IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2011 Vauxhall Zafira B

When the larger Zafira Tourer arrived in late 2011, Vauxhall kept the facelifted Zafira B on sale as the cheaper, smaller Zafira Family, continuing until 2014. It gave buyers the same 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 Turbo petrols and 1.7/2.0 CDTI diesels at a lower price, which means many survivors are high-mileage fleet and family cars.

What changed for 2011

  • •Zafira B continued alongside the Tourer as the budget Zafira Family
  • •Lower specification and pricing than the newer car
  • •Production ended in 2014 in the UK
  • •Bochum-built cars with the same heater blower resistor fault risk

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Verify the heater blower resistor recall is completed - this is a fire risk item
  • !Corroded brake pipes, tired bushes and dampers on high-mileage cars
3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Heater blower resistor fire risk / recall history

SeriousInterior & Trim

The Zafira B was subject to major UK recall action over heater resistor and wiring issues that could overheat and, in the worst cases, cause fire.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£400
Warning Signs:

Burning smell from dash, Blower only working on some speeds, Signs of previous non-factory heater repairs

What to Inspect:
  • Verify recall completion by VIN
  • Run blower on every speed
  • Inspect for overheating or melted wiring signs if accessible
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

M32 gearbox bearing failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The same weak 6-speed manual gearbox used in Astra applications appears here too and can whine or fail expensively.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Whine in 5th and 6th, Gear lever movement, Notchy selection

What to Inspect:
  • Motorway test
  • On/off throttle in higher gears
  • Specialist rebuild evidence
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Coil pack and ignition module failures

ModerateEngine

Petrol engines commonly misfire under load because of failed coil packs or ignition modules.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£220
Warning Signs:

Engine management light, Misfire under acceleration, Rough idle

What to Inspect:
  • Load-test in a higher gear
  • Check for recent coil-pack replacement
  • Inspect service history for plugs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2011 Vauxhall Zafira B

  • Any Zafira B must have documented recall completion before you buy it
  • Check that the seven-seat Flex7 hardware and runners are intact, as these cars were used hard
2009–20102012–2014
Check a 2011 Vauxhall Zafira B by Registration