Spare wheel thefts from Vauxhall Zafiras

Below are personal accounts from Vauxhall Zafira owners who have had their spare wheel stolen.

They Deny All Responsibility For This Design FaultSomething was dangling down below the back end of our Zafira so I had a look and checked what it was, thinking it was a bit of Twig or something. But it was a bit of rope with two hooks on it. Whilst looking at it I realised that there was an empty cage where the spare tyre should have been! Pinched! B*****d! I wrote to Vauxhall demanding a replacement due to the badly... more

Obviousley A Design Error!One day I was moving the car and got out to close my garage door, on turning around I noticed the cage that holds the spare haging down. The wheel had gone SUPRISE!! This is a mobility car and is obviously a design error that needs to be addressed or a fix to this problem needs to be put in place.... more

It Is So Easy For A Thief To Steal The SpareI had just picked my husband up from terminal 3 Heathrow, when he noticed the long strip dangling down from underneath the car.Upon arrival at home he got down on his hands and knees and found that the spare wheel had been taken, where, when? We certainly will never know, but the fact remains that the Zafira is a family car and this safety factor was obviously overseen.It will... more

Vauxhall Won't Admit To An Obvious Design FaultDon't know when my spare was stolen. Some time between the issue being highlighted on BBC's Watchdog, when I checked my spare was still there, and when I had my car MOT'd at the end of July.It was really embarrassing. I'd asked the garage to swap one of my wheels, which I knew was low, but still legal, with the spare, if it was better. They came back and said that there was... more

Vauxhall Will Fit The Lock For Free....SometimesWe watched the Watchdog programme on TV two weeks after purchasing our Zafira Breeze.I called Vauxhall and raised merry hell, we had purchased the upgraded security system yet the wheel could be nicked with ease...was told I could buy lock and have it fitted from Vauxhall....stamped my foot a bit more and have had the job done for FREE....Don't take no for an answer and... more

Vauxhalls Security Device Is A JokeHave just finished fitting a Vauxhall anti theft device to my father's Zafira after his wheel was stolen. It is a poor design which required the carpet to be cut.I cannot see how he will ever use it as you need to get under the car to feed the nut on. It is all plastic and will probably shatter if hit hard enough. furthermore the middle seats must be shunted forwards and the rear seat... more

Owning A Citroen = The Same ProblemI was totally unaware of the wheel thefts until about 8 weeks ago, my Xsara Picasso was up for exchange, so a guy from RAC was sent out to do an inspection. He said my car was in excellent condition,and it still had spare wheel. What do you mean I asked, then I was informed about the thefts, I have a towbar fitted, is that a factor, or is it just the unfortunate people in the South who... more

Vauxhall Should Fit The Lock From NewWheel was stolen last year from Gunnersbury Park car park. Took three weeks for Vauxhall to provide a replacement wheel, I bought a tyre locally. After several complaints and threats Vauxhall agreed to pay my invoice for a anti-theft lock (about £35). Now wheel is locked and secured which Vauxhall should do pre-sale.... more

Another VictimHad wheel stolen on driveway, didn't notice until cleaning car that wheel had gone....... more

Dealer Tells Me I Need A new Spare WheelHad our Zafira serviced today by Vauxhall Rugby, polite young man rang to inform us that we also needed a new rear wiper blade and oh yes.... a new spare wheel..... seems its been pinched - he was very surprised, did we lose it? he asked with a straight face- now i find there a website!!!!!!!!!!... more

Ikea Brent Park Is A Hotspot For ThievesI'm another victim of the IKEA, BRENT PARK Zafira spare wheel thief! I know that several other Zafira owners have been robbed at the same location.I think that not only should Vauxhall improve the design of the spare wheel carrier but that IKEA should review the security of their car park. Where are all these spare wheels going?To breakers, probably, then getting sold back to the... more

Lock Still Not Standard On New ModelsDiscovered spare wheel on new zafira had been stolen when Dr husband was on his way to an emergency at the hospital!! flat tyre, no spare.Called dealership, quoted £85 to fit and £120 for wheel, costs seem to vary across dealers. Called Vauxhall have agreed to fit lock F.O.C, still not standard on new models!... more

I Noticed It Was Missing By ChanceTo be honest, I hadn't even actually realised that my spare wheel had been stolen from my Zafira.It was only by chance when the vehicle had been parked on a hill and I approached it from behind that I noticed the wheel had gone. This could have proven to be very incovenient as I do travel a lot of miles and could have been easily caught out.I contacted my local dealer for a replacement... more

The Spare Wheel And Aerial Both StolenI purchased my Vauxhall Zafira about two months ago, the spare wheel was present and it had never been used.A couple of days ago I noticed what I thought was a cable hanging just below the rear of the car, when I got down to look it was a safety link that would stop the cradle falling to the ground that I could see but the spare wheel was missing.I have no idea where or when the... more

Same StoryI DID NOT KNOW THAT THE WEEL HAD GONE UNTIL IT WENT IN FOR SERVICE 6 MONTHS AFTER I HAD BOUGHT IT IT COST £150 FOR A NEW ONE SO NOW I HAVE A BIG PADLOCK ON THE NEW ONE... more

Having People Around Is No DeterentBrought the car two months agoI knew of this problem but didnt sort to remidy the problem as I was extremley busy.Car has been in a car park in gatwick for two weeks with no problem. 10mins outside my mum's house at 4:30pm on a main road with loads of people around & it was taken.I wish now i had got my finger out my A*se to prevent it from being stolen.... more

Prevention Is Better Than Cure!The hype surrounding the Zafira spare wheel theft has pursuaded me to get a lock fitted today. (Hope the spare wheel is still there when they come to do it - I fogot to check it was still there this week!)Congratulations on your site.I was impressed by the counter of how many people had registered their theft. Can I suggest you also allow visitors to register if they've been moved to... more

Once Bitten, Twice ShyLike everyone else on this site, I too have had my unused spare wheel from my Zafira stolen.The message I would like to leave for Vauxhall is that where I have discovered that a car I own has a design fault that I find unacceptable and that a car manufacturer does not redress, then I start looking elsewhere.I now will never ever buy a FORD, RENAULT or a PEUGEOT again. Once bitten twice shy.Since the... more

Car Breakers Seem To Have Many Zafira Wheels In Stock!!I noticed the head of a screw protruding from the edge of the rear tyre on my Zafira and decided to swap it with the spare. Started to lower the spare, looked under, and to my horror, the spare was missing.Fortunatly the tyre with the screw in was not flat so drove to the nearest tyre centre for a replacement. My initial reaction was that the Zafira (04) had been... more

Why Bother Buying A New Spare Wheel?I became aware that my spare wheel was stolen when I heard a loud clanging sound coming from the rear of my car, which turned out to be the cage banging on the ground. It opened as I went over a speed hump.I have read the stories on this site and the Watchdog article and have decided not to buy a spare wheel and a lock that probably won't work. Instead I will use the AA package I was... more

Fitting A Decent Lock Only Means The Cage Gets DamagedMy Zafira went in for its 3rd lot of warranty work in August last year it was just over 2yrs old.When I collected my vehicle I was informed by the Service Dept that did I realise that my Spare Wheel was missing. I did not, I believe that it had been stolen while away 1 weekend at Alton Towers.The Operative then informed that it was a common problem and that some... more

Could Have Been Left StrandedMy wife and 2 children one 3yrs and one 6 mths old went shopping at Tesco in WELLINGBOROUGH when she came out she saw the carrier below the bumper, No Wheel. I like you am extremley annoyed that this may have been missed and left my family stranded without a spare.... more

Second Tyre StolenTyre stolen from zafira for a second time. No help from vauxhall will have to pay for new tyre myself, again its about time vauxhall took some responsibility and put right this fault.... more

I Got A New Wheel Free Of ChargeI had my spare wheel stolen 2 weeks after my car was serviced. I got on to Vauxhall, after many phone calls and standing my ground I eventally got the K-Lok fitted and spare wheel replaced free of charge. So dont give up be persistant it is a design fault the thieves just bend the hook and they are away in seconds!.... more

Two Freinds, Two Citroens, Same ProblemThis weekend, our friends, who drive a Xsara Picasso, told us about the theft of their spare tyre after reading an article about wheel theft from Picassos. Guess what? On checking our Picasso we also have discovered that our spare wheel has been nicked.No doubt Citroen (Like Vauxhall) will deny responsibility for such design failures. How about contacting Watchdog to see if the BBC... more

