New report suggests one million Vauxhall Corsas are at risk of fire

The pressure on Vauxhall to recall almost one million Corsa D and E models, due to risk of fire, is heating up following an investigation by The Sun newspaper this week.

Vauxhall already recalled 220,000 Zafira models last year, which were at risk of bursting into flames, due to a faulty wiring loom in the heating system.

Following a BBC watchdog report in November, the manufacturer was then forced to recall 2,767 Corsa Ds for another electrical fault which led to fires.

More owners have since come forward complaining that their Corsas have also spontaneously combusted.

An engineers report from Burnley-based forensic collision firm GBB, commissioned by The Sun, said: “The resistive heating associated with Zafira B failure has also been identified in the heater wiring harnesses of Vauxhall Corsa D models.

“A fire damaged Corsa D, with a history of wiring harness damage, was examined to reveal an origin of fire in the region of the heater system.”

The wiring loom in question is believed to be similar to that in the Hummer H3 SUV, which was also recalled for unexpected fires in the USA.

In a statement which was broadcast on the programme last night, the manufacturer tried to extinguish the claims. It said: “Vauxhall has no confirmed reports of vehicle fires originating in the vehicle heating and ventilation system of the Vauxhall Corsa D/E".

“Fires can occur in all makes of cars and it is important that thorough investigations are carried out before determining if there is a manufacturing defect that can relate to fire.

“Better access to vehicle fire data could help manufacturers with early detection of safety issues and we welcome any initiatives in this area.”