Vauxhall is reportedly considering recalling some of its vehicles after a number allegedly spontaneously burst into flames. But is suggesting the cause might be down to improper repairs after purchase.

More than 130 owners of the Vauxhall Zafira B model, launched in 2005, have reported problems with the car’s heating and ventilation system to the manufacturer.

A Facebook group has been set up called Vauxhall Zafira Car Fires for owners of the model which has more than 5,000 members. Another is called Vauxhall Zafira Fires.

A small number claim their cars have caught fire. Pictures on the group pages show vehicles on fire.

Vauxhall is reported in the national press as telling customers they are conducting an investigation and advised drivers to take their Zafiras to a dealership, free of charge, if they have concerns.

“When we find the root cause we will take the next step. That could be a recall, whatever, we've just got to get to that root cause, that's a key thing for us,” a spokesperson said.

It added they believed the fires were due to “previous repairs being performed improperly, or from the use of non-genuine parts.”

In a statement released on Wednesday the company said: “While the number of incidents is very low compared to the number of vehicles on the road, we take this issue very seriously, as customer safety is our number one priority.”

The fault is said to be with a heater resistor.