Dealer Fits A Lock For Free Without Being AskedTo give Vauxhall, or at any rate Network Q, some credit, the second-hand car dealer who sold us a year-old Zafira last weekend arranged to have a lock put on the wheel cage free of charge without having to be asked as he acknowledged theft of the spare to be a risk.So maybe they are taking notice after all...... more

Vauxhall Has Paid £35 Towards The Cost Of The K-LokI have posted somewhere here before, so this is an update!If you haven't lost you wheel, then phone Vauxhall NOW and ask them for a job code for your local dealer to fit a lock. The Vauxhall one is £35 inc. fitting (which Vauxhall WILL fit FOC if you have a job code from their head office.However, if you think that the nylon material it is made from it too... more

Why Do Thiefs Bother Stealing These Wheels?During Thursday night 5/5/05 my sparewheel was stolen in Kibworth Beauchamp. The wheel was padlocked and chained to the carrier, but everything was cut off.As we were 130 miles from home I looked in desperation for a replacement.Unfortunately two main Vauxhall dealers were unable to help. Rim and tyre had to ordered.In the end I found an Independent Vauxhall dealer and within an... more

Don't Take Any Waffle From Your DealerI have just bought an 05 plate New Zafira Breeze which is a great vehicle, and having done some research I looked at your web site (Which is very informative by the way) and I had a word with the dealership about the theft issie.I told my dealer I was unhappy with the standard spare wheel security where upon she quickly stepped into "It's not a design fault" mode.I then enquired why... more

Another Case Of A Missing Citroen WheelI had the same problem with my New Citreon Xsara Picasso.At the first years service I was bemused by the dealer telling me that there had been a spat of spare wheel thefts and would I like the lock fitted, the following day the dealer called, no spare wheel, £200 pounds worse off.I am not sure whether I am more annoyed at the pointless criminals who stole the wheel, or the car... more

Tell The Police, You Never Know...Further to my last post, I recommend that people register their theft with the Police, and whats more this can be done on line at http://www.online.police.uk/english/default.asp Although it is unlikely that the Police will be able to do much, if they have over 300 crimes that are similar in nature they may find the pattern and perhaps catch the culprits.By not reporting your theft, the... more

The Lock Is Feeble And A Pain To FitI decided to act before my spare was nicked and got a free 'K Loc' kit from Vauxhall.Having fitted it today, I would advise people not to bother. For starters, Vauxhall clearly haven't learnt their lesson.Having caused the problem by penny pinching design, their solution suffers from the same fate. It comprises a plastic bolt which slides through a plastic washer sitting on top of an... more

Too Easy For The ThievesJust found an empty cage looks so easy for the thieves feel should be compensated by vauxhall.... more

Another Vauxhall Dealer Who Is Not InterestedI have had the same response from my local dealer too. No interest.To try to stop this happening again I purchased a clamp for a further £42 plus the cost of a new tyre. Some thing should be investigated.... more

Why Should I Pay For The Lock?I noticed a knocking sound from the rear of the car, when we went to see what was causing it we saw that the spare wheel had been stolen, it cost me £70 .I have now secured the new wheel with a padlock and wire cable to both the cage and the car frame so this should make it more of a deterrent to the smackhead theives who probably got a tenner, if that for my spare, I know there... more

Try And Get A Lock Fitted Before Yours Is StolenI was alerted to the theft issue of Zafira spare wheels by the Watchdog programme on television in March 2005, and was directed by my wife (the boss) to go and make sure that ours was still there.Sure enough it was. We went to Devon for a week later that month and were going away in May. Checking the tyre pressures I re-visited the spare wheel, only to find it gone. So... more

As A Disabled Driver I Felt Vulnerable The thieves kindly strapped up the broken wheel frame so I don't know how long it's been missing.As a disabled driver (Vauxhall promote heavily on the Motability scheme) I feel especially vulnerable in the case of breakdown.I will pursue this ridiculous state of affairs with the Disabled Drivers Association and Motability.... more

A Case Of Organised Crime?Although aware that the spare wheel theft was possible, after purchasing a 6 month old Zafira last july (04) I failed to secure the wheel and noticed it had gone last month.I HALF EXPECT IT TO RE-APPEAR AS I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT HAS HAPPENED.There must be some kind of organized distribution, resale of these wheels, or can they be refitted to other types ?? E-bay don't seem to have that many for... more

Design Fault?This is my second zafira I was lucky with the first this also will be my last unless they take responsibility for this design fault... more

The Dealer Heped (a little)The garage rang whilst servicing my Zafira to say- Did I know spare wheel was missing!! Vauxhall has since contributed £55 (inc VAT) to the cost of replacing it and fitting floor bolt.... more

Even After Watchdog, Vauxhall Are Not ConcernedI have owned a Zafira for over 2 years and my present vehicle for 6 months.After "Watchdog" I contacted the local Vauxhall dealer for immediate fixing of a security lock but not a lot of interest was shown.They said they would contact me after consulting HQ. Four days later nothing had been heard from Vauxhall and my wheel had gone!!! Went to Vauxhaull to complain... more

I Will Have To Pay £170 For A New WheelI have a Zafira on the Motability sceme, I did not notice the spare was missing until I had a check before the car goes back (after 3 years).My dealer has now informed me that I will have to have some kind of lock fitted on my new Zafira to stop further theft.I still will have to pay for the stolen wheel plus the cost of the lock, this will be over £170 in total. I feel... more

Citroen picasso has same problemI have a Picasso 4 weeks old and Yes my spare has been stolen. I contacted my dealer Kent Elms Motors who only wanted to sell me a replacment. I have yet to contact Citroen.... more

£76 For The Wheel And Tyre.. But It's Still Too MuchPurchased my Sapphire Black Zafira SRi 2.0 DTi (lovely it is) as my xmas present for dec 2004. I looked at all the write ups and in particular the poor remarks about the spare wheel.The cost of £150 to fit a lock seemed a bit steep so i decided not to have it fitted. was washing the car at the weekend and low and behold the wheel has been stolen. Contacted a... more

Citroen Have Let Me DownCitroen Picasso spare wheel stolen .....Although I am pleased with the car, there is no way I will buy another Citroen unless they address this problem.A Zafira is also out of the question.... more

I Am Furious With Vauxhallmy spare wheel was stolen from my Vauxhall Zafira in broad daylight this morning! My neighbour saw two youngsters jump out of a car, took them less than 30seconds to take it off and bung it into their car!I'm furious with Vauxhall !!! this is a manufacturing fault so they are responsible to reimburse all those who have had their wheel stolen and to rectify the problem at no extra cost !!!!!!!!!!... more

Same Problem With Citroen XsaraMy story concerns a Xsara Picasso spare wheel.Similar issue to the Vauxhalls, but of course the jack is also contained in the 'well of the Wheel', so not alone was my spare wheel stolen but the jack as well. Great design from Citreon!!!!... more

Does Loyalty Mean Nothing To Vauhall?I have after just 4 months of owning my car discovered my spare wheel has been stolen. I complained to my Dealership (Perry's) and informed them I did not have a spare tyre, they have inspected the car and say it has been stolen and they are not responsable.Fortunatley as I had my car delivered and signed the delivery reciept as was too dark to inspect, they have agreed after much... more

Same Old Story....Usual story, just happen to notice the spare was missing.Went to my local tyre dealer in case it had been removed when they replaced my rear exhaust who said it happens all the time.Its very easy and very quick to do and does not trigger the tilt alarm. Have now fitted a padlock but I did have to drill the bracket first.... more

Even In Public Places You Are Not ProtectedMine was stolen on a recent trip in IKEAS carpark in warrington, so beware and I suggest that if your wheel is not fitted with anti theft lock to place your's in the boot.What a costly day that turned out to be!! would not be surprised if quite a lot of tyres go missing in large car parks as it would just appear that the thief is simply changing the spare!!What a cheek... more

Vauxhall Deny All ResponsibilityFor about a week, I kept hearing a rattling noise from my car and assumed that it could be a loose exhaust as it was in that vicinity that the noise came from.I left it until I next had the opportunity to get a good look under my car. To my surprise, I found, when I lookd under the rear end of mr Zafira, that my spare wheel cage was damaged and loose (accounting for the noise).Also the... more

