 DTi turbo diesel

Summary:

Excellent and reliable runner

Faults:

I always wanted to buy a Zafira, as they are what I needed, as I have 4 kids.

The day I bought the car, I was on the motorway doing 70 mph, and yes the EMS light came on and the computer switched to limp home mode. After pulling over and switching off, then restarting, it was fine for a couple of weeks, then did it again on the motorway. Vauxhall didn't listen to me when I explained what was happening, and did diagnostics without asking and then tried to charge me 45 quid, which I didn't pay for as I didn't ask for this. Then they tried to charge me 600 quid to have the car in and change the turbo. (I'm a mechanic myself so knew the turbo wasn't faulty). After heated words at the garage, I got a new EGR valve and fitted it, thus eliminating the problem.

Since fitting the new valve, I've had no problems with the car. Excellent runner and bloody quick off the mark after installing a Superchip and getting the turbo serviced.

Never take your car to Vauxhall, always go to a small garage as Vauxhall manipulate you into paying rip off prices.

Heath Paige.

General Comments:

Interior isn't much to speak about, but is comfy for long drives.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2009

22nd Feb 2010, 17:02

Hey,

I wonder if anyone can help? Any idea how many miles should I get out of Vauxhall Zafira Club 2.0 DTi on 52 reg?

It is only doing me between 25-30 mpg, which I think far too low.

Any idea or advice?

24th Mar 2010, 04:53

Hi there, I have a 1.9 DTi, and mine is doing around 45 to the gallon... you are either driving it to hard, or if not that, I would expect you are in limp mode; maybe you need a new EGR valve, easy job to do yourself.

3rd Jun 2010, 16:04

I bought a 2004 2.0 DTi Astravan from a Vauxhall dealer in 2006. I drove it home and the spanner light came on. I took it to Vauxhall under warranty; they stuck it on their machine, told me it was the EGR valve and that it wasn't covered, They even tried charging me for the diagnosis. I bought one from ebay for £205 and fitted it myself, much cheaper than the £563 quoted by Vauxhall. After this it has always run perfect.