Vauxhall investigating heating systems in Zafiras after cars 'spontaneously combust'

Vauxhall has vowed to get to the bottom of malfunction in some of its Zafira cars, after reports that vehicles had caught on fire while driving.

So far there have been more than 130 complaints about glove boxes overheating, which some cases ended in fire breaking out, according to reports.

Concerned customers have also set up a group on Facebook following three such incidents in September and October.

The group, called "Vauxhall Zafira car fires", now has more than 6000 members.

Vauxhall, part of General Motors, said it has carried out an investigation into the heating and ventilation system in a number of Zafiras. It has not yet issued a recall.

"While the number of incidents is very low in proportion to the number of vehicles on the road, we take this issue very seriously and will take further action," it said in a customer notice on its website.

The probe involves Zafira B models built between 2005 and 2014 and which come with manual air conditioning.

Zafira Tourers and cars with electronic climate control are not affected.

Anyone concerned about their vehicle have been advised to contact their local Vauxhall dealer to arrange an inspection.

The inspection will be free of charge, Vauxhall said.

"Vauxhall will consider further actions as appropriate," it added.

Read Vauxhall's advice in full here