Being A Loyal Customer Does Not Not Help1st May 2005, the car is 3 weeks old, I was in the process of loading up for a tip trip when the wife noticed something hanging down under the back of the car.A quick look under, and to my shock and horror the darn spare wheel has gone, the f#@king bastards, or some such words, the air was blue and the kids told to get round the back quick. Anyway registered the crime with the... more

Three Spares Stolen In Three YearsSince we purchased our Zafira in 2001 we have had three spares stolen.The car is even garaged at night so most of these thefts have happened at night.... more

Annoyance At VauxhallComing home this evening I went over a sped bumb and suddenly heard (and felt) something clang to the ground under my car and proceed to drag, making a lot of noise.Stopping and looking underneath I saw nothing ..... nothing in terms of NO SPARE WHEEL!!!!Comming home and getting on the internet I am astoudned to find many storeis and a full web site dedicated to this misfortune. I feel much... more

Fitting K Lock Does Not Stop TheftHad a new K lock fitted by Vauxhall only to discover that this does not stop any less than intelligent thief still bending the wheel cage all out of shape thus causing alot of damage to the underside. Have not been back to Vauxhall yet to see what they say!... more

Short But To-The-PointJust stolen - now using car without spare wheel.... more

Sales Staff Are Aware Of This IssueThe sales manager warned me to "watch the spare wheel doesn't get stolen". I parked around the corner went indoors to get a lock. On my return the spare wheel was gone!!!... more

Two More ExamplesNo great story here.I've had my zafira for 3 years and not until my brother-in-law told me recently he had had his spare stolen, reported it and had been told "Oh yeah, that happens a lot to Zafira's". I did venture to look under my car. Yep, its gone.... more

Told By ATS How To Prevent ThisHaving lost my spare wheel just like everyone else I was advised by the tyre company ATS to drill a hole through the body of the 'U' catch and fit a padlock (£30 for a decent one) through this and round the spare wheel cage.Have done so and I feel it is secure now. Only time will tell........ more

Why Don't Vauxhall Fit A Lock From New?Parked car in super market came out spare gone.Vauxhall offered to pay half of the price to fit a lock but wouldn't accept that there was a design fault.That's like me saying I left a £120 on the roof of the motor went shopping came back and.....would you believe it it was gone.....in this situation most people and I would even suppose those working at Vauxhall would call this... more

Prevention Is Better Than A CureI was told of the spare wheel thefts while I was on holiday. When I came back, I checked mine - STILL THERE!I phoned Vauxhall customer services who said that I could have their lock fitted for free, or I could have £35 refunded from the price of another make.I contacted my local dealer, who informed me that they had received no information regarding this free service, but they... more

Yet Another Innocent VictimI am another victim of the spare wheel theft from Vauhall Zafira. I was parked in Staines Two Rivers shopping centre car park yesterday and on returning to my car noticed that it "didnt quite look right". On looking under the car I realised that my spare wheel was not there, I had no idea that this is a common problem until checking the internet later.I rang my insurers who didnt think it was... more

I Didn't Ask The Car Breakers Where He Got His Spare From!!My boss told me about a t.v. program that he had seen where Zafiras had been shown to have a weak spot - the spare wheel.As a result , I looked under the rear of the car to discover that the spare had been removed. The thieves had put the cage back. The wheel could have been stolen at any time in the last 2 months since the purchase date.Fortunately, we were able... more

Its About Time Vauxhall Re-Designed This SystemAfter leaving the car in a public car park to do some shopping, as driving away from the parking space a horrible scraping sound was heard from under the car, on investigation found the spare wheel cradle dragging on the ground.When we purchased the Vechile the Vauxhall main dealer suggested we lock the spare wheel with a chain and lock, this we did, but still the spare was... more

A Family Car Should Be more Secure Than This!Obviously the Vauxhall Zafira is a family car and as such many women use it to drive their children out and about. In our case a 3 year old and 9 month old.I am appalled that someone would steal a wheel and that my wife and children could have been left stranded somewhere as it wasnt immediately apparent this item had been taken.In these days of modern technology where... more

We Were Without A Spare Just When We Needed ItI Was on holiday with my family last Oct 2004 when we noticed one of the rear wheels was soft.We stopped at services a few miles from Carlile and found there was a screw imbedded in the tyre.Decided the only option was to change the tyre and discovered much to our surprise and consternation that the spare wheel was missing.We had to arrange a tow truck to take us to... more

I Didn't Know It was StolenI didn't know that it had been stolen unitil a mechanic servicing my car reported it to the service manager.He informed me, I assume that at some stage since its last service it was stolen. The wheel was an alloy. I intend to replace it with a cheaper steel version and a budget tyre.... more

They Say The Zafira Conforms To European Security Standards!My Zafira will be three years old in December this Year. I took out a Network Q top up warranty which expires at the same time as the manufactures warranty.I recently contacted Network Q regarding the spare wheel problem, their comments in the reply were The Vauxhall Zafira met European safety and security standards. They also stated that if required I could... more

At Least They Left Another Spare...Not only did they steal the spare , they stuffed an old ford wheel with a bald tyre back in the cradle!... more

Bad Attitude From VauxhallChecked my spare wheel today after someone told me about the watchdog report.Of course it was gone. I'm totally fed up with Vauxhall attitude and the fact they are happy to leave families so vunerable. Its so heavily marketed as a family car, but just go to show they don't give a damn.... more

This Will Be My Only ZafiraLike many others, it was merely by chance that I noticed that the spare was missing on my Zafira. The cage holding the spare wheel is obviously not up to the task as a mere push, without any tools, is enough to release the cage.Phoned my local Vauxhall dealer - they are quite happy to fit a security device for £75, plus the cost of the wheel. No offer of free fitting even.This will be my... more

Basically discovered disappearance of the wheel whilst picking up dropped keysThe catch was hanging down where and when it was stolen is anyones guess. Not just a security issue but a serious safety issue. The Zafira is promoted as a family car last thing you want is to be stranded without a spare wheel..!!!!!!!!!!!... more

My story is also on the peach or lemon site along with lots of others I had the spare whell stolen from my Zafira when it was just one week old. I wrote to customer services who initially offered nothing. However, i persisted and they eventually agreed to supply and fit a K lock for nothing. I could not get a wheel as Vauxhall had none anywhere in the UK. I had to make do with an old one from a breakers yard.... more

I have just had the spare wheel stolen from our new Zafira This is the second Zafira we have bought from Vauxhall and I cannot believe what I am reading here that the design is so poor, that it takes just seconds for the wheel to be stolen. Like everyone else, I cannot claim on insurance due to the excess, and really cannot afford £100 odd to lash out on something that VAUXHALL should replace and fix... more

My spare wheel has also been nicked!!i dont have a zafira but i feel humiliated because someone nicked it from under my caravan while i was asleep,bad luck, egh???... more

Blissfully unaware I entered my staff carpark on 10/3/2005, over a sleeping policeman (oh! the ironey!) and basket fell down announcing the theft of my Citroen Picasso spare tyre. I've had 2xBX's a Xantia and now the Picasso and it's the first I've heard of what is now such a common theft. I've yet to tell the Police and I doubt anyone will be caught. Does anyone know how to electrify the cradles which carry... more

Yes, I have got my spare wheel stolen too. I called Vauxhall, at first they said that nothing they would do After mentioning that some customers got offered free lock they said that they would do the same for me. I still have to pay £100 for a new wheel, but I am fopeful that it will not be stolen.... more

Our Zafira was bought in December 04. On or about 12 March 05 our brand new spare wheel was stolen. What a design! This leaves us vulnerable if we suffer a puncture.... more

I looked outside on a Sunday afternoon and saw the safety strap just hanging down I went to clip it back up and discovered that there was no spare wheel. This is a serious design fault from clearly incompetent desing team. Which is strange as everything else with the Zafire is good. To prevent this the solution is simple, but than Vauxhall would noe get any profit from selling the add on anti theft... more

I was unaware there was a problem with spare wheels being stolen from Vauxhall Zafiras until seeing BBC's "Watchdog" on 15/03/05. I asked my wife to go to the local Vauxhall dealer tomorrow to buy the lock shown on the programme. I went out in the car a couple of hours later & it occurred to me to check the spare wheel was still there. But of course it had already gone. Thanks Vauxhall for keeping us so well... more

