Opel Ireland is recalling around 8,200 Opel cars to carry out maintenance work over fire risk fears. 

Owners of the Zafira B cars, which were originally sold between 2005 and 2014, have been contacted over the last six months about issues with the vehicle's blower motor resistor and thermal fuse.

"Improper repairs [of these components], which may have been conducted without the owners’ knowledge, can lead to overheating of the system’s electrical components and the potential for a fire," the company said.

Affected vehicles will have their resistor, blower motor and pollen filter repaired as part of the recall process, which is free for customers. 

Opel Ireland advised owners who have not yet had the initial recall completed to still bring their cars to their dealership.

Last year, a Zafira B car was about to board the Passage West to Cobh ferry when a fire began in the dashboard. The driver evaded injury but the vehicle was ruined by the fire.

Similarly, in 2013, a car carrying a family of five was travelling to Carrigaline when smoke was spotted coming from the air vents. A blaze ensued and the car was subsequently destroyed by the flames.