31st Oct 2005, 05:27

Re: Zafira fault light problem: I had a problem first with the "spanner" light coming on after about ten minutes, this would disappear when the ignition was turned off then on again, would reappear after another ten minutes of driving. I surmised that the fault could not have been a serious one in those circumstances, so ignored it. After another twenty thousand miles, alas the engine warning light came on, which was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as a problem with emission, based in the throttle area. He suggested that I must be having black smoke from the exhaust, which there wasn't, and heavy fuel consumption, which there wasn't. Apparently the fault code said that "the throttle load signal was not plausible". A new throttle body would have cost about £300 so as before, I ignored the problem. After a couple of days the engine light went out, although the "spanner" light appeared in it's usual friendly fashion. The engine light reappeared a couple of times after, so getting fed up with it, I opened the throttle body and found considerable muck around the inside which I cleaned off with a solvent. Believe me, there was a lot of it! The car now runs like new, smooth as silk and lo! not a warning light to be seen!. This taught me a few things: If a warning light comes on, it doesn't necessarily mean an expensive repair bill, but it's a good thing to investigate.

The car (a 2001 1.8 Auto Comfort model) has done 94000 miles, does around 35 mpg, over 40mpg on a long run, and I expect it to do at least another 70k. The best car I have owned! Viva Zafira!

Incidentally, like another writer I owned an Audi A4 for a few months and found it to be the most irritatingly badly designed car ever. Glad to see the back of it!

7th Nov 2005, 17:46

I change my company car every three years with 145,000 miles on the clock. The Zafira is the first to have shattered its wipers every winter (that's 2 out of 2) as they cross over each other, it's a very poor design.

The clutch has just failed (95,000) in an instant - no warning whatsoever, it's £1,112 to replace the clutch, drive-plate, and cylinder which was blamed for fluid loss and subsequent overheating - but no noises, no smells, no slipping - no warning - this is yours!

I have had the pleasure of the engine management cutting in every so often, usually when I attempt to do a steady 70 mph (a steady 80-90 mph is OK), which results in a very sudden loss of power in the third lane, very scary, not sure says the main dealer - probably the core plugs need changing £250 - see how you go on till the next service (in 20,000 miles)!

Well if I survive, I will get rid of it at asap and get something a lot better, and more reliable, at the money.

This is an 03 plate, Vauxhall 2.0 DTI serviced from new.

14th Feb 2006, 04:52

I have had a new Zafira Club 2.0 DTi since September 2002. It was purchased as a "replacement" to my ex-lease VW Sharan. I was a little spoiled by the Sharan with its split air-con, auto gearbox (even though it was a diesel), and cruise control, as the Zafira had none of these. However, I found the Zafira about half as much to run.

I have done 90,000 miles in it and it is still going strong. I have not had the oil consumption problems as previously posted, and can go 20,000 miles without ever needing to top it up. In fact, when I do check it (about every 5000 miles) it is only half way between the high and low marks on the dipstick after 20k miles.

Most of the problems I have had have been with the trim rattling. I once was given a bill of £220 for curing a rattle in the roof lining after it was out of its warranty. I managed to barter them down to £30 though. The main problem I find is with its pathetic towing capability. For its size and weight, 1050Kgs is useless. Who in their right mind designs a 7 seater, offers a tow-bar, then only allows you to tow a 2 berth caravan. We are looking at the new Zafira as it can tow another 250Kgs more.

Apart from the rattly trim and low towing capability, my Zafira is a dream to drive, handles well, is comfortable, and economical all round to run.

6th Mar 2007, 13:14

I own a 2000{x reg}zafira dti club. apart from a wheel bearing and injector seals I have had no problems at all. it has done nearly 140,000 miles. would recommend one to anybody. brilliant car.very good mpg and performance.

14th May 2007, 12:27

I have owned a 2001 Zafira DTI for over 3 years and generally found the car to be versatile and economical to run.

One particular problem has been a loss of power when the turbo cut out while I was overtaking on the motorway - quite a scary experience. I managed to complete my journey without the turbo and with the appearance of the engine management light illuminating (the car and spanner symbol). This was fixed at the Vauxhall dealers by replacing the air flow micro-switch.

The engine management light still appears after about 10 minutes of driving and stays on until I brake which seems strange. My wife also notices a loss of power especially when pulling away at lights or junctions.

The latest fault has been that the engine will not start. I suspect a faulty fuel pump or blocked fuel filter - we had no warning of this. I have not currently resolved this problem so it looks as though I will be forced to get the garage to rectify it at some expense I expect.

9th Jun 2007, 04:35

I have a second hand Zafira 2002. 67000 miles, currently using about a litre of oil every 700miles - which is within acceptable parameters. I think this is incredibly high.

17th Jun 2007, 12:04

Hi to all Zafira DTi owners.

I must be one of the lucky ones. I have had my 03 DTi Zafira for 2 years. I bought the car at 19000 miles, and it is now at 43000 miles, and with regular servicing and using a fully synthetic 5w/30 top spec oil, it has not used a drop.

It has a full service every 10000 miles; whatever the car needs.

It has been a super reliable MPV, and does just about everything I need it to do.

Thank you Zafira.

16th Jul 2007, 08:10

I bought a 3 year old Vauxhall Zafira 2.0dti 2003 on about 21000 miles. I started getting some dips in the performance (as though the engine was cutting out) at about 50mph. Each time the dip occurred the engine mechanics warning light came on. After this occurring 3 times I stopped and the engine died. I managed to restart and pull to a safe zone before the engine died again. The warning light now remained on. After restarting, the car would cut out in 20 seconds. After recovery etc. the garage tells me the diesel fuel injection pump has gone. Lucky I have warranty, but the tell me it'll cost about £2k.

During my time using the car, The plastic around the catches for the seat connection have shattered. The faux Leather/Plastic seal by the rear car door windows have bubbled and the plastic backing of the front car seat has torn easily.

I would get warranty on the car, but I still like the versatility, size etc.