We got our Zafira new in October 2004 and knew nothing about the theft of spare wheels until we were watching BBC tv on 15/03/05 and saw the Watchdog program after the show went outside and had a look and lo and behold our spare wheel has gone and dont know when so instead of phoning our local Vauxhall dealer for a lock to be fitted now got to phone around to get the best price on a spare wheel hope that after the... more

Didn't notice anything amiss until I was texted by someone who saw the bbc Watchdog programme. I'm absolutely livid!!!... more

Reported loss to Vauxhall and they have agreed to retro fit a locking device!!! Worth a try for everyone.... more

I have only had my zafira a month so i am dissapointed to learn about this problem I have spoken to vauxhall who are willing to fit the plastic bolt free of charge but i cant say i am convinced this is going to do the job!... more

Saw BBC Watchdog. Checked spare wheel. GONE!!! Called local Vauxhall dealer, Stevens in Horsham, who have kindly quoted £230 inc fitting of lock. Insurance company advised only to make a claim if the cost was £300+. This is Vauxhall's problem, keep your receipts and lets hope for a refund.... more

I have just been down to my local Vauxhall dealer. I purchased the bolt lock unit and fitted it in 30 minsThe cost was about £8.00. The only tools needed was a hacksaw to cut the nylon bolt to size. MONEY / TIME WELL SPENT.... more

On Tuesday evening the 16th March I was watching Watchdog on the TV, when the subject of the Zafira's spare wheel theft came on Whilst whatching this report I was shocked that they was actully showing on TV how to remove the spare wheel. Afterwards I joked to my wife "Shall I check Our's?". The next day I was going to work, I had to walk past Our Zafira and thought, I wonder? so I had a look under the car and... more

Called Vauxhall today. Said I wanted a lock and they said yes No arguement... more

My Zafira is only five weeks old. I wasn't aware of this problem I had sort of assumed that it would be self evident to the designer of a car with the spare outside that security of attachment was vital. I watched the Watchdog programme, went outside to check mine, only to find an empty mounting.... more

Heard about it on Watchdog Tuesday 15th March 2005, considered my spare wheel was safe enough as I had to go through a rigourous exercise of releasing it when I had a blow-out, checked it in the morning Wednesday and it was there. Came home, visited a friend, picked up my children, went to the supermarket, came home, no rattling of cage, so it was there when I parked outside my house. Come Thursday morning, about to... more

I've added my story, but wanted to state a further update As of today, 17/03/05, 1.15pm, Vauxhall Customer Services have offered to fit a lock to the spare wheel area free of charge (Vauxhall lock, £35+VAT) or alternatively contribute £35+VAT to the K-Lok. The replacement tyre and wheel is at customer's cost. I've yet to go to my Vauxhall dealer with this and I'm currently waiting for a reply from... more

I discovered the spare wheel had gone over the weekend I called the dealer, and they agreed that it was a common problem, and suggested I call Vauxhall UK on 01582 427200. Vauxhall UK admitted this is common, and stated that they are now offering a free lock fitting for all affected customers. To my mind, this is an admission of liability. They will NOT assist in the cost of a replacement spare though. Amazingly, even... more

We got our Zafira in Oct 2004. On Jan 14th, I discovered that the spare was missingI had to phone 3 dealers before I found one who had a replacement in stock. One of the dealers described the theft problem as 'rife'. Now we're carrying the spare in the back of the car which is a major pain. Only other option is to stump up yet more cash to get a lock fitted. I would advise against buying a Zafira simply because of this... more

Late one evening I was unfortunate enough to fall victim to a puncture in my Zafira EleganceHaving set about loosening the nuts and jacking up the car to change the wheel, I went for the spare! Yes you guessed it no sign! To add misery when I phoned AA they first said they will arrange to supply a wheel and tyre at my cost and replace it. However they changed their mind some half an hour later and decided to leave me... more

I have been lucky enough to have had my spare stolen twice!! The first time was only brought to my attention when the car was in for 1 year service , lucky that I never had a puncture during that time as I would have been stuffed without a spare wheel. Second time I was staying with friends in London , had the car parked on the street and noticed a small piece of cable hanging off the back of the car. This had been... more

Having just brought our disabled daughter back to college I was walking back to the car and noticed the spare wheel cage was empty. I had no idea it had been stolen, I'd just driven 230 miles, with the same distance to get home. Looking at spare wheel cage I realised what a poor design it was, letting thieves steal a wheel with very little effort.... more

My neighbour has just had their Zafira mot'd and found that their spare had been stolen I immediately checked mine and guess what I too had a basket of fresh air. I called Vauxhall customer care they were very apologetic and quoted the shelf answer about meeting European standards, (for a small amount of money they could lead the way!!) whilst they would not pay for a replacement they did pay for the supply and... more

The spare wheel was stolen from my Zafira about a year ago in Homebase car park, South RuislipAfter buying a replacement, I fitted a padlock to the hook that holds the spare wheel carrier. Details are: Obtain a 30mm (1.25 inch) padlock, about £5 from any hardware shop. Drill an 8mm hole in the centre of hook about 15mm from the bottom. (Start by drilling a smaller hole, then enlarge it with the 8mm drill bit). The... more

Nothing unusual. Nearly new zafira i've had less than 1 monthAnd the retaining clip on the cage was bent to enable to spare tyre to be stolen. Apparently Vauxhall have the solution to this problem in the form of a "K" lock which they will fit for £70 odd, depending on which dealer you go to.Frankly I think Vauxhall are taking a complete liberty with their customers in charging for an obvious solution to what is so... more

We have been looking in the car market for a nice family MPV over the last few weeks We have decided to go for Zafira but since learning about this issue and how vauxhall are treating thier existing customers we are now having second thoughts about buying Zafira at all.... more

I had my spare whell taken from the NIA Birmingham, while taking the children to see a showThe security were not interested at all to help.... more

My attention to this vulnerable aspect of Zafira ownershipwas recently drawn to my attention by letter from my local Vauxhall dealership, also offering to fit an anti-theft device for £35.00. But, sureley, if Vauxhall recognise this as a weakness, should they not recall all vulnerable models and fund the security upgrade themselves?!... more

How sick did I feel, whilst waiting for some of the vauxhall security kitsTo come into stock at my local dealer (obviously a good seller) the wheel was stolen together with the tray it sits on. Excess is as much as the new wheel plus the security device ontop. The fact that they put the carrier back up, my wife would have never known it was gone until needed. As usual the car manufacturer takes no responsibility for poor... more

Reversing the car out of the drive this morning, we heard an odd scraping soundA brief investigation revealed - you guessed it - no spare wheel, and the carrier rubbing on the ground. Sigh.... more

Had zafira 5 weeks now, wish I had kept old (15 years shogun), final straw spare pinched in nightAdd to this, noisy brakes, clattery engine, and front drive humm, and blind spot from wipers sweep and what a bargain. 17k miles and a total donkey, its going back this weekend. Whats happened vauxhall?... more

I saw a white van drive off next to my Zafira and discovered that the spare tyre had been stolenBetween booking the car in for a replacement and getting the car in to the garage someone came back to check if i had a new tyre to steal. I explained the position to the vauxhall dealer and said i didi not want to have a new wheel unless it was secure as the theives would just come back and steal it again. Vauxhall sold me a... more

I was one of the lucky ones and my spare wheel has stayed safeI secured it with a long chain and a huge padlock maybe if vauxall done something then we would all be alot safer... more

I found my wife giving mate a blow jobGuess what he drives..a f**king Vauxhall Zafira...I had the last joke....i nicked his spare wheel........ more

We were doing our usual weekely shop in tescos at 11 o/clock in the moring last Saturday When we returned to the car the Spare wheel had been stolen, the cameras didn't cover that section of the car park and we have not heard from the police re this yet!... more

Just been informed by my neighbour that his wifes car had a wheel stolen and that I should check mineIt is 06:30hrs and I had a quick look and sure enough, the wheel is gone. Lucky the neighbour told me, would have been on the road with the car and in serious trouble if I had a flat. I've had the car 2 weeks ! After the act, I am now aware of the problems and will be looking for a securing device. Better late than... more

Today, 24/2/05 I noticed part of my car 'hanging down' After screaming 'some b****rd has solen my spare wheel' I contacted the dealer. They recommended a new locking device ( a K Lock) that is being fitted now as standard to all new Zafiras. To me, as an owner of an 04 reg' Zafira, supply and fit woul cost £82.00. I phoned Vauxhall customer care 01582 427 200 and told them i had become a victim of what i considered... more

p.s. for the editor/webmaster the customer care gentleman was called Richard. Didnt catch his surname as was spitting rivets at the time! spoke to him on number : 01582 427 200... more

I have been lucky and not lost my spare wheel because my zafira 2 litre dti is fitted with a tow bar and thanks to some advice from the man who fitted it i bought a heavy duty wire rope the kind used for locking a motorbike to a lamp post 2 mtrs long and a good lock.the wire cable is through the centre of the spare wheel and around the cage also its wrapped around the kneck of the towbar and locked tight so the lock... more

Feltham in Middx, went into a friends house for a cuppa Broad day light on main busy a road 20 minutes later no spare just empty cage hanging down. Again 4 months later car on my front drive on a staurday afternoon, in front of the house , other houses facing straight on and in full view spare stolen in broadday light between hours of 1.30 and 3.30pm we were in having lunch/tvcame oput to do some gardening empty... more

I went shopping in Morisson's at Enfield, Middlesex. On Saturday 26.2.05 I parked my Zafira in the car park, just yards away from the store entrance. I was only in the store for approx 30 mins. On returning to my vehicle, i could see the spare wheel cage hanging on the floor. So even in broad daylight, & only a matter of minutes, they stolen my wheel. I could well have been on the motorway without a... more

9 months & my spare wheel has been stolen 3 times I'm getting a bit P*@%$* off with this now. VAUXHALL, You are costing me a fortune...... more

This is my second zafira and my second spare wheel theft Vauxhall will fit a lock at a price but why should I have to pay extra fo security that should come with the vehicle. I fitted my own lock by drilling the hook for the cage and fitting a padlock around it, but the thieves just broke the padlock off.Its high time Vauxhall dealt with this problem, it would only take a bit of intuiition and minor expense.... more

I bought my Zafira at a Vauxhall dealer under the Network Q brand I wasn't told of the possible issue of the spare wheel (and it specified there was one in the advert) or that it was outside the car. I read of the problem in the Which magazine and promptly checked if I still had my spare. Of course, it was gone, so either it had been stolen or I didn't have one in the first place, either way, I can't know for sure. I... more

Came out of house on wednesday morning to find a big plastic round thing on floorI did'nt realise that was from spare wheel until I tryed to drive out. Then heard the cradle dragging on floor. doh. Same night my neighbour had his stolen and by the looks of it, two in the next road. Car was in my driveway backed up to the house too!... more

A few months ago I put my car in for it's mot and was advised the spare wheel was missing so I had to pay for a replacementWithin about 3 weeks I got a slow puncture and took my car to ATS who had a look underneath and told me I had no spare wheel again! I have had to pay for two new wheeels in the past few months as well as around £65.00 to get a special lock fitted at my local Vauxhall dealer so no more spare... more

A few months ago I put my car in for it's mot and was advised the spare wheel was missing so I had to pay for a replacement.Within about 3 weeks I got a slow puncture and took my car to ATS who had a look underneath and told me I had no spare wheel again! I have had to pay for two new wheeels in the past few months as well as around £65.00 to get a special lock fitted at my local Vauxhall dealer so no more spare... more

2002 Zafira 2.2 elegance left in multi-story carpark in Welwyn Garden City town centre for aproximately 1hrand spare wheel missing when returned. No damage to car or wheel frame? Why is the spare wheel so easy to remove and why does this not trigger the alarm?... more

Parked in a local road in Surrey, came out later in the evening to find what looked a bit like a large dustbin lidby the side of my car. Ignored it tried to drive away only to hear horrible scraping noise, looked under the car at the back and the thing that kept the wheel in place down on the ground and the wheel missing. Having found your website have felt so angry that although a design fault i would have been happy to... more

Our spare wheel has been found by the police but amongst dozens of others Would anyone know a way to identify ours ( it is the original one)?... more

This is a Citroen Berlingo problem too. The theft of my spare wheel was noticed when I took it for its third serviceThe dealer told me this was the 84th such incident he'd encountered this year. Was that statistic supposed to make me feel less alone? Even better, when I took this up with Citroen Customer Care, I was told it would be unfair to put the cost of the wheel locking kit on to all purchasers of Berlingos,... more

I have just collected my car following its annual service. On the Tyre Report Section it stated: Spare wheel missingWhen I queried this, saying I've never had a puncture so how can this be missing, I was casually informed that it had probably been stolen as Zafira's are vulnerable to this type of crime. I said but what about the locking wheel nuts? Oh no, they're just for the alloy wheels, not the spare, I was told. I... more

We parked in a disabled bay, right outside the door of Asda in Canterbury, KentOur 16 month old son needed his nappy changing so we went inside to change it before getting a trolley. My Husband went back out to get a trolley (literally 5 minutes later to see the cage at the back of the car hanging down , He went to investigate and found the spare wheel had gone. There were Asda staff all around but none had seen... more

I discovered the theft on Xmas Day upon returning from visting my father's grave I'm not sure where it happended as we had visited several places during the past 24 hours &, to make matters worse, we had been warned about the possibility of the wheel being stolen! We are now faced with the extra cost & inconvenience of replacing it at an already expensive time of year. Thanks for nothing Vauxhall!... more

Just discovered mine was missing when I took it in for the Vauxhall dealers winter checkIt cost about 120 quid to replace at a Tyresave garage. They added wire clips to help it stay in place. Just have to remember to carry some cheap wirecutters in the glove compartment in case it's required. The number plates went at the same time. Rubbish Design but then I've had so many problems with the Zafira I'm not surprised at... more

My wife and children went to shop in Ikea. My wife came to load purchases in the carOn the first trip nothing seemed to be out of place. On her second trip a little while later she noticed something hanging down below the back of the car, and found that the spare wheel had been stolen leaving the cage hanging loose with no way to hold it up. With the help of another shopper she managed to tie the bracket up securely... more

The same thing happened to me!I didn't know mine had been stolen until the spare tyre 'rack' started falling down when I went over speed bumps. I took car to dealer who said THERE HAD BEEN ABOUT 20 STOLEN IN OUR AREA IN LAST FEWS WEEKS!!!! However... Vauxhall refused to contribute to cost of new spare. They did though, offer me a lock to prevent new one being nicked again. they tried to get me to pay for this to start... more

I have owned a Zafira Energy for 6 months and enjoy the vehicleHowever yesterday on my way to the office I had a call to say my mother had been taken to hospital and I diverted to go there. After parking the car in a public car park for 3 hours I returned to find that the restraining strap was hanging down and the unused spare gone. Its was a bad day but this just made things worse. I was somewhat angry when I checked... more

12th January 2005. Our Zaphira is just over one year old and the spare has just been stolen for the second timethis after fitting a pad lock through the "hook" and round the cradle. Only sympathy from Northern Motors so will now contact Vauxhall, Which and Watchdog in that order. There must be a market in Zaphira spares, can any one direct me to it?... more

Just returned to the car after walking the dog and I noticed something hanging down On my hands and knees I was greeted by a lack of spare wheel. They had folded the holder back up so the cage didnt scrape so I have no idea when it was stolen.I remember a similar story a few years ago with Peugeot 205 wheels being stolen. It is always a risk when manufacturers design the car so the spare alloy is left outside the vehicle... more

Hello, I've still got my spare wheel, but I'm worried that it might be stolen so I called my local Vauxhall dealer, and they quoted me £95.87 (parts+labour+VAT)for a special lock to prevent this theft from happening. I rang Vauxhall customer care, and they said that there is a new part available that would cost only £34(parts+labour+VAT) to be fitted. The part number is 93183887. Unfortunately Vauxhall... more

MOT time for the Fiat Ulysse...... Lack of spare wheel recordedSigh... I replaced it and bought a 1.8m padlock cable from Halfords!! Same happened people I know with a Ford Puma and a Ford Transit!!... more

I recently upgraded my Zafira, and so was surprised when I found that the spare wheel had been stolenthe RAC advised me this was a regular occurrence. So, on collecting my new Zafira I asked the dealership (Browns of Loughton) what they were doing about it. They recommended the K-Lock be fitted - just an extra £60 - I'll have that then I thought. 3 weeks later and I notice that not only has the wheel gone, but the... more

Just returned home tonight to a letter from my vauxhall dealer recommending the fitting of a £34.99 security device to my spare wheel Thanks vauxhall too late, the wheel was gone already. I had the car MOT/serviced at Vauxhall 17 days ago so I assume it was there then! It is just 3 years old so out of warranty, but I am sure the warranty won't cover the loss. It will be interesting to see if vauxhall's... more

Having just discovered my Zafira spare wheel has been stolen after I checked when my local Vauxhall dealer sent me a letter to kindly offer a solution for £34.99 I have a solution for everyone that: A) Is inexpensive B) Deters future theftsC) Is environmentally friendly My solution, keep a nearly worn spare tyre on your Zafira, after all it is just a get you home or to the garage solution. It is inexpensive if you... more

I had my spare solen back in 2001. A local dealer said it was impossible to remove the wheel without opening the bootI then contacted Vauxhall who said they knew about the problem which was occuring all over country and very kindly replaced my wheel and tyre and fitted a modified hook free of charge. have they not fitted larger hook to newer models?... more

My spare wheel was taken in the dark at my companys car park right outside my office window!! People were coming in and out all the time so it shows how quick it can be taken. I didn't realise until I pulled away and heard my cage dragging on the floor!... more

Today we had our spare wheel stolen for the second time. Why a second time you may think?Well because stupidly we thought it shouldn't happen again. I called Vauxhall and after a few minutes of telling them very strongly but politely of what I thought of this issue, the lady agreed to pay for the lock and the instalation. So....it is worth trying the Vauxhall head office and asking for the Customer Service... more

Yes another Zafira owner now missing there spare wheel Over £200 for a dealer to put right and I've since spoken to customer care who say they will pay for locking device and fitting. I have today seen the FREE locking device and its laughable! its made from plastic. Thanks but no thanks Vauxhall, I will get from Ebay the Steel K-lok version. I have sent information to Watchdog, and hopefully everyone else who... more

My wife had a puncture and no idea how to change the tyre, so I caught a bus to the multi story car park thinking, easy jobDiscovered the wheel was missing and had to call my breakdown company who had a new tyre sent over in a mobile tyre replacement van. Despite massive problems with a tall van accessing the top floor of a multi storie car park, finally got back on the road. I purchased a new wheel before realising how... more

My wife & 2 Kids went to Tesco in Hayes, Middlesex and came out after an hour of shopping only to find the spare wheel had gone. The theives left the cage was hanging underneath the car !... more

I have 3 children and one is disabled. My car is essential to get my family aboutI have had my spare wheel stolen 3 times and claimed on my insurance. Vauxhall knew about the fault but refused to help unless I paid for it. My insurance company would only pay for a new spare tyre but not the lock. My wheel has just been stolen for the 4th time and it is the same story with my insurance company and vauxhall.... more

I parked in Sainsburys car parkon return to my car I heard a strange noise, got out to check to discover spare wheel missing.... more

Mine was stolen in May 2004 just before our family holiday at half term, so alot of rushing around to sort out before our departure The total cost to replace with a lock, £260.00. Several other owners have also experienced theft in the same area of London but also futher afield in Kent and Suffolk.Have written to Vauxhall only to be given the standard reply but am not giving up.... more

Whilst walking towards my Zafira one day I noticed that there was something hanging under the car the cage was still in place but the safety strap was not in place. I got down on my hands and knees to find the spare missing. I bought the replacement rim from Vauxhall and had a tyre fitted else where. I have beefed up the hook by welding extra metal around the puny pressing. ... more

My Vauxhall Zafira underwent it's first MOT recently When I collected the car the garage proprietor routinely advised that the spare wheel was missing, thinking I had removed it and that it was stored in my garage. As there was no damage to suspect theft, what else would he have thought? I am furious that thieves are able to steal these wheels so easily and must re-iterate that Vauxhall should do something about this. I... more

This is the second wheel taken since March 04, I have had fitted the vauxhall modifed wheel bracketbut on Saturday morning 13/11/04 the whole lot, bracket & wheel have gone. Does anyone know of a modification to stop these b****rstds?... more

After finding that I have lost yet another new spare (both have never been on the road) the second since March 04. I visited the net to get your details againWhile searching I found a forum (Google search Vauxhall Zafira Spare Wheels) I discovered that Vauxhall customer service, on 01582 427200 will authorise and pay for the K Lock device to be fitted free. They give you a case number after taking some basic details. All... more

I discovered my spare wheel had been stolen after leaving a restaurant at 1am in the morningThe bracket was left hanging from the car and it was only when I went to pull away I realised it had been stolen. It was very incovenient at the time and unneccessary expense for me when really it should be the responsibility of the suppliers who are obviously aware of this common fault.... more

We have had our spare wheel stolen twice nowand when I contacted Vauxhall they were not bothed.Great customer care!... more

We had our spare wheel stolen from Zafira I got in touch with vauxhall customer care and they agreed to pay for the security device to be fitted free of charge at my local vauxhall garage. Insist that they do it.. And tell them that you think it is a design fault even if they don't.Good luck to you all... I know how frustrating it is to pay for damage to your vehicle which is not your fault.... more

We had only had our car a few months when our spare was stolenWe were parked in Birmingham when we returned we had a note under the front wiper put there by the Police to say someone had seen someone stealing the wheel. The cage which contains the wheel had been bent open we would not have noticed unless the Police had left the note! The police arrived within minutes of the crime. The Police chased them but they got... more

I am a disabled driver and have my Zafira Automatic fitted with hand controlsMy wife and I visited a friend in January 2004 and parked our car in the short drive at the front of her house. On leaving two hours later my wife noticed the plastic wheel cover on the ground under the rear of the car. The wheel clamp was down and to our astonishment and anger,we realised the spare wheel had been stolen. As I am disabled, and... more

Being disabled I thought a Zafira would be the ideal car and on receiving it a friend who works at the southport branch of Vauxhall warned me about the thefts of spare wheelsSome 3 months later it was stolen. On contacting the branch I was told to bring the car back as it would have to be inspected for damage to the cage and that i would have to replace the wheel at a unbelieveable price. I have... more

Piacsso in for an oil change yesterday. Up it goes on the ramp. but before it got to the top, fitter said 'your spares been nicked mate'He was totaly unsurprised. And said 'you can pop these out with a small screw driver'. I am bloody fumming.... more

I was unfortunate enough to have my spare wheel stolen from my Zafira about a year agoand went back to Lance Owen to buy another, when I was told the problem was common and advised to purchase a K-Lock. This I did, and with the help of son and husband it was fitted in no time at all, and I'm very glad I did because yesterday I would have lost wheel no.2 - I wish I could have seen the look on the face of the thief when he... more

Parked my Zafira next to another one in IKEA Brent Cross car park On returning from the store found that both verhicles had had their spare wheels stolen.This happened yesterday so I have taken noaction so far except for buying Tyreweld!... more

Had my spare tyre stolen today. Parked in a disabled bay at Bluewater shopping centre to go to the cinema with our diabled daughter Came out and the people who had parked next to us, also in a Vauxall Zafira told us that their spare wheel had been stolen and on looking mine had also been stolen! The rubber strap was hanging down, but if it were not fo rthe people next to us, I would not have known. After reading the... more

Similar story except mine was stolen fron a Piacsso (along with several others I hear, from my local garage forecourt - oh joy!)My story has been emailed to which? magazine. Good luck!... more

I was leaving work recently and noticed something hanging down under the back of my ZafiraOn closer inspection it was the basket for the spare wheel, which was empty. I was not sure whether the basket had become dislodged and the spare wheel fallen out, or whether it had been stolen. Having found out that spare wheel theft is a common problem with Zafira's I am annoyed that Vauxhall have never alerted owners to this... more

Saw the article in Which? Great website. I had the wheel stolen from my earlier Citroen ZX, and was assured when I bought the Zafira that the spare was secure. I now know otherwise! Where are all these wheels going - or is it just the tyres that are wanted? Could you put some sort of "About" and "Contact" info on the site as its a bit anonymous at present. Also could you add a "Your fix" section. I'm going to see if I... more

I was aware of the problem and fitted a wheel lock from Ward Vauxhall in Cornwall and it cost £37.50 and took 1/2 hr to fitNo wheel lost. What is the problem?... more

Just to add to the stories of others highlighting the fact that Vauxhall Zafira owners are not the only victimsI had the spare wheel stolen from a Citroen Xantia estate twice. I later bought a Citroen Picasso, and lo and behold the same useless spare wheel fixing. At least I knew enough to get a security bolt fitted PDQ - though that didn't stop some illiterate idiot who could not read the notice under the bumper... more

The exact time of theft is unknown, but we believe it happened sometime in August 2004The bracket that supports the cradle has been bent and damaged to allow the wheel to be released without the need to open the boot and lower the mechanism. For this to be so easy to do, can only be attributed to bad design.Which is a tragedy on a car that otherwise is wonderful in all it's other design features!... more

Did those 2 kids in the advert design the spare wheel cradle? Basically it's held in by a wire coat hangerVauxhall have paid for a "security device" to be fitted. A nylon bolt which goes up into the bodywork and leaves me with no feeling of comfort whatsoever. There is a steel version available but they wont pay for that.The car cost £18k, I've had 2 Zaf's from new and and this is my last Vauxhall ever. Too much... more

Maybe you need to open this site up to 'shame' other manufacturers as well. I had exactly the same problem with my 2002 Citreon Xsara PicasssoI received a letter from my dealer about a year ago to say there had been a spate of spare wheel thefts reported. Lo behold, when I checked mine no spare wheel to be seen. I must admit to being suspicious about the dealer as I received the letter a few weeks after a service!!I... more

Citroen Owners Have Same ProblemThis problem is not isolated to Zafira owners. I own a Citroen Picasso and have had 2 spare wheels stolen in the space of a monthWhen I replaced the first the garage told me that they regularly have people in who have had their wheel stolen and offered to sell me a replacement wheel and a security lock which would need to be fitted by the garage as they would have to drill through the... more

I parked in Ikea, Brent London back in the summer - drove home to find spare wheel cage banging on the speed humpsIt was nicked whilst in Ikea - reported to Brent Police who were sympathetic but ultimately useless as they told me they knew who it was, that he was "out at the moment" (of prison) and there wasn't anything they could do about it (how about a few patrols perhaps?). This is ridiculous, a known criminal... more

Having had a zafira for 9 months, I have have now had 2 spare tyres removed The second one after I had pushed up the bracket really tight and also tight against the bracket. I have now had the misfortune to get a flat tyre before ebing able to get a spare, using tyre weld has apperently resulted in the repair being "unreapirable!", thus I now have to buy a new tyre plus a spare. This time around I will have to buy one of... more

Whilst checking tyre pressures thought I would check the pressure of the spare tyre only to find it had been stolenJust like many others the clip had been bent back. What is interesting is that I asked at the Vauxhall garage if this was a common problem, to be told 'no never heard of it before.' Interesting !!!!!!!!... more

Goodluck with your efforts. As a practicioner I would add that Vauxhalls are not the only vehicles to suffer. There are manyIt would be simple to re design the vehicles and incorporate the spare wheel within the boot. A quick analysis some two years ago pointed to 17 million pounds worth of wheels stolen in this country. That did not include the labour to replace the damaged cages. I wonder if perhaps companies are... more

Yes had my Zafira spare wheel stolen early 2003. I heard it be stolen, but I though it was just next door dropping something as they loaded their car and sped offMust have taken less than 15 seconds. Bought a new rim from a Vauxhall dealer who knew of the problem. Fitted a K-Lok. Its a nylon bolt that goes through the predrilled hole in the boot (although you have to cut the carpet and balance the RH rear seat... more

Not only once, but twice have I had my spare wheel stolen, a third attempt was made but by this time I had fitted a K-Lockwhich worked perfectly. so watch out if they know where you park on a regular basses they will be back!!!... more

The problem is not just happening to Vauxhall owners. I own a Ford Puma and I can relate the the stories published and the problems encounteredI've owned a Puma for 3 years now and at the last service the spare wheel was recorded on the checklist. Recently I needed to change my spare type and thought it was in the boot only to be told it was under the car. You can imagine my distress when I found it was missing.... more

The first I knew of my missing spare wheel was when the garage driver delivering my new car was undertaking his inspection of the Zafirawhich was being traded in as a part exchange. It is so annoying because I will now be charged for its replacement. When I reported it to the Vauxhall garage that had serviced the car they were completely blase about it - it was so common an occurence.The VW Touran I now have has no spare... more

I was attending a Childrens Panel Training course at the Hilton in Bellshill, ScotlandI was there from 09.00-16.30 hrs. My spare was stolen during daylight hours ia a busy hotel car park.... more

I have not yet had a spare wheel stolen from my Zafira as I have only just ordered my new car and have not taken delivery of it yetHowever it came as a bit of a shock when a friend told me about losing his spare and how easy it appears to be for thieves to steal them. I have spoken to my dealer about getting a suitable lock fitted and I was told that they could fit it for me but it was not really necessary as the spare... more

Yet another statistic! Just noticed my spare stolen, not sure when this happenedCould have been up to 8 months ago as that was the last time I had my car serviced. Have just complained to vauxhall customer care, with little acknowledgment or appology. All they would say is that the design meets the standards set, if thats the case why have they brought out a lock for the cage. Also why do they not warn new buyers of the... more

I put my car in for a repair and the garage told me that spare wheel had been stolenWhat they didnt tell me though was that this was a common problem being encountered by many Zafia owners.... more

I went to check the spare tyre on our Zafira yesterday and found it missing. My conclusion was that my local Vauxhall dealer had stolen itThis deduction was based on the following: The only way to detach the spare wheel is from inside the car The car had not been left unlocked and had not been broken into The only time the keys had been out of our possession was when the car recently had a service at our local... more

Sometime within the past 3 weeks my spare was stolen. I can't be any more specific as the thief had thoughtfully replaced the basket/cage on its hook so I wouldn't notice it missingThe only thing which alerted me was the cord with a plastic clip on the end hanging down from the back of my car. In my opinion Vauxhall should write to all registered owners and offer the £35 security device (I'm assuming it's the Klok... more

For the first time in my life I went to Liverpool to carry out a days work. I parked my Zafira in a large open car park at the Albert Dock right next to the ticket machine so it was not tucked way in some remote cornerAfter 3-4 hours I needed to return to the car to top up my car parking fees and it was then that I noticed that the framework tha holds the spare wheel was hanging... more

I have owned my Zafira for two years. I recently took it in for its second service and received a call from the garage stating that my spare wheel had been stolenThis was the first I knew about it and now I am having trouble trying to get another. I do a lot of milegae in my car and I am now constantly worrying what will happen if I get a puncture. My fingers are permanently crossed at the moment.Clearly Vauxhall should... more

We've had our brand new Zafira on motibilty now for just over 4 weeks and to our horror spare wheel was stolen from outside our house today If Vauxhall knows this problem is a major issue they should remedy the problem and should have told us when we bought the vehicle. We could have taken precautions against the theft. I have emailed Zauxhall awaiting there reply.... more

Our Zafira went for 2nd service yesterday - surprised to find out our spare wheel had been stolen? to be honest wasn't sure it was ever there and I was unaware this was such an issue. I spent £140 spent on a new one which is now secured with strapclips and a padlock will go on tonight. There is a kit you can have fitted for about £120 at Vauxhall dealers which screws the thing to the frame of... more

Yet another victim! Not sure how or when it happened, but my wheel disappeared. I was fortunate in that we spotted it before we needed it Helpful hint - I didn't want to spend a fortune on a new spare, so I went to a local breakers yard. They didn't have a Zafira, but they did have an old Carlton, and I got the spare off of that.I struck lucky, as the spare was an alloy (not the same as the Zafira, but it's hidden from... more

I contacted Vauxhall customer services and they agreed to pay for an appropriate lock but not for the fitting which cost about £60 with my dealer.... more

Following the theft from my Vauxhall Zafira I am replacing my spare wheel but fitting my own steel cable and padlockA collegue of mine has had the wheel stolen from his Zafira twice, so I have passed on this site to him.Do you put out flyers on Zafira's warning people of the problem ? Since my wheel was stolen last week I have been looking at other Zafiras and not yet seen a spare wheel in place.It could be... more

I am a motability customer and have had my Zafira for 5 weeks and the spare wheel has already been stolen I ran over something that ripped my tyre last nighte at 9.30 pm. I called the AA to change my tyre as I am a disabled driver. The AA were great and came in 20mins, but because they discovered the theft I had to wait for a tow truck to get me home. I finally arrived home at 12.30am... more

Yup, it's happened to me too. How infuriating is it!! The spare wheel must have been nicked while taking my 2 boys to a local farmI could of been stranded if i had got a puncture on the way home. After ringing around the local Vauxhall dealers (not very sympathetic), found a very helpful web site while gave me Vauxhall customer care number.A very cheerful young lady took all the details down, gave me a 'case number' and... more

My wife had the spare wheel stolen from her Zafira whilst parked at an attended council car parkThe car is a Motability vehicle and is only 6 weeks old.Vauxhall offered no help and stated their design meets standards.... more

My wife parked our Vauxhall Zafira outside our church yesterdayThe spare wheel was stolen within the 30 mins she was inside for the service. First she knew was when she started the car and heard the noise of the cage rattling against the road surface.Very frustrating, unnecessarily costly, and extremely inconvenient.... more

We're just expecting our first child, and thought the Zafira would be ideal for usWith all the new stuff we're going to need to carry we bought a 2002 GSI and both love it to bits, however, have just had someone steal the spare (Alloy!) wheel... My insurer says should I claim, I pay a £150 excess which I doubt will cover the wheel and tyre, and also lose 2yrs off my no claims.... Now, thanks to whoever... more

Our Zafira was parked in a busy side street in broad daylight when the spare wheel was stolen It probably only took the thief a few seconds due to the hopelessly poor design. As this website suggests Vauxhall have very littlke incentive in fixing the problem despite the bad publicity and additional cost to their customers.... more

I have just had my car serviced and it was only when garage informed me that spare wheel was missing that I knew it had been stolen They said that many of their customers had experienced this loss with Vauxhall refusung to take any interest in the problem. Great company, great design! Who will buy another Vauxhall?... more

The first I knew that my spare wheel had been stolen was when I retrieved a football that had been kicked under my ZafiraI can't believe that no damage is done when stealing the wheel, what a great design!!... more

Having had our Vauxhall Zafira for all of four weeks, my husband and I were upstairs preparing to go to bed last night, when I heard a strange 'clunk' from the street outside where our car was parked On looking out of the window, I was just in time to see a very young boy run from behind the car into his own, waiting vehicle with our spare wheel. We live in a one-way street, and it doesn't take long for a queue of... more

I got back to my Vauxhall Zafira after working all day to find the metal cage hanging down at the rear I knew straight away the spare wheel had been stolen and remembered someone telling me of a similar event - in a Vauxhall Zafira courtesy vehicle whilst in Tesco! At home I asked 'Jeeves' if he had heard of anything similar and I found umpteen sites dedicated to the misery of this theft. My next stop... more

We bought our 5 month old Zafira just over a week ago on the 6th August 2004The dealer was very helpful and explained in great detail how easy it was for the spare tyre to be stolen. After getting home and reading on the net all the stories of other people having their spare wheels taken, I immediatly booked my car in to have a 'K lock' fitted. The first availible day they had was Monday 16th. To my horror, my wheel has... more

I have just negotiated the private purchase of a 2001 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 comfortWhen I went to collect the vehicle from the seller in London he informed me the spare had been stolen the night before.On inspection I found that the wheel carrier had been bent to allow the spare to be removed!... more

I came out of my sister's house and my spare wheel had been stolen I visited my sister for three hours came out and spare wheel had been stolen. Thanks Vauxhall for a great design!... more

When I returned to the car the spare was gone I went to watch a football match and parked my Vauxhall Zafira near the football ground.When I returned to the car the spare was gone, with the cage hanging on the floor. I informed the police who said it was getting more common and there was not a great deal they could do about it.... more

After taking my 2 year old Zafira for its annual service I was notified that the spare wheel was missing, probably stolenApparently it is a common problem in my area (Herts). I have no idea where or when it was taken and I could have been driving my two small children around for up to a year without a spare wheel.I didn't want to pay the £90 Vauxhall wanted for a security device so investigated the web and found... more

I had heard stories about the spare wheel of Zafira's being stolen from over 2 years agoI often took what steps I could to minimise myself becoming a victim, ie. parking with the rear end up against a wall or anything that obstructed access to the rear end. That said, it isn't always possible in supermarket and cinema car parks. Well, today I just discovered I've become a statistic. Possibly from one of the... more

The cradle was on the floor and the spare wheel had gone My wife was shopping in Watford and returned to the car to find the cradle on the floor and the spare gone.Just another statistic that the government and Vauxhall can ignore.... more

Recently I was looking for the towing hook and discovered no spare wheel My car is only 8 months old and I was shocked to see no security bolt to stop simple theft. My wife and twin babies are in that car - it is unacceptable for Vauxhall's poor design to leave them stranded.... more

Last year I took my Zafira car to the local Vauxhall dealership for it's annual serviceAs usual I asked that an employee check the car with me for existing damage before leaving it in the dealers custody. Whilst checking the employee asked whether we had a spare as these were often stolen. Upon checking I was amazed to discover my unused spare wheel and tyre were missing. The dealership offered to supply a new wheel,... more

I never realised Zafira spare wheel theft was a problem Until the car went in for it's service when they informed me it was missing 'presumed stolen'.No mention was made when we purchased the vehicle new in Dec' 03 (no surprise there). Can't wait for the new model with the glove box on the outside...... more

I'd read about Vauxhall Zafira spare wheel theft in the paper but didn't think any more of it I noticed a bit of cord hanging down from underneath my car a few months ago, but again didn't think anything of it. Then a friend who also has a Zafira asked if I'd checked my wheel, and I realised why the bit had suddenly appeared.Sure enough, it was gone. I rang Vauxhall to complain, but the very unhelpful man... more

I'm now going to give the sales assistant who sold us the Zafira a bit of a grilling Having not actually signed any bits of paper tying me down to the owner-ship of our new shiny, yet-to-be-delivered, Zafira, I'm quite glad I stumbled across this site.I fear I may not be totally accepted here as I'm yet to become a victim of this heinous act, but perhaps some of you who have succumbed may find a little... more

I have also had my Vauxhall Zafira spare wheel stolen I did some research on the internet and came across a web site with information, products and services for disabled people. From this web site someone had added a note about having their Vauxhall Zafira spare wheel stolen. They had talked to Vauxhall who offered to supply and fit the locking device for free! The lady who authorised it was called Debbie Clark who can... more

Please read this if you are considering buying a Vauxhall Zafira You could also be buying a new wheel every other week. This is because no one tells you that the spare wheel can be stolen with ease. I here you say this can't be Vauxhall's leader of the MPV class. Well this is a fact they know. They have a problem and all they can say is, 'it is in line with EEC guidelines' and it is a 'social problem' and it is the... more

Yet another theft of the Vauxhall Zafira spare wheel! One of our neighbours even saw the two men take the wheel in broad daylight in less than a couple of minutes. You never hear of the problem until it happens to you. The police are certainly aware of the problem with Vauxhall Zafiras as are Vauxhall. My local dealer informed me that they have 20 wheels on back order and that Vauxhall are unable to supply the standard... more

I have rung Vauxhall today to report my spare wheel stolen And was told that they have not had a lot of reports of cases of spares being stolen. Being a mechanic myself asked them why the security on the cage had not been improved over the years and was told they did not class it as a design fault. I feel very frustrated that vauxhall have not done anything to solve this problem and even denies that there is a p... more

I came across your Vauxhall Zafira spare wheel story The same thing happened to me last weekend. The car was just 5 days old! In this day and age of deadlocks, immobilisers and tracker devices I too think it's simply not good enough that manufacturers can't come up with an arrangement that takes thieves less than 30 seconds to overcome without even needing to damage the vehicle. I'm about to have it out with the... more

I would never have believed it until it happened to us! On a Friday evening my heavily pregnant wife parked our new Vauxhall Zafira outside our house and unloaded our two children ready to wind down for the weekend. Everything seemed normal for a Saturday morning, except for the cat, who we decided needed to visit the vets. I got the cat 'boxed up' and proudly loaded it and my eldest toddler into our gleaming... more